If you are searching for a dessert that captures the essence of summer with every bite, look no further than this Fresh Peach Cream Cheese Cake Recipe. This delightful cake is wonderfully light yet indulgently creamy, blending the subtle tang of cream cheese with the juicy sweetness of fresh peaches. It’s an effortlessly charming treat perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on a cozy afternoon, bringing fresh, seasonal flavor to your table without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the first step to making this cake unforgettable. Each component plays a vital role—from creating a tender crumb to adding creamy richness and bright fruit notes that make this cake truly special.
- Cake flour: Provides a delicate, tender texture essential for a light cake.
- Cornstarch: Helps keep the cake soft and prevents it from turning dense.
- Baking powder: Gives the cake a nice rise and fluffy overall structure.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the creaminess.
- Cream cheese: Adds a tangy creaminess that sets this cake apart.
- Unsalted butter: Contributes to richness and moistness without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps in caramelizing the fresh peaches.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and bring structure and lift.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and deep, sweet aromatic notes.
- Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and a subtle tang complementing the cream cheese.
- Fresh peaches: The starring ingredient—juicy, sweet, and bursting with summer sunshine flavor.
How to Make Fresh Peach Cream Cheese Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your cake bakes evenly from the start. Line the bottom of your 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and grease the sides generously with butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients form the backbone of your cake and create the perfect crumb structure that’s neither too dense nor too fragile.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until it turns smooth and creamy—about a minute. This step is key for that luscious, silky texture we’re aiming for.
Step 4: Incorporate Sugar and Eggs
Add 1 cup of granulated sugar to the cream cheese mixture, continuing to beat until it’s light and fluffy. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and Greek yogurt until everything is perfectly combined and silky smooth.
Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients and Peaches
Reduce your mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredients, combining until just incorporated. Avoid over-mixing to maintain the lightness of the batter. Gently fold in 2 cups of peeled and sliced fresh peaches to infuse the cake with juicy bursts of flavor.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Arrange the remaining peaches over the surface and sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup of sugar to create a beautiful, caramelized topping. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 7: Cool and Remove Sides
Once baked, let the cake rest in the pan for 5 minutes. Then carefully remove the sides of the springform pan. This gentle step keeps your cake intact and allows it to cool just enough before serving.
How to Serve Fresh Peach Cream Cheese Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate the beauty and flavor of this cake. Consider topping slices with a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. A light sprinkle of toasted almonds or a few fresh mint leaves adds delightful texture and a pop of color.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a crisp, chilled glass of white wine for a refreshing summer dessert experience. Fresh berries or a fruit salad on the side can also complement the peach flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive occasion, serve the cake in rustic slices on wooden boards adorned with peach slices and edible flowers. To add whimsy, drizzle a little honey or a berry coulis over each slice for contrasting sweetness and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cake keeps wonderfully for up to three days at room temperature when stored in a well-sealed container or covered with plastic wrap. This maintains its moist texture and vibrant flavor without drying out.
Freezing
If you have leftovers you want to save longer, you can freeze slices of the cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying to keep the fresh peach and cream cheese flavors vibrant.
Reheating
For the best taste, serve the cake chilled or at room temperature. If desired, warm individual slices briefly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back some softness without altering the texture.
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
While fresh peaches give the best flavor and texture, canned peaches can be a substitute in a pinch. Be sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could affect the cake’s crumb.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
You could try substituting gluten-free cake flour blends, but results may vary. Be sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum for structure, and keep an eye on baking times as gluten-free cakes often bake faster.
Can I prepare the batter the night before?
It’s best to bake the cake fresh after mixing the batter to ensure the fluffiest texture and freshest taste, but you can prepare and slice the peaches the night before to save time.
What is the best way to peel peaches for this recipe?
To easily peel peaches, blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transfer to an ice bath. The skins will loosen, making them simple to slip off without damaging the flesh.
How does the Greek yogurt affect the cake?
Greek yogurt adds wonderful moisture and a mild tang that complements the cream cheese without weighing the cake down, keeping it fresh-tasting and light.
Final Thoughts
If you love the taste of fresh peaches and rich, creamy cake, this Fresh Peach Cream Cheese Cake Recipe is a must-try. It’s a straightforward and deeply satisfying dessert that brings sunshine to any table. Once you take your first bite, you’ll understand why it disappears so quickly! Treat yourself and your loved ones to this delicious slice of summer today.
PrintFresh Peach Cream Cheese Cake Recipe
Fresh Peach Cream Cheese Cake is a light and simple summer dessert that combines the creamy richness of cream cheese with the natural sweetness of fresh peaches. This easy-to-make cake is perfect for warm weather gatherings and enjoyed quickly due to its delightful flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 58 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 18 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 6 oz cream cheese
- 5 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, divided
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
Fruits
- 3 cups peeled and sliced fresh peaches, divided
Instructions
- Prepare Pan and Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and grease the sides with butter. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cake flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Stir and set aside.
- Cream Cheese and Butter: In another large bowl, use an electric mixer at medium speed to beat the cream cheese and softened butter together for about one minute until smooth and combined.
- Add Sugar: Add 1 cup of the granulated sugar to the cream cheese mixture and continue beating until creamy and well incorporated.
- Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Yogurt: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and Greek yogurt, mixing until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and beat at low speed until just combined, making sure not to overmix.
- Fold in Peaches: Gently fold in 2 cups of the peeled and sliced peaches to the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Assemble Cake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared springform pan. Arrange the remaining 1 cup of sliced peaches on top and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar over the peaches.
- Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and Remove: Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Carefully remove the sides of the springform pan and allow the cake to cool further before serving.
Notes
- Store the cake in a well-sealed container or cover with plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Using ripe, fresh peaches will enhance the flavor and sweetness of the cake.
- Ensure the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream if preferred.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to avoid a dense cake.
