If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s easy to make, I have just the thing! This Zucchini Peach Coffee Cake blends fresh veggies and juicy fruit for a moist, flavorful dessert. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack. Plus, with simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make it in no time. Let’s dive into this tempting recipe and discover how to create a cake you’ll love!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Zucchini Peach Coffee Cake
To make this tasty Zucchini Peach Coffee Cake, gather these main ingredients:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ⅓ cup vegetable oil
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
– 1 cup diced fresh peaches (about 2 medium peaches)
These ingredients create a soft and moist cake, filled with sweet peaches and healthy zucchini.
Optional Add-ins
You can make your cake even better with optional add-ins. Try adding:
– ½ cup chopped walnuts
– ½ cup chocolate chips
– ½ cup shredded coconut
These extras add more flavor and texture. Feel free to mix and match them based on your taste.
Topping Ingredients
For a crunchy topping, you’ll need:
– ½ cup rolled oats
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
This topping gives the cake a wonderful crunch and sweetness. It is the perfect finish for this delightful dessert. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
First, gather all your ingredients to make the process easy. You will need:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ⅓ cup vegetable oil
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup grated zucchini
– 1 cup diced fresh peaches
– ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– ½ cup rolled oats (for topping)
– 2 tablespoons sugar (for topping)
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping)
Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9-inch round cake pan helps to avoid sticking. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This step helps mix the dry ingredients well and adds air, making the cake light.
In a large bowl, whisk the vegetable oil and brown sugar together until smooth. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.
Now, mix in the grated zucchini and diced peaches. These fruits add moisture and flavor. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. If you like, fold in the chopped walnuts for a nice crunch.
Baking Process
Once your batter is ready, pour it into the prepared cake pan. Spread it out evenly. In a small bowl, mix the rolled oats, sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter.
Bake your cake for 35-40 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
Cooling and Serving Guidelines
After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This step helps it set and makes it easier to remove. Carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
For serving, slice the cake and place it on a pretty plate. You can add fresh peach slices and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy your delicious creation! If you want to see the full details, check the Full Recipe.
Tips & Tricks
How to Bake the Perfect Coffee Cake
To bake the perfect coffee cake, start with fresh ingredients. Use ripe peaches and firm zucchini. Grate the zucchini finely; this helps it blend well. Mix your wet and dry ingredients separately. This ensures even mixing. Do not overmix the batter; stop when it’s just combined. This keeps the cake fluffy and light. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean. This usually takes 35 to 40 minutes. Let the cake cool for a bit before slicing.
Substitutions for Healthier Options
You can make simple substitutions to make this cake healthier. Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. This adds fiber and nutrients. Use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil. It adds a nice flavor. For a lower sugar option, replace brown sugar with maple syrup. You can also cut the sugar in half if you like. Instead of walnuts, add chia seeds for extra crunch and health benefits.
Serving Suggestions for Best Flavor
For the best flavor, serve the coffee cake warm. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This makes a delightful treat. Pair it with coffee or tea for a perfect morning snack. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top looks nice and tastes great. You can also add fresh peach slices for a lovely touch. If you want more texture, try adding a few nuts on top. For the full recipe, check the earlier sections.
Variations
Making it Gluten-Free
You can easily make this zucchini peach coffee cake gluten-free. Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for a mix that has a one-to-one ratio for best results. This ensures your cake stays fluffy and tasty. Check the package for xanthan gum; if it’s not included, add a teaspoon to help with texture.
Alternative Fruit Combinations
While peaches and zucchini work great together, you can switch up the fruits. Try using ripe bananas or tart apples. Blueberries or raspberries also add a nice touch. Each fruit will give a unique flavor. Just keep the same amount for each fruit to maintain the cake’s moisture.
Vegan Adaptations
To make this cake vegan, replace eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes until it thickens. Use plant-based oil instead of vegetable oil. You can also swap brown sugar with coconut sugar for a hint of caramel flavor. These changes keep the cake moist and delicious while being completely plant-based.
Feel free to explore these variations. They let you customize your cake to your liking. For the full recipe, check the details above.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Cake
To keep your zucchini peach coffee cake fresh, store it in an airtight container. You can leave it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, put it in the fridge. Just be sure to let it cool completely first.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to save some cake for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. This way, they stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Best Practices for Reheating
Reheating is simple! You can use the microwave for a quick fix. Heat a slice for about 15-30 seconds. If you prefer, you can warm it in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes. This will help it taste freshly baked again. To make it extra special, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Enjoy your delicious cake!
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches. Just thaw and drain them first. This helps avoid extra moisture in the cake. Frozen peaches may change the texture slightly, but they will still taste great. Fresh peaches are ideal, but frozen works fine in a pinch.
How can I make my coffee cake more moist?
To make your coffee cake more moist, add a little extra oil or yogurt. You can also try adding more grated zucchini. It adds moisture without changing the flavor. Make sure not to over-mix the batter. This keeps the cake light and fluffy.
What to do if I don’t have walnuts?
If you don’t have walnuts, you can skip them or substitute with another nut. Pecans or almonds work well. For a nut-free option, use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin. You can even leave out the nuts entirely if you prefer a smoother texture.
For the full recipe, check out the Zucchini Peach Coffee Cake details.
This blog post covered how to make a delicious zucchini peach coffee cake. We explored key ingredients, prepping steps, and baking tips. You learned about variations, from gluten-free options to vegan adaptations. I also provided storage tips to keep it fresh and tasty.
In the end, this cake offers a tasty twist for coffee lovers. Experiment with flavors and enjoy a slice any time of day. Happy baking!
