Name: Peach Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1.5 cups All-purpose flour; 0.75 cup Granulated sugar; 0.5 cup Unsalted butter, softened; 2 Large eggs; 2 teaspoons Baking powder; 0.25 teaspoon Salt; 0.5 cup Whole milk; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 3 Fresh peaches, peeled and sliced; 2 tablespoons Powdered sugar

A delightful and rustic French-style cake, featuring tender, sweet peaches baked into a simple, moist batter. This Peach Cake is a perfect treat for any occasion, celebrating the natural sweetness of ripe summer fruit. Peach Cake embodies the spirit of simple French home baking, often prepared during the summer months when peaches are at their peak. It's a beloved dessert or afternoon snack (goûter) that highlights seasonal produce, showcasing how elegant flavors can emerge from humble ingredients.

Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan.
2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
6
Gently fold about two-thirds of the sliced peaches into the cake batter. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and arrange the remaining peach slices on top.
7
Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
8
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9
Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Chef's Tips

•Storage: Store leftover peach cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. It's best enjoyed slightly warmed.
•Substitutions: If fresh peaches are not available, you can use canned peaches (drained well) or other stone fruits like apricots or plums. A touch of almond extract can also enhance the fruit flavor.
•Fun Fact: While 'gâteau' is the general French word for cake, it often refers to simpler, home-style cakes, whereas more elaborate, multi-layered creations are typically called 'pâtisseries' and are bought from a 'pâtissier'.
•Serving Suggestion: This cake is wonderful on its own, but also pairs beautifully with a dollop of crème fraîche, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a light drizzle of honey.