Name: Easy Fresh Peach Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box French Vanilla Cake Mix; Eggs, oil and water (as required on cake mix box); 3 ounce box peach Jell-o; 3-4 large ripe peaches, peeled, pitted and sliced (approximately 2 cups thinly sliced peaches); ¼ cup white granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ cup chopped pecans (divided use, about 2 tablespoons reserved for topping); ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 ½ packages cream cheese (12 ounces), softened to room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; 4 cups powdered sugar

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 67 reviews

If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Easy Fresh Peach Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Packed with the juicy sweetness of ripe peaches and the comforting warmth of browned butter, this cake is a luscious blend of fresh fruit and rich cream cheese frosting that will brighten up any occasion. What’s amazing is how simple it is to pull together, yet it delivers layers of flavor and texture that will have your friends asking for seconds – and the secret peach Jell-O addition makes it uniquely moist and tender. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for seasonal baking and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A collection of baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface: a red box of Betty Crocker Delights Super Moist French Vanilla cake mix with an image of yellow cake and white frosting on the front; four fresh peaches with reddish-orange skin grouped near the top right; a white stick of unsalted butter with orange text; a blue and white box of Hy-Vee cream cheese; a small black bottle of Hy-Vee vanilla extract; a white bowl filled with pecan halves; a clear glass jar labeled

Creating this delightful peach cake is surprisingly straightforward because the ingredients are both simple and essential to bringing out the full charm of the dessert. Each component plays a vital role: from the delicate vanilla cake mix that forms the soft base to the ripe peaches that add natural sweetness and a burst of freshness, paired perfectly with the creamy, dreamy frosting.

French Vanilla Cake Mix (1 box): Provides a light and fluffy structure to build your peach masterpiece.
Eggs, Oil, and Water: Standard ingredients that bring moisture and richness to the cake batter.
Peach Jell-O (3 ounces): This twist adds a fruity flavor and helps keep the cake moist and tender.
Ripe Peaches (3-4 large): Peeled, pitted, and sliced, they bring juicy sweetness and a natural pop of peachy color.
White Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): Sweetens the cinnamon sugar sprinkle and caramelizes slightly during baking.
Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and depth to highlight the peaches.
Chopped Pecans (½ cup, divided): Optional for adding delightful crunch and nuttiness.
Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened): This is browned for a rich, nutty flavor that enhances both cake and frosting.
Cream Cheese (1 ½ packages, softened): The key to that luscious, silky frosting that balances the fruitiness perfectly.
Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Boosts the flavor profile with warm, inviting notes.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just a pinch to perfect the sweetness and intensify all flavors in the frosting.
Powdered Sugar (4 cups): Essential for creating that smooth, sweet, and creamy cream cheese frosting.

How to Make Easy Fresh Peach Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by gently melting the softened butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Soon, you’ll notice the butter foams and browns with delightful flecks appearing – and that gorgeous nutty aroma takes over your kitchen. Be careful to catch this moment perfectly and remove it from heat. Set the browned butter aside to cool while you move on.

Step 2: Prep the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch pan. Using the box of French Vanilla Cake Mix, combine it with the eggs, oil, and water following the package instructions. Stir in the entire 3-ounce box of peach Jell-O to the batter. This is a genius step that adds moisture and a concentrated peach flavor.

Step 3: Layer the Cake and Peaches

Pour about half of your cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Carefully arrange the peeled and sliced peaches in a single layer on top. In a small bowl, mix the white sugar with the cinnamon, then sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture all over the peaches. Add most of the chopped pecans as well, saving a bit for garnish.

Step 4: Finish the Cake and Bake

Pour the remaining cake batter over the peaches and gently spread to cover the fruit evenly. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before moving to the frosting stage.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, cream the cooled browned butter with a stand or hand mixer until smooth. Add the softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and salt, blending until silky and combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, about a cup at a time, beating on medium speed until the frosting is fluffy, creamy, and perfectly spreadable.

Step 6: Frost and Garnish

Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the fully cooled cake. Sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans over the top for a satisfying crunch and inviting look. Now, your Easy Fresh Peach Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is ready to impress!

How to Serve Easy Fresh Peach Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

This image shows a close-up of a slice of dessert on a white plate with a scalloped edge, placed on a white marbled surface. The dessert has three visible layers: the bottom layer is light and crumbly with small chunks of yellow fruit and darker bits, likely nuts or chocolate. The top layer is thick and creamy with a smooth texture, topped with small pieces of nuts scattered across the surface. The colors range from light beige to creamy white and bright yellow, giving a soft and inviting look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation, consider adding thin peach slices fanned elegantly on top or a dusting of cinnamon for that extra flair. A few fresh mint leaves also add a lovely color contrast and freshness that pairs well with the sweetness.

Side Dishes

This cake shines on its own but pairs beautifully with simple vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent complement. For a brunch or tea time spread, fresh berries or a light salad with citrus segments balance the richness of the dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the cake into neat squares and serve on rustic wooden boards for a casual vibe, or plate with a drizzle of caramel sauce and toasted pecans for a more refined touch. Individual servings topped with a peach slice and a sprig of thyme make for a charming and personal experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Easy Fresh Peach Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to keep it chilled so the frosting stays creamy and fresh. This also helps the flavors to meld wonderfully.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge, then prepare the frosting fresh before serving for the best texture and taste.

Reheating

Since this cake is best served cool, it’s best to enjoy it straight from the fridge. If desired, let slices sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly, but reheating is generally not recommended as it may affect the frosting texture.

FAQs

Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?

While fresh peaches provide the best texture and flavor, you can substitute canned peaches if needed. Just be sure to drain them well and pat dry to avoid making the cake too soggy.

What if I don’t have peach Jell-O?

You can try using another complementary gelatin flavor like apricot or even plain gelatin, but peach Jell-O adds a subtle fruit punch that’s hard to replicate. Feel free to experiment but expect slight changes in moisture and taste.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Choose a gluten-free vanilla cake mix and verify all other ingredients are gluten-free to enjoy this recipe without compromising on flavor or texture.

Can I omit the pecans?

If you’re allergic or not a fan of nuts, you can skip the pecans entirely. The cake will still be delicious, just missing that layer of crunch. Alternatively, try sunflower seeds or toasted coconut flakes for a different kind of texture.

How do I ensure the peaches don’t sink in the cake?

To prevent sinking, spreading half the batter first and layering the peaches on top before adding the remaining batter works perfectly—just as this recipe guides. Also, make sure the peaches are sliced thinly and evenly distributed.

Final Thoughts

Making this Easy Fresh Peach Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is truly a joy – from the heavenly aroma of browned butter to the juicy peaches nestled inside and the irresistibly creamy frosting crowning it all. Whether for a family dinner, celebration, or just to treat yourself, this cake is the kind of dessert that makes memories. I hope you give it a try and enjoy every bite as much as I do!