This vanilla and peach cake recipe tastes soft and tender, offering a delicate sweetness that comes from the vanilla layers. The fresh peaches add a natural fruity flavor that is lightly spiced, creating a gentle warmth on the palate.The buttercream frosting adds creamy richness without being too heavy, balancing the sweetness of the cake and peaches. The cake melts in the mouth, leaving a subtle vanilla aroma that lingers.
2cups314g fresh peaches, diced (about 2 medium peaches)
2Tbsplight brown sugar
1½tspcornstarch
½tspcinnamon
1½tspwater
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
¼cup60ml heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk, at room temperature
1cup226g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
4–5 cups480–600g confectioners’ sugar
2tsppure vanilla extract
Pinchof salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Avoid over mixing.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Make the Peach Filling
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced peaches, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the peaches are soft, about 5–7 minutes. Allow to cool.
Step 6: Prepare the Buttercream
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter for 2–3 minutes until creamy. Gradually add 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar, ½ cup at a time, alternating with the cream, until desired consistency is reached. Stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt. Beat for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the peach filling evenly over the top. Place the second cake layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the vanilla buttercream.
Step 8: Decorate and Serve
Smooth the frosting with an offset spatula or decorate with additional peach slices if desired. Chill for 15–20 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts. Serve at room temperature.
Notes
Note: Adjust the buttercream sweetness by using 4 cups of sugar for a lighter frosting or 5 cups for sweeter. Fresh peaches are best, but you can use thawed frozen peaches in a pinch.