Easy Peach Dump Cake Recipe
If there’s one dessert that wins hearts all year round without breaking a sweat, it’s Easy Peach Dump Cake. This is the kind of old-fashioned treat that feels like a warm hug—fragrant peaches, a buttery golden topping, and the right hint of nostalgia. Whether you’re after a fuss-free weeknight sweet or a festive finale for a summer barbecue, this recipe hits all the right notes: buttery, juicy, and absolutely effortless. If you love crowd-pleasers that deliver big flavor with minimal effort, this is about to become your new go-to!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This short, sweet list is your ticket to the magic behind Easy Peach Dump Cake. Each ingredient plays a starring role—juicy peaches add sun-ripened sweetness, cake mix provides that irresistible tender crust, and butter brings it all together in golden harmony. Here’s what you need:
- Canned Peaches (2 cans, 15 oz each, undrained): Use peaches in juice or light syrup for the perfect amount of sweetness and natural fruit flavor right at the base.
- Yellow Cake Mix (1 box): This dry mix transforms directly into a crisp, crumbly topping that pairs beautifully with the soft peaches underneath.
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup, sliced into thin pats): Layering butter over the cake mix ensures every bite comes out golden and rich.
- Ground Cinnamon (½ teaspoon, optional): A dash brings warmth and complexity, perfectly complementing the peaches.
- Vanilla Ice Cream or Whipped Cream (for serving, optional): Either one is your ticket to dessert nirvana—don’t skip if you want to take it over the top!
How to Make Easy Peach Dump Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), giving you a head start on that heavenly aroma. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it—this keeps cleanup easy and prevents any golden crust from sticking.
Step 2: Layer in the Peaches
Pour both cans of peaches, juice and all, straight into your dish. The juices will bubble up and mingle with the cake, making every spoonful moist and flavorful. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon evenly over the peaches for a touch of spice, if desired.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Without stirring, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix right over the peaches, covering them completely. Resist the urge to mix—this “dump” method is the secret to that signature layered effect, with fruity filling below and a tender crumb on top.
Step 4: Dot with Butter
Arrange your sliced butter in an even layer over the surface of the cake mix. The butter will melt as it bakes, creating that irresistible golden crust and sealing in all the goodness below.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is beautifully golden, bubbly at the edges, and your kitchen smells like a country bakery. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before digging in—if you can wait!
How to Serve Easy Peach Dump Cake
Garnishes
This is where you can have a little fun! A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream is absolute perfection with warm peach dump cake. A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a few fresh peach slices add color, flavor, and that extra-special touch.
Side Dishes
If you’re serving Easy Peach Dump Cake at a summer party, pair it with light sides like lemony iced tea or a crisp fruit salad. For holiday gatherings, try it alongside spiced nuts or a cheese board for a sweet-savory balance that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking the cake in individual ramekins for charming single-servings, or serve big, family-style scoops in bowls with assorted toppings (ice cream bar style!). Feeling fancy? Layer pieces into a trifle glass with whipped cream and toasted almonds for a peachy parfait twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Easy Peach Dump Cake covered in the fridge. It will keep well for about 3 days, and the fruit flavors deepen as it sits. Make sure it’s tightly sealed to keep the topping from getting too soft.
Freezing
This dessert freezes surprisingly well! Simply spoon cooled cake into an airtight container or wrap the baking dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, warm up individual portions in the microwave for about 30–45 seconds. If you’re reheating a larger batch, cover your dish with foil and bake at 325°F (163°C) until hot and bubbly (about 15–20 minutes). Top with your favorite garnish and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use fresh or frozen peaches instead of canned?
Absolutely! Use about 4 cups of fresh or frozen peaches. If you do, add ½ cup sugar and ½ cup of peach juice or water to mimic the sweet, syrupy base you’d get from canned peaches. It lets you enjoy Easy Peach Dump Cake at the peak of peach season!
Do I need to stir the layers before baking?
No stirring required! The charm of Easy Peach Dump Cake comes from that rustic, layered effect. As it bakes, the cake mix “floats” down into the peaches, creating a perfectly gooey, cobbler-like dessert every time without any mixing fuss.
What if I don’t have yellow cake mix?
You can use white cake mix, spice cake mix, or even butter pecan for a twist. Each will bring its own personality to the dish. No matter which one you choose, you’ll still end up with that signature golden, buttery topping.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The top should look golden and slightly crisp, and the fruit should be bubbling around the edges. Insert a toothpick in the topping—if it comes out mostly dry with a few moist crumbs, your Easy Peach Dump Cake is ready to go!
Can I double this recipe for a bigger crowd?
Totally! Just use a larger pan or two baking dishes, and double all ingredients. Keep an eye on the baking time—larger quantities might need a few extra minutes, but the method stays just as easy and fuss-free.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving that perfect intersection of homemade charm and no-fuss baking, Easy Peach Dump Cake truly delivers. With its juicy layers and golden, buttery topping, it’s a go-to dessert for any season or celebration. Give it a whirl—chances are, this sweet classic will earn a permanent spot in your dessert lineup!
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Easy Peach Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Peach Dump Cake is a simple yet delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients, you can create a sweet and comforting treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Canned Peaches:
- 2 cans (15 oz each) sliced peaches in juice or light syrup (undrained)
Yellow Cake Mix:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
Unsalted Butter:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (sliced into thin pats)
Optional:
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Peaches: Pour the canned peaches with their juice evenly into the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle cinnamon over the peaches if using.
- Add Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the top of the peaches—do not stir.
- Top with Butter: Place butter slices evenly over the surface of the cake mix, covering as much of the top as possible.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen peaches (about 4 cups), but add ½ cup sugar and ½ cup peach juice or water if not using canned.
- Spice it up with nutmeg or ginger for variation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
