Caramelized Peach Coffee Cake

Life has been crazy, busy lately!  Can't believe that in two weeks we'll be hittin' the road and movin' out of this place!  Time has just FLOWN by this year...  Where did it go and why did I not get to do everything I wanted to?

Out of town again...  Anna and I were rooting on the boys this morning while whipping this tasty "cake" up (with the addition of Grace and Christina who were here hanging out with us and joining in on the fun).  It's time to raid all the kitchen cabinets, the freezer, the fridge... and just get everything used! 

Not too sugary and sweet, and made with some whole wheat flour, this breakfast "cake" is a great start to any day.  Try it with some fresh peaches and bring in the summer!

Caramelized Peach Coffee Cake

caramelized peach slices
   1 peach (sliced)
   1 - 2 tbs butter (for caramelizing the peach slices)
   1 tbs cinnamon (for dusting
   1 - 2 tbs brown sugar

In a sauce pan, melt the butter (start with less and add more if you need to).  On medium-high heat, place peach slices down in melted butter.  Sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar.  Allow both sides to caramelize (about 5-6 minutes per side or until lightly browned).  Remove from heat and let set until batter is made.

batter
   1/2 cup butter
   1/4 cup brown sugar
   2 eggs
   1/2 cup ricotta (or sour cream if you'd prefer)
   1/2 cup buttermilk
   1 cup whole wheat flour
   1/2 cup white flour
   1 1/2 tsp baking powder
   1/2 tsp baking soda
   1/2 tsp salt
   1/2 tsp cinnamon (more if you'd like)

Preheat oven to 350.

Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.  Add eggs and vanilla and mix again until incorporated.  In another bowl, mix both flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon together.  Add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, along with the ricotta and buttermilk, and stir just until mixed together.

Butter and flour one 8" or 9" cake pan.  Layer the bottom of the cake pan with the caramelized peaches (dusting with a little extra brown sugar if you desire).  Pour batter over peaches and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs.

Let cool for about 10 minutes before turning out onto a plate.  Serve!