Few things bring the warmth of summer to your table like the combination of strawberries and peaches. This Refreshing Strawberry Peach Loaf Cake is a delightful way to savor these fruity favorites, blending their natural sweetness into a moist and tender cake.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this loaf cake is versatile and crowd-pleasing. Its light texture, combined with bursts of juicy fruit, makes every bite a treat. With simple ingredients and a straightforward recipe, even novice bakers can achieve bakery-worthy results.
Whether you’re hosting guests or just craving a homemade treat, this Strawberry Peach Loaf Cake will brighten your day. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee, and you’ve got a slice of sunshine ready to enjoy. Let’s get baking!
2. Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
- 1 cup diced fresh peaches
For the Glaze (optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons peach juice or milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
3. Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the Greek yogurt and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the diced strawberries and peaches.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- If desired, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, peach juice (or milk), and vanilla. Drizzle over the cooled loaf before slicing.
4. How to Prepare
- Prep the Fruits: Wash and dice the strawberries and peaches into small, uniform pieces for even distribution in the cake.
- Mix the Batter: Cream the butter and sugar well to create a light texture. Incorporate the dry ingredients gently to avoid a dense loaf.
- Fold in Fruits: Carefully fold in the fruits to prevent crushing them, keeping their juicy integrity intact.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the loaf until golden brown and let it cool completely before glazing or slicing to avoid crumbling.
5. Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 50-60 minutes
- Cooling Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
6. Servings
This recipe yields 8-10 slices, depending on portion size.
7. FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen fruits instead of fresh?
Yes, but thaw and drain them first to prevent excess moisture from making the cake soggy.
Q2: Can I substitute Greek yogurt?
You can use sour cream or buttermilk as alternatives to Greek yogurt.
Q3: How do I store the loaf cake?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Q4: Can I make this loaf gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.
Q5: Can I omit the glaze?
Absolutely! The loaf is flavorful on its own, but the glaze adds a nice finishing touch.
8. Conclusion
Refreshing Strawberry Peach Loaf Cake is a delightful celebration of summer flavors. The combination of sweet strawberries and juicy peaches creates a moist, tender crumb that pairs beautifully with the optional glaze.
This versatile loaf cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a brunch, looking for a thoughtful gift, or just indulging in a sweet treat at home. Easy to prepare and full of fresh, fruity goodness, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and time again.
Bake a loaf today and enjoy the vibrant taste of summer in every slice. Serve it with your favorite drink, and watch as it becomes a new family favorite. Happy baking!