This Fresh Peach Cake is a simple yet elegant way to showcase juicy summer peaches. With a soft and moist crumb, cinnamon-swirled center, and two layers of fresh fruit, it’s the perfect seasonal dessert that doesn’t require any fancy decorating — just a dusting of powdered sugar and a fork!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1½ cups (188g) all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½ cup (120ml) oil (vegetable, olive, or melted coconut oil)

• ⅔ cup (133g) granulated sugar, plus 1 Tbsp for peaches

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• ¾ cup (180g) plain Greek yogurt, room temperature

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp almond extract

• 1 Tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 2 cups (about 320g) fresh peach slices (peeled or unpeeled)

• Optional: ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• Optional: Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.

2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In another bowl, whisk oil, sugar, eggs, yogurt, vanilla, almond extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour into dry ingredients and mix until smooth.

4. In a separate bowl, toss peaches with 1 Tbsp sugar. Divide in half. Mix half with cinnamon for the center swirl.

5. Spread half the batter into pan, layer with cinnamon-sugar peaches, then remaining batter, and top with remaining peaches.

6. Bake for 50–55 minutes, tenting with foil at the 30-minute mark to prevent over-browning.

7. Cool for 30 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.

Nutrients (approx. per slice, yields 8–10 slices)

• Calories: ~260

• Carbohydrates: ~33g

• Protein: ~5g

• Fat: ~12g

• Sugar: ~18g

• Fiber: ~1g

• Sodium: ~100mg

Why This Peach Cake Works So Well

The success of this cake lies in its perfect balance of texture and flavor. Greek yogurt adds tang and moisture, keeping the crumb soft and tender without being dense. The oil provides richness and ensures a fluffy texture that stays moist even days after baking. The flavor profile is layered yet subtle: vanilla and almond extracts complement the peaches, while lemon zest and juice provide brightness that balances the sweetness.

The use of cinnamon in the middle layer is a thoughtful touch. It creates a gentle warmth and contrast that enhances the fruit without overpowering it, acting almost like a hidden ribbon of spice through the center of the cake. This additional detail makes the cake feel more indulgent and complex without adding any extra work.

By layering the peaches both inside and on top of the batter, the fruit remains a visual and flavor focal point. The top layer caramelizes slightly as the cake bakes, giving the appearance of a rustic upside-down cake while still retaining the soft, tender crumb of a classic yogurt-based bake.

The Beauty of Simplicity

One of the best aspects of this cake is how refreshingly unfussy it is. It doesn’t require fancy tools, mixers, or techniques. Everything is mixed by hand in a few bowls, making it approachable for bakers of all levels. A springform pan helps release the cake easily, but a well-greased round cake pan will do the trick just as well. There’s no need for frosting, layering, or even precision slicing—its appeal lies in its natural, homemade charm.

The presentation is effortlessly elegant. As the top peach slices bake, they create a beautiful golden mosaic of fruit against the soft cake. A light dusting of powdered sugar is all it needs for finishing flair, though it’s equally lovely served plain with the fruit on full display.

The Perfect Dessert for Summer Gatherings

Fresh Peach Cake is an ideal centerpiece for warm-weather entertaining. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, a family brunch, or a picnic at the park, this cake travels well and slices easily. It’s sturdy enough to be handled, light enough to enjoy in the heat, and familiar enough to appeal to a wide range of tastes.

Because it can be served warm, at room temperature, or cold, it fits seamlessly into any schedule. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent dessert, or cold with a cup of coffee for a breezy brunch. Leftovers are rare—but if you do have any, they’re excellent the next day, often even better as the flavors deepen and the crumb settles.

A Healthier Take on Cake

Compared to many traditional cakes, this Fresh Peach Cake offers a more balanced nutritional profile. Thanks to the use of Greek yogurt, it contains more protein and less saturated fat than cream-heavy or butter-laden counterparts. The use of oil, rather than butter, helps achieve a moist texture while keeping preparation straightforward and dairy-flexible.

The peaches themselves bring fiber, vitamin C, and natural sweetness to the mix. Because the cake relies on fruit and extracts for flavor, it doesn’t need excessive sugar to taste satisfying. You can even cut back the sugar slightly if using very ripe peaches, or swap in honey or maple syrup for a more naturally sweetened option.

Tips for Perfect Peach Cake Every Time

To ensure your cake turns out just right, choose ripe but firm peaches. Overripe fruit can become too soft during baking, releasing too much moisture and affecting the texture of the cake. There’s no need to peel the peaches unless preferred—the skins become soft and nearly invisible after baking, adding a slight texture and rosy hue to the presentation.

If you’re short on fresh peaches, high-quality frozen peach slices work well, as long as they’re thawed and patted dry before use. Canned peaches, while less ideal due to added sugar and syrup, can still work in a pinch—just be sure to drain and blot them well.

Adding the cinnamon only to the middle layer helps keep the flavor delicate and focused. If you’re a fan of stronger spice, you can sprinkle a bit on top as well or mix it into the batter itself.

For best results, don’t skip tenting the cake with foil halfway through baking. This simple step ensures the peaches don’t overbrown while the inside finishes baking. And always allow the cake to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving to help it set fully and slice cleanly.

Pairings and Serving Ideas

Fresh Peach Cake is naturally sweet and moist, making it delightful on its own, but you can easily dress it up depending on the occasion. A dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of vanilla glaze, or a scoop of gelato transforms it into a plated dessert worthy of a dinner party. Fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of toasted almonds add contrast and texture while emphasizing its summery charm.

If you’re serving it for breakfast or brunch, try pairing it with cold brew coffee or iced tea. The fruitiness of the peaches complements herbal teas beautifully, while a cinnamon latte draws out the spice in the center swirl.

For an indulgent twist, serve slices with a drizzle of honey and a spoonful of ricotta or mascarpone cheese—perfect for a rustic brunch spread or afternoon treat.

Conclusion

Fresh Peach Cake is everything a seasonal dessert should be: light, flavorful, and full of charm. It’s the kind of recipe that doesn’t demand perfection, yet always delivers impressive results. With its golden edges, cinnamon-kissed layers, and bursts of sweet peach in every bite, it’s a cake that celebrates summer’s finest fruit in the most inviting way.

Whether you’re baking for guests, family, or simply to treat yourself, this cake offers comfort and sophistication in one easy package. Its minimal ingredients and simple method make it an approachable staple, while its elegant appearance and nuanced flavor make it unforgettable. Once you’ve made it, don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to peach dessert—not just for summer, but all year round.