Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting: A Moist, Dreamy Dessert

A Sweet Southern Delight with a Caramel Twist

There’s something undeniably charming about summer peaches—ripe, juicy, sun-kissed, and full of flavor. Now picture capturing all that golden sweetness in a moist, chewy cake, then topping it with a rich, pourable brown sugar frosting that sets into a delicate, crackly glaze. That’s the magic of this Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting—a stunning Southern-style dessert that combines the convenience of a cake mix with the lush texture of real peaches and the deep, caramel-like indulgence of homemade icing.

This Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting is a breeze to make and perfect for anyone looking for a quick summer dessert that doesn’t compromise on flavor. It’s everything a peach dessert should be: fruity, comforting, and totally indulgent. And the best part? It uses pantry staples with a clever twist—Peach Jell-O and yellow cake mix—plus frozen peaches for added convenience and year-round enjoyment. Whether you’re baking for a brunch or just because, this Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting will become your new go-to recipe.

The Inspiration: A Southern Orchard, A Celebratory Moment

This Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting was born during the celebration of a dear friend’s book launch, inspired by vivid scenes set in Georgia’s rolling peach orchards. As I read about golden fruit trees swaying gently in the breeze, I felt an irresistible pull to bring those flavors to life in my kitchen. It took me back to the times my nonna and I would pick sun-ripened peaches from our backyard and stew them with brown sugar until the whole house filled with the sweet scent of summer.

The idea for this Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting came together effortlessly—with a little help from a trusty box of yellow cake mix, a splash of Peach Jell-O, and a generous handful of frozen peach halves. But it’s the rich, caramel-like brown sugar frosting, inspired by a nostalgic fudge brownie glaze, that truly sets this peach dessert apart.

Why You’ll Love This Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting

You’re going to love this Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting—imagine the burst of fruitiness in every bite, chewy cake edges that caramelize to perfection, and a rich frosting that melts smoothly and sets into a glossy, crackly top with a deep, caramel-flavored finish.

Whether you’re baking for a birthday, picnic, or a cozy weekend brunch, this moist peach cake is a crowd-pleasing dessert that vanishes quickly and always brings in requests for the recipe. Even those wary of Peach Jell-O in baked goods will be wowed by how it enhances the flavor and texture of this irresistibly fruity and sweet dessert.

Need more fruity inspiration? Join our Facebook community for more delicious desserts and discover a treasure trove of seasonal sweets!

Best Ingredients for a Moist and Fruity Peach Cake

For the Cake:

• 1 box (15 oz) yellow cake mix
• 2 boxes (3 oz each) Peach Jell-O (dry mix only)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup light-tasting olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 bag (16 oz) frozen peaches, halved (sub fresh or canned if well-drained)

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup salted butter
• 2 cups brown sugar
• ⅔ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

The combination of Peach Jell-O and yellow cake mix gives this Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting its signature vibrant color and sweet, summery flavor. Each bite is dotted with juicy peach chunks that make this fruit-filled cake extra satisfying. And that brown sugar frosting? It’s thick, luscious, and just pourable enough to glide over the top before setting into a dreamy, crackly finish that tastes like soft caramel heaven.

How to Make Peach Cake – Step-by-Step

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40–45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 12

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, Peach Jell-O powder, eggs, and oil. Beat until smooth and thick.
3. Gently fold in the frozen peach halves, ensuring even distribution.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack while preparing the frosting.

Brown Sugar Frosting:

6. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring constantly.
7. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then transfer the pot to an ice bath to cool for 10 minutes.
8. Add vanilla and beat the mixture for 3–5 minutes until it thickens into a pourable consistency.
9. Pour the frosting over the cooled cake, allowing it to naturally spread and set into a soft crackle.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Fresh peaches work wonderfully when in season—just peel, slice, and pat them dry before folding into the batter.
• Canned peaches are also an option, but be sure to drain them well.
• For a dairy-free version, you can try a vanilla buttercream or omit the frosting altogether and serve with whipped coconut cream.
• Don’t skip the ice bath—it helps set the frosting faster and creates that perfect crackly top!
• Want a flavor twist? Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a spiced peach dessert vibe.

Storage & Make-Ahead Suggestions

This Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting stores beautifully. Keep it covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate it for up to 5 days to maintain its moist texture and rich flavor. For long-term storage, wrap the cake tightly—either whole or sliced—in airtight containers or freezer wrap and pop it in the freezer.

Planning a picnic, potluck, or party? This peach cake freezes well, making it the perfect make-ahead dessert. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight and it’s ready to serve—no last-minute baking stress required.

More Fruity Cakes to Try

If you’ve got a peach craving, I’ve got more delicious treats in store for you:

• Try this homemade spiced peach jam as another way to use fresh peaches
• This classic peach crisp is the perfect warm-weather dessert companion to your peach cake
• Cool down with this refreshing peach sorbet – no ice cream maker needed!
• If you love peach desserts, this easy peach cobbler is a must-try

And for more recipe ideas, explore our collection of fruity desserts on Pinterest!

Final Recipe Card

Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting
Course: Dessert | Cuisine: Southern
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 45 mins | Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12

Ingredients:

Cake:

• 1 (15 oz) yellow cake mix
• 2 (3 oz) Peach Jell-O packets
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup oil
• 1 (16 oz) bag frozen peaches, halved

Frosting:

• ½ cup salted butter
• 2 cups brown sugar
• ⅔ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 pan.
2. Mix cake mix, Jell-O, eggs, and oil until smooth. Fold in peaches.
3. Bake 40–45 minutes. Cool.
4. For frosting, boil butter, sugar, cream. Cool in ice bath. Add vanilla. Beat until thick and pour over cake.

Share Your Slice!

Tried this Peach Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting? Snap a photo and tag us—we’d love to see your delicious results! Did you use fresh, frozen, or canned peaches? Maybe added a sprinkle of cinnamon or your own twist? Share your experience in the comments below and let fellow peach lovers know how you made it your own!

And don’t forget to follow Kai Recipe on Facebook for daily cooking inspiration and save this recipe on Pinterest for sweet ideas!

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