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I discovered this recipe during a summer road trip through Georgia when I stopped at a small-town bakery. The owner served me a slice of what she called her "famous peach pound cake," and I was immediately transported. The cake had this incredible buttery flavor with pockets of sweet peaches throughout, topped with a cinnamon-sugar crust that crackled when I bit into it. I spent the rest of my trip thinking about that cake, trying to deconstruct the flavors and textures in my mind. When I got home, I experimented for weeks until I recreated that magic. What makes this recipe special is how it captures the essence of peach cobbler – the spiced fruit filling, the sweet topping – but in the form of an elegant pound cake. The batter is rich and dense like a traditional pound cake, but the addition of sour cream keeps it incredibly moist. Fresh peaches folded into the batter and arranged on top caramelize as they bake, creating little pockets of jammy fruit. The cinnamon-sugar topping forms this beautiful golden crust that adds texture and warmth to every bite.
Why I love this recipe
This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it represents everything I love about baking – taking classic flavors and reimagining them into something new. Peach cobbler has always been a comfort food for me, but sometimes I want something a bit more refined and portable. This pound cake delivers all those cozy cobbler vibes in a format that's perfect for gifting, traveling, or serving at gatherings. What I really love is how forgiving this recipe is. Even if your peaches aren't perfectly ripe, they'll still work beautifully. The cake itself is sturdy enough to hold up to the fruit without becoming soggy, yet it stays incredibly tender thanks to the butter and sour cream. Every time I make it, I'm reminded of summer evenings and family gatherings. The aroma alone is worth making this cake – that combination of butter, cinnamon, and baking peaches fills your entire home with warmth. And when you slice into it and see those golden layers with caramelized fruit throughout, you know you've created something truly special.
What You Need From Your Kitchen
- Fresh peaches: Peel, pit, and dice into small chunks for even distribution
- Unsalted butter: Bring to room temperature and cut into cubes for easy creaming
- Eggs: Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation into the batter
- Sour cream: Measure and let sit at room temperature to blend smoothly
- Brown sugar: Mix with cinnamon and nutmeg to coat the peaches
- All-purpose flour: Sift if lumpy for a smooth, tender crumb
Let's Make These Together
- Prepare Your Workspace
- Start by preheating your oven and preparing your bundt pan with a thorough coating of butter and flour. This step is crucial for getting that beautiful cake out in one piece later. Gather all your ingredients and have them measured and ready to go.
- Create the Base
- Cream your butter and sugar together until it's light, fluffy, and almost doubled in volume. This incorporates air and creates that tender crumb we love. Add your eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in your extracts and sour cream for extra moisture and flavor.
- Build the Batter
- Gently fold in your flour just until you can't see any more white streaks. Don't overmix or you'll develop too much gluten and end up with a tough cake. The batter should be thick and luxurious.
- Add the Peaches
- Toss your diced peaches with brown sugar and warming spices, then fold most of them into the batter. Save some for the top – they'll caramelize beautifully as they bake. Pour everything into your prepared pan.
- Finish and Bake
- Top with remaining peaches and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Bake low and slow until golden brown and a tester comes out clean. Let it cool just enough to handle, then turn it out onto your serving plate to reveal that gorgeous shape.
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Switch Things Up
I first made this cake on a lazy Sunday when I had a basket of overripe peaches sitting on my counter. I didn't want them to go to waste, and I'd been craving something that reminded me of my grandmother's peach cobbler. Halfway through mixing the pound cake batter, inspiration struck – why not combine the two? The house filled with the most intoxicating aroma of cinnamon and baked peaches. When I finally sliced into it, the combination was even better than I imagined. The edges had this beautiful caramelized crust, and the inside was incredibly moist from the peach juices. My neighbor knocked on the door asking what smelled so good, and I ended up sharing half the cake. Now it's my signature dessert, and I make it every time peaches come into season.
Perfect Pairings
This Peach Cobbler Pound Cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For a Southern-style brunch, serve it alongside strong coffee or sweet iced tea. It also makes an elegant dessert when paired with bourbon-spiked caramel sauce. If you're feeling indulgent, a drizzle of cream cheese glaze takes it to another level. Fresh peach slices and a dusting of powdered sugar make for a stunning presentation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
While fresh peaches give the best flavor and texture, you can use canned peaches in a pinch. Make sure to drain them very well and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Reduce the sugar slightly since canned peaches are typically sweetened.
- → Why did my cake stick to the pan?
The most common reason is not greasing the pan thoroughly enough. Make sure to butter every single ridge and crevice of the bundt pan, then dust with flour. Let the cake cool for exactly 15 minutes before inverting – too soon and it falls apart, too long and it sticks.
- → Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.
- → What if I don't have a bundt pan?
You can bake this in two 9-inch round cake pans or a 9x13 inch baking pan. Just reduce the baking time to about 45-50 minutes and check for doneness. The presentation won't be as dramatic, but the flavor will be just as amazing.
- → How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the thickest part of the cake. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs – not wet batter. The top should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed. The internal temperature should reach about 200°F.
- → Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Yes! This recipe works beautifully with berries, apples, or pears. Just keep the total amount of fruit the same and adjust the spices to complement your chosen fruit. Apples work great with extra cinnamon, while berries pair wonderfully with a touch of lemon zest.
Conclusion
This Peach Cobbler Pound Cake is the ultimate celebration of summer flavors wrapped in a buttery, tender crumb. Every slice delivers that perfect balance of rich pound cake and fruity peach cobbler goodness. Whether you're serving it at a family reunion, bringing it to a potluck, or simply treating yourself on a weekend afternoon, this cake never disappoints. The cinnamon-sugar crust adds that irresistible crackle, while the caramelized peaches bring moisture and natural sweetness. It's a recipe that'll become your go-to whenever peaches are in season.