Refreshing Strawberry Peach Loaf Cake

There’s something about a moist loaf cake packed with juicy, fresh fruits that just screams summer, don’t you think? This Refreshing Strawberry Peach Loaf Cake is the ultimate treat when you’re craving something light yet indulgent. Picture this: soft, tender cake, bursting with sweet strawberries and peaches in every bite, topped with a drizzle of sweet glaze that perfectly ties everything together. Whether you’re serving it at a brunch or just need a little afternoon pick-me-up, this cake will be a hit. Trust me, you’re going to love it!

Why You’ll Love Refreshing Strawberry Peach Loaf Cake

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking it for a casual get-together with friends, a cozy weekend treat, or even as a gift for someone special, this loaf cake is perfect for any occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

• Versatile: Perfect for busy mornings or as a sweet addition to your dessert table at a party. Imagine taking the first bite—soft, fragrant, and bursting with fruity goodness.
• Budget-Friendly: This cake uses fresh, seasonal fruit and pantry staples that are easy on the wallet. No need to break the bank to make something special!
• Quick and Easy: The steps are simple, and the cake comes together in no time. If you’re someone who’s a little intimidated by baking, this recipe is beginner-friendly and foolproof.
• Customizable: You can mix up the fruits to your liking. Don’t have peaches? No problem! Use nectarines, or even throw in some blueberries for a fun twist.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving it at a brunch, family dinner, or a simple afternoon snack, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s light, fruity, and perfect for any time of day.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing loaf cake:

Flour: All-purpose flour gives the cake its soft structure. It’s the foundation for this cake, making it tender and fluffy.

Baking Powder: The baking powder helps the cake rise and ensures a light, airy texture. Without it, you wouldn’t get that perfect fluffiness we’re after.

Salt: A pinch of salt to bring balance to the sweetness and really let the other flavors shine. It’s a must-have in the mix!

Butter: The key to a rich, moist loaf cake. It adds that melt-in-your-mouth quality and a buttery flavor you can’t resist.

Sugar: Sweetens the batter and gives the cake its delicious golden color when baked. It’s what brings everything together and adds that touch of indulgence.

Eggs: Eggs help with structure and give the cake that beautiful rise. They also add richness to the flavor.

Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the cake. It’s that secret ingredient that makes everything taste just a little bit more delicious.

Strawberries: Fresh, sweet strawberries are the star of this cake, adding moisture and bursts of fruity flavor in every bite.

Peaches: Juicy, ripe peaches bring in the sweetness and a lovely texture. They perfectly complement the strawberries, giving the cake a well-rounded fruit flavor.

Milk: A bit of milk helps make the cake moist without being too heavy. It adds the perfect texture for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this sweet masterpiece:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. This will make sure the cake doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.

Prepare the Fruit: Dice the strawberries and peaches into small pieces. Set them aside for later, but be sure not to make them too small so they stay visible in the cake.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cake.

Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This creates the airy base for your cake. The more you beat, the fluffier it will be!

Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Keep mixing until it’s all combined and creamy.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the cake may turn out dense.

Fold in the Fruit: Gently fold in the diced strawberries and peaches, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for about 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly cracked.

Cool and Glaze: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. While it’s cooling, mix up a quick glaze with powdered sugar and a little bit of peach or strawberry juice. Drizzle the glaze over the cake once it’s cool enough to handle.

Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake and enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. It’s the perfect afternoon treat!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 250

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve Refreshing Strawberry Peach Loaf Cake

This loaf cake is versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Here are a few suggestions to elevate your experience:

• Fresh Fruit: Serve with additional fresh strawberries or peaches on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds a rich, creamy element that pairs perfectly with the fruitiness of the cake.
• Ice Cream: For a decadent treat, serve a slice of the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm cake and cold ice cream create the perfect contrast.
• Tea or Coffee: This cake is ideal for an afternoon tea or coffee break. A warm cup of your favorite drink complements the fruity sweetness of the cake beautifully.
• As a Snack: It’s also great on its own as a snack. Light, flavorful, and not too sweet—it’s just right when you need a little pick-me-up.

Presentation matters too! A simple, clean slice of the cake on a nice plate, topped with a few extra pieces of fruit or a light drizzle of glaze, makes it look as good as it tastes.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Prep Ahead: You can prepare the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. This will save you time when you’re ready to bake.
• Use Fresh Fruit: Fresh strawberries and peaches work best for this recipe. If you can’t find fresh peaches, canned peaches in syrup can work in a pinch.
• Storage Tips: Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic and freeze for up to 1 month.
• Make It Dairy-Free: If you need a dairy-free version, simply substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter and use almond milk or coconut milk in place of regular milk.
• Double the Batch: This cake freezes really well, so feel free to make two loaves. Freeze one for later, and you’ll have a delicious treat ready to go when you need it.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?
A1: Yes! You can use frozen strawberries and peaches, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the batter to avoid excess moisture.

Q2: Can I make this without a loaf pan?
A2: Absolutely! You can use a round cake pan or even muffin tins to make individual servings. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q3: How do I store leftover cake?
A3: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Q4: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A4: Yes, you can bake the cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 1 month.

Q5: How can I make the glaze thicker?
A5: If the glaze is too thin, simply add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.

Q6: Can I use a different fruit in this recipe?
A6: Definitely! You can substitute the peaches or strawberries with other berries, like blueberries or raspberries, or even try apples for a fall version.

Q7: Can I add nuts to the cake?
A7: Yes, you can add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds to the batter for a bit of crunch. Just fold them in with the fruit.

Q8: What’s the best way to reheat this cake?
A8: Reheat slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or wrap the whole loaf in foil and warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Q9: Can I make a gluten-free version?
A9: Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the label for any other necessary adjustments, like adding xanthan gum.

Q10: Can I freeze this cake?
A10: Yes, you can! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw before serving.

Conclusion

This Refreshing Strawberry Peach Loaf Cake is a winner all around. It’s sweet, fruity, and so satisfying, with that perfect balance of moist cake and fresh flavors. Whether you’re sharing it with friends, treating yourself, or serving it at a special gathering, this cake is sure to leave everyone asking for the recipe. So go ahead—whip up this cake and savor every delicious bite!

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