Peach Cobbler Pound Cake Recipe: A Sweet Southern Twist

 

Peach Cobbler Pound Cake Recipe: A Sweet Southern Twist

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Serves: 10-12 slices

When you think of Southern desserts, two iconic treats often come to mind: peach cobbler and pound cake. Each dish holds a special place in the hearts of many, evoking memories of family gatherings, Sunday dinners, and warm summer afternoons. But what if you could combine the best of both worlds into one irresistible dessert? Enter the Peach Cobbler Pound Cake, a decadent and delightful creation that marries the rich, buttery flavor of pound cake with the fruity sweetness of peach cobbler.

This cake is the perfect balance of dense, buttery cake and soft, juicy peaches, making it a showstopper for any occasion. Whether you're preparing a dessert for a holiday gathering, a family celebration, or just want a sweet treat to enjoy on a quiet evening, this Peach Cobbler Pound Cake is sure to impress.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for making this southern-inspired dessert that’s perfect for any season, but especially delightful in the summer when peaches are in full bloom.

Ingredients

For the Pound Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, sifted

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 6 large eggs (room temperature)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for added depth)

• 1 cup sour cream (full-fat, for richness)

• 2 tablespoons milk (you can use whole or buttermilk for extra flavor)

For the Peach Cobbler Topping:

• 3 large ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced (about 2 cups)

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken the peach juice)

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (adds brightness and helps balance the sweetness)

For the Cake Glaze (optional but recommended):

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk for a lighter glaze)

Equipment:

• 10-inch bundt pan (or a 9x13-inch baking dish, if you prefer a different shape)

• Hand mixer or stand mixer

• Mixing bowls

• Spatula or wooden spoon

• Small saucepan (for cooking the peach topping)

• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when you're ready to bake the cake.

Next, prepare your bundt pan (or 9x13-inch dish) by greasing it generously with butter and lightly dusting it with flour. Alternatively, you can use non-stick cooking spray with flour. Be sure to cover all areas of the pan, especially the intricate curves of a bundt pan, to prevent the cake from sticking. Once done, set the pan aside.

2. Prepare the Peach Cobbler Topping

In a small saucepan, add the peach slices, butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir everything together and cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until the peaches start to soften and release their juices.

Once the peaches are softened, add the cornstarch to the peach mixture. Stir well to combine, ensuring the cornstarch dissolves and thickens the liquid. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the peach mixture becomes slightly syrupy and has thickened up. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly. This will be the topping that adds that perfect cobbler element to the cake.

3. Prepare the Pound Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed and there are no clumps. Set the dry ingredients aside.

Next, in the bowl of a stand mixer (or in a separate mixing bowl if you're using a hand mixer), beat the softened butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for ensuring the cake has a light, tender crumb.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. After all the eggs have been incorporated, add the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). Continue to mix for another 1-2 minutes until everything is smooth and well combined.

Now, reduce the mixer speed to low and add the dry ingredients in two parts, alternating with the sour cream and milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until incorporated after each addition, being careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so stop once everything is combined and smooth.

4. Assemble the Cake

Once the batter is ready, it’s time to assemble the cake. Start by spooning half of the pound cake batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Next, take the peach cobbler topping and spoon it over the batter, spreading it out evenly but leaving a border around the edges so that the peach mixture doesn’t touch the pan directly. The goal is to create a layer of peaches within the cake.

Spoon the remaining pound cake batter over the peaches, spreading it evenly over the top. Try to cover the peaches entirely with the cake batter, but it’s okay if a little bit peeks through. As the cake bakes, the peach mixture will rise and swirl into the batter, creating that signature "cobbler" effect.

5. Bake the Peach Cobbler Pound Cake

Place the bundt pan into the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. Since ovens can vary in temperature, start checking the cake at the 60-minute mark by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. If there’s still batter sticking to the toothpick, continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, checking every few minutes.

The cake should be golden brown on top, and the edges should pull away slightly from the sides of the pan. If the cake starts to brown too quickly, cover the top loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.

6. Cool the Cake

Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes. After the cake has cooled slightly, gently run a butter knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake from the sides. Invert the pan onto a cooling rack and gently lift the pan off. Let the cake cool completely on the rack.

7. Prepare the Glaze (Optional)

While the cake is cooling, you can prepare the glaze to drizzle over the top. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more cream, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake. The glaze will give the cake a beautiful shine and an extra touch of sweetness. For a more rustic look, you can also skip the glaze and serve the cake as-is with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Now that your Peach Cobbler Pound Cake is complete, slice it up and serve it with a big smile. The cake is perfect on its own, but you can take it to the next level by pairing it with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream. The peaches in the cake will be juicy and soft, and the cobbler element will provide a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Peaches for the Best Flavor: While you can use canned peaches, fresh peaches will provide the best texture and flavor. Look for ripe, juicy peaches to ensure a sweet, flavorful topping. If fresh peaches aren’t available, frozen peaches can also work, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the cake.

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake, so mix just until the ingredients are incorporated. This will ensure that the cake remains light and fluffy.

3. Ensure Even Peach Distribution: When adding the peach topping, make sure it’s evenly spread out, so every slice of the cake gets a bit of that sweet, juicy peach flavor.

4. Baking Time May Vary: Because this is a bundt cake, the baking time may vary based on your oven. Be sure to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center.

5. Let the Cake Cool Completely: Be patient and allow the cake to cool completely before slicing.