Pisces Peach Melba Cake

Name: Pisces Peach Melba Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 cups fresh peaches, diced; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup sugar; 1 cup water; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Sweet Treats

I absolutely love making the Pisces Peach Melba Cake because it brings a delightful blend of flavors to my table. Each slice is moist and infused with the sweet taste of fresh peaches, complemented by the richness of cream. As a peach lover, I find that this cake transforms a simple dessert into a beautiful celebration. Whether it's for a birthday or just a quiet evening at home, this cake is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. I'm excited to share this recipe so you can enjoy it too!

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2026-01-29T23:43:28.020Z

When I first made the Pisces Peach Melba Cake, it was an experiment with seasonal fruits, and oh, what a delicious success it was! The combination of ripe peaches and velvety cream created a tender, flavorful cake that I couldn't get enough of. I discovered that using fresh peaches instead of canned ones really makes a difference in both texture and taste.

One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is the simple syrup infusion, which keeps the cake moist and adds a touch of sweetness. I've also learned that letting the cake rest overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

Reasons You'll Love This Cake
Juicy peaches bursting with flavor in every bite
Lush cream complements the cake perfectly
An impressive dessert that's easy to make

Perfecting the Cake Texture

Achieving the ideal texture for the Pisces Peach Melba Cake hinges on the correct creaming technique. When you cream the butter and sugar, aim for a light and fluffy consistency, which typically takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. This not only incorporates air for a lighter cake but also helps the sugar dissolve properly, ensuring a uniform sweetness throughout the batter. Avoid overmixing once you add the flour, as this can lead to a dense texture.

Using buttermilk is another key component of this recipe. It not only adds a subtle tang but also reacts with the baking powder to create a tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute it with a mixture of regular milk and vinegar or lemon juice—just let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to sour before using it in the recipe.

Flavor Enhancements and Variations

For those looking to elevate the flavor profile, consider adding a hint of almond extract to the cake batter. Almond complements the peaches beautifully and adds a lovely depth. Just use about half a teaspoon to keep it balanced; too much can overpower the delicate peach flavor. Alternatively, a dash of cinnamon can offer a warm undertone that pairs nicely with the peach and cream.

If fresh peaches aren't in season, you can opt for canned peaches in light syrup. Make sure to drain them thoroughly and pat them dry to prevent the batter from becoming too wet. This substitution allows you to enjoy the cake year-round, while still achieving that sweet, luscious fruit flavor.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Pisces Peach Melba Cake

Cake Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups fresh peaches, diced

Cream Topping Ingredients

1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Simple Syrup Ingredients

1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to have fresh peaches for the best flavor!

Instructions

Instructions for Pisces Peach Melba Cake

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir in the flour until just combined. Fold in the diced peaches.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes in pans, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Prepare the Simple Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract. Let cool.

Make the Cream Topping

In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, and continue beating until stiff peaks form.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, poke holes in the top of each layer with a fork and drizzle with the simple syrup. Spread a generous layer of the whipped cream on the top of one cake layer, then place the second layer on top. Top the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream and decorate with peach slices.

Enjoy your delicious Pisces Peach Melba Cake!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding a layer of raspberry sauce between the cakes for a fruity contrast.

Storing and Serving Tips

After you’ve assembled your cake, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. The whipped cream topping maintains its structure for a day or two, but for optimal texture and taste, I recommend serving it within 24 hours of assembly.

For an impressive presentation, consider serving slices of the cake with extra whipped cream and fresh peach slices on the side. This not only adds to the visual appeal but also enhances the eating experience, letting guests enjoy the fruitiness alongside the creamy topping.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cake layers dome in the middle as they bake, it may be due to too high of an oven temperature. Always use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate heat levels. If this happens, you can level the cakes with a serrated knife once they cool. A flat layer allows for better stacking and presentation when assembling with cream.

For those who might find their whipped cream deflating, ensure that your mixing bowl and beaters are completely cold before whipping. This helps create stable peaks. Also, do not overbeat the cream; stop once you reach stiff peaks to avoid turning it into butter. If you make this mistake, just add a little fresh cream and gently fold it back in to restore the fluffiness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen peaches?

Yes, but fresh peaches are recommended for the best flavor and texture.

→ How should I store the cake?

Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to three days.

→ Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day in advance and assemble them just before serving.

→ Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.