If you are looking for a dessert that perfectly balances sweet and fruity flavors with a moist, tender crumb, this Refreshing Strawberry Peach Loaf Cake Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Bursting with juicy strawberries and succulent peaches folded into a buttery, lightly spiced batter, this loaf cake brings summer freshness right to your table. It’s an invitingly simple bake that makes any occasion feel special, whether it’s a casual afternoon tea or a delightful end to a family meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this loaf cake plays an essential role, creating the perfect harmony of flavor, moisture, and texture. From the rich butter that guarantees a tender crumb to the fresh fruit that adds vibrant color and natural sweetness, these simple components combine to make something truly magical.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed to hold our cake together without weighing it down.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Acts as leavening agents to help the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture, ensuring a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while contributing to its golden crust.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together while adding protein and structure.
- Greek yogurt or sour cream: Keeps the loaf moist and tender with a subtle tang.
- Vanilla extract: Provides warm, inviting undertones that complement the fruit.
- Fresh strawberries and peaches: The stars of the show, delivering juicy bursts of flavor and vibrant color.
- Additional flour to toss the fruit: Prevents the diced fruit from sinking to the bottom, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the loaf.
How to Make Refreshing Strawberry Peach Loaf Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and hot for baking. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan, then line it with parchment paper for easy removal and a perfect shape.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, so your cake rises uniformly with no unpleasant lumps.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and pale. This aeration step is key to giving the loaf a light crumb and beautiful texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Yogurt, and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and vanilla extract. These add moisture and a subtle tang that make the loaf extra special.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough, so pause as soon as you see no streaks of flour.
Step 6: Prepare and Fold in the Fruit
Toss the diced strawberries and peaches in a tablespoon of flour to keep them from sinking to the bottom. Gently fold them into the batter, distributing the fruit evenly without breaking it up too much.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface. Bake it for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Refreshing Strawberry Peach Loaf Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your serving presentation with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of a simple citrus glaze. Fresh slices of strawberry and peach on top add a lovely, fresh look and an extra burst of flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair slices of the loaf with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It also complements a chilled glass of iced tea or sparkling lemonade wonderfully, making it an ideal treat for warmer days.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider slicing the loaf into smaller pieces and assembling a colorful dessert platter featuring fresh fruit, nuts, and little jars of preserves or honey for guests to mix and match. You can also serve it warm with a pat of butter or alongside a creamy cheese board for a sophisticated twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Refreshing Strawberry Peach Loaf Cake Recipe keeps beautifully at room temperature stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing
This loaf freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to bring back that freshly-baked softness and melt-in-your-mouth appeal. For a crispier edge, pop a slice in a toaster oven for a few minutes.
FAQs
Can I substitute the fresh peaches and strawberries with frozen fruit?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches and strawberries if fresh aren’t in season, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding excess moisture to the batter.
Is Greek yogurt interchangeable with sour cream in this recipe?
Absolutely! Both add moisture and a slight tang, so you can use either one based on what you have on hand or your personal preference.
Can I add almond extract or other flavors to the loaf?
Definitely! Adding about ½ teaspoon of almond extract complements the fruit beautifully. You can also experiment with citrus zest or spices like cinnamon for a unique twist.
How do I prevent the fruit from sinking to the bottom?
Tossing the diced strawberries and peaches with a tablespoon of flour, as described, helps suspend the fruit evenly throughout the batter rather than sinking during baking.
What is the best way to store this cake to keep it moist?
The best storage method is in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or wrapped and refrigerated for up to a week, which helps retain moisture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Refreshing Strawberry Peach Loaf Cake Recipe, you’ll see why it quickly becomes a favorite. It’s so versatile, delightfully fruity, and incredibly satisfying with every bite. Whether baked for a special occasion or just because you want to brighten your day, this loaf cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and sweetness in the most delicious way.
Print
Refreshing Strawberry Peach Loaf Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Refreshing Strawberry Peach Loaf Cake is a delightful summer dessert combining fresh strawberries and peaches into a moist, flavorful loaf. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this easy-to-make cake features a tender crumb enhanced by Greek yogurt and a hint of vanilla. Lightly sweet and bursting with fruit, it’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon flour (for tossing fruit)
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit
- ½ cup diced fresh strawberries
- ½ cup diced fresh or canned peaches, drained if canned
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate. Then add the Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and vanilla extract, mixing the batter until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Toss and Fold in Fruit: In a small bowl, toss the diced strawberries and peaches with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking. Gently fold the fruit into the batter, distributing evenly without overworking the mix.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Add ½ teaspoon almond extract or a citrus glaze on top for an extra flavor boost.
- Store the loaf cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- The cake can be refrigerated for up to one week for longer freshness.
