Peaches and Cream Cake

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Peaches and Cream Cake

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup milk

For the Peach Filling:

  • 3 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Garnish:

  • Fresh peach slices
  • Optional: additional powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Peach Filling:
  • In a medium saucepan, combine sliced peaches, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
  • Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture starts to thicken and the peaches are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
  1. Prepare the Cake:
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
  • Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
  • Gently fold in the sour cream.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
  1. Bake the Cake:
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  • Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well until combined.
  • Mix in vanilla extract.
  1. Assemble the Cake:
  • Once the cake has cooled, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
  • Spoon the peach filling over the frosting, spreading it evenly.
  • Frost the sides and top of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
  1. Garnish and Serve:
  • Garnish with fresh peach slices and dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
  • Slice and serve!

The Peaches and Cream Cake offers a range of benefits, both in terms of flavor and nutrition:

Nutritional Benefits:

  1. Peaches: Peaches are a good source of vitamins A and C, which support skin health and immune function. They also provide dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.
  2. Cream Cheese: While cream cheese is high in fat, it also provides calcium, which is essential for bone health.
  3. Sour Cream: This adds a tangy flavor and contains calcium and protein, although it’s also high in fat and calories.

Other Benefits:

  1. Flavorful Dessert: The combination of peaches, cream cheese frosting, and a moist cake creates a delicious, satisfying dessert that can be a great addition to any meal.
  2. Versatility: This cake can be adapted with different fruits or variations of frosting, making it a versatile recipe.
  3. Occasion-Friendly: Perfect for special occasions like birthdays, family gatherings, or summer picnics, it adds a festive touch.
  4. Homemade Goodness: Making this cake from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and avoid additives and preservatives found in store-bought cakes.

The Peaches and Cream Cake is a classic American dessert that showcases the timeless combination of peaches and cream. Here’s a brief look at its history:

Historical Background

  1. Origins of Peach Desserts: Peach desserts have been popular in the Southern United States since the 18th century. Peaches, native to China but cultivated widely in the U.S., became a staple fruit in Southern cuisine. Recipes for peach pies and cobblers date back to colonial times.
  2. Cream-Based Cakes: The use of cream in cakes became popular in the 19th century, particularly in the context of rich, butter-based cakes that were often served at special occasions. Cream cheese frosting, as seen in modern recipes, became widespread in the early 20th century, popularized by brands like Philadelphia Cream Cheese.
  3. Combination of Flavors: The blend of peaches and cream in cakes reflects a broader trend of pairing fresh fruits with rich, creamy elements. This combination leverages the natural sweetness and juiciness of the fruit with the smooth, rich texture of cream or cream-based frosting.

Cultural Significance

  • Southern Tradition: In the American South, peaches are celebrated in many forms, from cobblers to jams. The Peaches and Cream Cake fits seamlessly into this tradition, offering a fresh take on classic flavors.
  • Modern Variations: Today, the Peaches and Cream Cake may be found in various forms, including layered cakes, sheet cakes, or even as cupcakes. Modern recipes often incorporate fresh, local peaches and adapt traditional cream cheese frosting to suit contemporary tastes.

Overall, the Peaches and Cream Cake is a delicious representation of American culinary traditions, blending the heritage of fruit desserts with the elegance of cream-based cakes.

While the cake should be enjoyed in moderation due to its sugar and fat content, it can be a delightful and beneficial treat when part of a balanced diet.

Here’s an overview of the nutritional profile of the Peaches and Cream Cake, focusing on both the key ingredients and an approximate breakdown per serving.

Nutritional Overview (per serving):

Assuming a cake yields 12 servings.

  • Calories: ~350-400 kcal
  • Total Fat: ~18-22 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~11-13 g
  • Cholesterol: ~80-90 mg
  • Sodium: ~200-250 mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: ~45-50 g
  • Dietary Fiber: ~1-2 g
  • Sugars: ~30-35 g
  • Protein: ~4-5 g

Key Nutrients from Ingredients:

  1. Peaches:
  • Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin C (supports the immune system and skin health) and Vitamin A (important for vision and skin health).
  • Minerals: Provides potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
  • Antioxidants: Contains compounds like beta-carotene and lutein, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Fiber: Offers dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and satiety.
  1. Cream Cheese and Sour Cream:
  • Calcium: Supports bone health.
  • Protein: Provides a small amount of protein, contributing to muscle maintenance and repair.
  • Fats: Contains both saturated and unsaturated fats; while high in fat, moderate consumption is beneficial for providing energy and aiding the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
  1. All-Purpose Flour:
  • Carbohydrates: Provides energy but is low in fiber and nutrients compared to whole-grain flour.
  • Protein: Contains some plant-based protein.
  1. Butter:
  • Fats: High in saturated fats; while it adds rich flavor, it should be consumed in moderation.
  • Vitamins: A source of fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin A and E.

Health Considerations:

  • Moderation is Key: While delicious, this cake is relatively high in calories, fats, and sugars. Enjoying it occasionally, as part of a balanced diet, is the best way to benefit from its flavors without overindulging.
  • Possible Modifications: To make it healthier, consider reducing the amount of sugar or substituting some ingredients, like using low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Overall Nutritional Benefit:

The Peaches and Cream Cake is a delightful dessert that provides some vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the peaches. However, due to its sugar and fat content, it should be considered a treat rather than a regular part of your diet. Enjoy it as a special indulgence, and savor the natural sweetness and creaminess it offers!

Enjoy your delicious Peache

and Cream Cake!

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