Indulge in a delightful homemade Peaches and Cream Layer Cake, perfect for summer gatherings. This scrumptious cake combines the goodness of peaches and cream for a heavenly treat.
**Ingredients:**
**For the Cake:**
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 cup milk
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup diced peaches
**For the Peaches and Cream Filling:**
– 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup diced peaches
**For the Cream Cheese Frosting:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 4 cups powdered sugar
**Instructions:**
**For the Cake:**
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease and flour three 8×2 inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, mix sour cream, milk, and vanilla essence. Set aside.
4. Cream softened butter in a mixing bowl until smooth.
5. Gradually add sugar and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
6. Add eggs one at a time until well mixed.
7. Alternate adding the flour mixture and sour cream mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until smooth but don’t overmix.
8. Toss diced peaches with 1 tablespoon flour, then gently fold them into the cake batter.
9. Divide the batter among the three pans, smooth the tops, and bake for 25 to 28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
10. Let the cakes cool for 5 to 10 minutes before removing them from the pans.
**For the Peaches and Cream Filling:**
1. In a medium bowl, combine instant vanilla pudding mix and heavy cream.
2. Use a hand mixer to beat until thick and fluffy.
3. Gently fold in one cup of diced peaches.
**For the Cream Cheese Frosting:**
1. Beat slices of butter in a mixer bowl until softened and smooth.
2. Add softened cream cheese and mix until incorporated.
3. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low speed until well blended. Cover the bowl while mixing to avoid a sugar cloud.
5. Increase the mixing speed until the frosting becomes fluffy. Be cautious not to overbeat.
**Cake Assembly:**
1. Place the first cake layer on a cake base or pedestal.
2. Lightly brush the layer with peach juice.
3. Pipe a dam of cream cheese frosting about ½ inch from the edge.
4. Spread a layer of Peach Preserves within the frosting dam.
5. Follow with a layer of Peaches and Cream filling.
Enjoy the delightful flavors of this Peaches and Cream Layer Cake, a perfect dessert for warm summer days that will impress everyone, especially those who appreciate timeless classics.