This Peach Almond Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh peaches with the nutty flavor of almonds. Inspired by Paula Deen’s Strawberry Almond Cake, this recipe features a brown sugar and butter mixture with sliced peaches at the bottom of a Bundt pan, creating a moist cake with a tender crumb. It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Cake Batter:

1 cup butter, softened at room temperature
2⅓ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
½ teaspoon almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup almond flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
1⅔ cups buttermilk
2 cups diced peaches

Topping:

1½ cups sliced almonds
2 whole peaches (cut into 8 slices each)
¼ cup brown sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
4 tablespoons butter, melted

Garnish:

¼ cup powdered sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar at medium-high speed until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Beat in almond extract.
In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
On low speed, gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating just until combined after each addition.
Stir in diced peaches.
For the topping, peel and slice two peaches into 8 slices each. In a small bowl, toss sliced peaches in ¼ cup of brown sugar. Set aside.
In another small bowl, combine 1/3 cup brown sugar and 4 tablespoons of melted butter.
Spray a 15-cup Bundt pan with baking spray with flour.
Sprinkle the bottom of the pan with sliced almonds.
Drop the brown sugar/butter mixture by teaspoonful into the bottom of the pan, on top of the almonds.
Spread the sliced peaches on next.
Spread batter into pan. Gently tap pan on a kitchen towel-lined counter a few times to release the air bubbles.
Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted near the center comes out clean.
Let cool in pan on wire rack for 15 minutes.
Invert cake onto wire rack and cool completely.
Garnish with powdered sugar.

Nutritional Facts

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 720
Total Fat: 33.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 14.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 116.7 mg
Sodium: 121.9 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 90.1 g
- Dietary Fiber: 4.3 g
- Sugars: 59.4 g
Protein: 12.4 g

Why Peach Almond Cake Stands Out

Peach Almond Cake stands out because it combines two simple yet powerful ingredients: peaches and almonds. Peaches, with their juicy sweetness and delicate fragrance, create a refreshing taste in the cake. The natural sugars in peaches also balance the richness of the almond flavor, providing a pleasant contrast that makes each bite an experience.

The almonds add not just flavor but also texture to the cake. Almond flour, known for its fine, smooth texture, infuses the cake with moisture while also contributing to its slightly nutty, earthy undertones. Sliced almonds on top of the cake provide a crunchy, toasty layer that contrasts with the softness of the cake, creating a delightful combination of textures.

The Role of Fresh Peaches in the Cake

The use of fresh peaches in this cake is what makes it stand out from many other traditional cakes. While many cakes use canned fruits or artificial flavoring, using fresh, ripe peaches ensures that the cake has an authentic fruit flavor that is both tangy and sweet.

Peaches are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which not only contribute to their health benefits but also enhance the flavor of the cake. Peaches provide a juicy burst of sweetness, and when baked, they soften and caramelize, becoming even more flavorful. Their natural sugars infuse the cake, adding depth and a refreshing element that complements the richness of the almonds.

Why Almonds Are a Perfect Match for Peaches

Almonds and peaches are a classic pairing. Almonds bring a wonderful nutty flavor to the cake, adding complexity and enhancing the overall richness. The earthy, slightly sweet taste of almonds complements the sweetness of the peaches, while their slightly crunchy texture adds a contrast that enhances the overall sensory experience of the dessert.

The addition of almond flour in the cake’s batter further enhances the almond flavor. Almond flour is made by grinding blanched almonds into a fine powder, and it imparts a soft, moist texture to baked goods. In this cake, almond flour contributes to the cake’s dense yet airy structure, making it delightfully tender while holding the flavors together.

The Perfect Texture of the Cake

One of the hallmarks of a good cake is its texture. The Peach Almond Cake achieves a perfect balance between softness and density. The combination of almond flour and all-purpose flour helps to create a cake that is rich and moist, while the eggs and buttermilk give it a light, fluffy texture. The cake’s crumb is slightly dense due to the almond flour, but it is not overly heavy, making it the ideal dessert to pair with coffee or tea.

The use of buttermilk in the batter not only enhances the cake’s texture by making it moist and tender but also adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the peaches and sugar. Buttermilk’s acidity helps to tenderize the cake and makes it a bit lighter. The moist crumb of the cake contrasts wonderfully with the slightly crunchy almonds on top, giving each bite a variety of textures that make it so satisfying.

An Easy Recipe for Any Baker

This Peach Almond Cake is surprisingly simple to make, even for beginners. The steps are straightforward, and there is minimal prep time involved. While the cake may look complex due to its multiple layers of flavor, it comes together with ease, making it a perfect recipe for both novice and seasoned bakers.

All you need to do is cream the butter and sugar, add the eggs and almond extract, then mix the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients. The addition of diced peaches into the batter makes it even more special, and the final step of baking in a Bundt pan ensures that the cake cooks evenly, forming a beautiful golden-brown crust.

How to Serve Peach Almond Cake

Peach Almond Cake can be served in many ways, making it a versatile addition to any meal or occasion. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other desserts and drinks for a more elaborate presentation. Here are a few ideas for serving:

With Coffee or Tea: This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea. The richness of the almonds and the sweetness of the peaches are complemented by the bitterness of coffee or the floral notes of tea.
With Fresh Whipped Cream: For a more indulgent treat, serve the cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. The creaminess of the topping balances the cake’s richness and adds an extra layer of flavor.
With a Fruit Compote: A light fruit compote made with berries or other fresh fruits can add a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cake, making for a refreshing and balanced dessert.
As Part of a Dessert Table: For larger gatherings, Peach Almond Cake can be served alongside other desserts. It pairs well with other fruit-based cakes, cookies, and pastries, creating a varied and delicious dessert spread.

Health Benefits of the Ingredients

While this cake is undeniably a treat, it does contain some ingredients that offer health benefits. Peaches are rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential for immune health and skin health. They also contain antioxidants that help fight inflammation and oxidative stress.

Almonds, which are high in healthy fats, fiber, and protein, offer additional nutritional benefits. Almond flour, made from ground almonds, contains healthy fats and protein, making the cake a more nutritious option compared to cakes made with all-purpose flour alone. Almonds are also a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports skin health and reduces inflammation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Peach Almond Cake is a delectable dessert that brings together the natural sweetness of peaches and the nutty flavor of almonds. It is an ideal treat for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to elegant dinner parties. With its moist texture, delightful flavor, and beautiful presentation, it is sure to impress your guests and leave them coming back for more.

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