Simple Peach Cake

Peach cake is a dessert that brings sunshine to your table, being so easy to prepare and incredibly delicious. This simple and quick recipe will win over both children and adults, surely becoming a favorite at any family gathering or party. The peaches, with their natural sweetness, transform this dessert into a true culinary gem, while the fluffy texture of the dough perfectly complements the flavors of the fruit.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:
- 26 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 30 tablespoons of water
- 30 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder (the suggestion is to use 3, but 1 is sufficient)
- 2 cups of coconut (or 100 g, depending on preferences)
- 26 tablespoons of flour
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Peaches (or other seasonal fruits, such as apricots or plums, for a delicious variation)

Necessary utensils:
- An electric mixer or a whisk
- A baking tray (approximately 30x40 cm)
- Baking paper
- A large bowl

History and story:
Peach cake is a classic dessert that has its roots in the cooking traditions of many cultures. Seasonal fruits have always been used in desserts to add sweetness and provide a splendid flavor. This cake is often prepared in the warm months when peaches are at their peak taste. It is a dessert that, besides being delicious, also symbolizes the joy of sharing pleasant moments with loved ones.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature. This will help to better homogenize the dough.

2. Mixing the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, add the oil, water, and sugar. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to mix the ingredients for about 3 minutes until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

3. Adding the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. This step is essential to avoid lumps in the dough. Add the flour mixture to the wet composition, along with the coconut, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well until all ingredients are completely homogeneous.

4. Preparing the tray: Line the baking tray with baking paper to prevent the cake from sticking. This will make it easier to remove the cake after baking.

5. Pouring the dough: Pour the composition evenly into the tray and level the surface with a spatula.

6. Adding the peaches: Wash the peaches, peel them (if you prefer), and cut them into slices. Arrange the peach slices next to each other, beautifully sprinkling them over the dough. You can experiment with other fruits, such as apricots or plums, to add a personal touch.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and let it bake for about 45 minutes or until the cake turns golden and passes the toothpick test.

8. Cooling: Once baked, turn off the oven and let the cake cool inside the oven with the door slightly ajar to prevent cracking.

9. Serving: After it has completely cooled, you can dust it with powdered sugar for a more attractive look. Serve the cake cold, alongside a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of fresh cream for a delicious contrast.

Useful tips:
- Choosing the fruits: Choose ripe and sweet peaches for the best results. If you don't have peaches, you can successfully use apples or berries.
- Variations: Replace some of the flour with ground almonds for an extra flavor. You can also add a splash of vanilla to the dough for an extra taste.
- Storage: The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 3 days, but it is best in the first days after baking.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: Each serving has about 200 calories, making it a relatively light option for a dessert. Peaches are rich in vitamins A and C, providing a healthy intake of antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen fruits? Yes, but make sure to let them thaw and drain excess water before adding them to the dough.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by 25% without affecting the texture.
- Can I replace the oil with butter? Yes, but you will need to melt the butter and let it cool before adding it to the composition.

Peach cake is an excellent choice for any occasion, whether it's a gathering with friends or a family dinner. Its delicious taste and ease of preparation make it an ideal dessert for any culinary enthusiast. So, put on your apron and let's enjoy a cake that brings joy in every slice! Bon appétit!