Are you ready to transport your taste buds to a sun-drenched Georgia peach orchard? This Georgia Peach Pound Cake recipe captures the essence of summer in every bite. Forget store-bought cakes; this homemade delight is surprisingly easy to make, delivering a moist, tender crumb bursting with the sweet, juicy flavor of ripe peaches. It's the perfect dessert for a summer barbecue, a delightful afternoon tea, or simply a comforting treat on a warm evening. This recipe is perfect for those looking for easy recipes, healthy meals (relatively!), or quick dinner ideas – though it's best served as a dessert!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- 2 cups (approximately 300g) fresh Georgia peaches, peeled, pitted, and diced
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This ensures your cake releases easily.
Mixing the Batter:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps distribute the leavening agents evenly.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix.
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Gently fold in the diced peaches. Be careful not to crush them.
Baking the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling and Serving:
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
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Once cool, dust with powdered sugar (optional) and serve.
Tips for the Best Peach Pound Cake:
- Use ripe peaches: The flavor of the cake will be directly impacted by the quality of your peaches. Choose ripe, flavorful peaches for the best results.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes to avoid overbaking. Every oven is different.
- Let it cool completely: This allows the cake to set properly and prevents it from crumbling when you slice it.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a lovely crunch to the cake.
- Use different fruit: Substitute other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries.
- Make it a glaze: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled cake for an extra touch of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 4g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This Georgia Peach Pound Cake is a delicious and relatively healthy addition to your repertoire of homemade cooking. Enjoy this taste of summer sunshine! It’s a perfect example of delicious dishes that are surprisingly easy to create. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out with food recipes, this recipe is sure to impress. It's one of the best recipes for a reason!