If you love effortless desserts that require only a handful of pantry staples, you absolutely have to try this Peach Dump Cake Recipe. This classic treat brings together the juicy sweetness of peaches and the golden, tender crunch of cake in the simplest way possible, letting your oven do all the work. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or looking for a beginner-friendly dessert, this recipe guarantees a warmly nostalgic, fruit-forward cake that’s perfect for potlucks, summer gatherings, or last-minute cravings. Once you taste it, this will become your go-to when you crave a comfort dessert without the fuss!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Peach Dump Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient adds its own flair, from the bright peaches to the buttery top. Everything works together to create a dessert that feels both homey and irresistible, all with just a few easy-to-find staples.
- Canned Sliced Peaches: Use two 15-ounce cans of sliced peaches in juice or light syrup (undrained) for ultimate moisture and vibrant peach flavor.
- Yellow Cake Mix: One box of yellow cake mix ensures a sweet, golden, slightly crumbly topping that perfectly hugs the fruit.
- Unsalted Butter: Sliced into thin pats, this is the secret to a golden, crisp, and buttery crust throughout every bite.
- Ground Cinnamon (optional): A sprinkle over the peaches adds a warm, aromatic note that takes the flavor up a notch.
- Vanilla Ice Cream or Whipped Cream (optional): The classic finishing touch, adding cool, creamy contrast to the warm cake.
How to Make Peach Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to make sure your Peach Dump Cake Recipe comes out with perfectly easy-to-serve squares and minimal sticking. This simple prep step sets you up for cake success!
Step 2: Add the Peaches
Pour both cans of peaches—juice and all—into your greased baking dish. Spread them out evenly so every bite has that sweet, sunny peach flavor. The syrup or juice provides natural moisture, which in turn creates a luscious, fruity base.
Step 3: Sprinkle Cinnamon (Optional)
If you love a touch of spice, sprinkle the ground cinnamon evenly over the peaches. This optional step adds a subtle warmth and aroma that pairs beautifully with the rest of the ingredients, giving this Peach Dump Cake Recipe an even cozier appeal.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix right on top of the peaches, making sure to cover the entire surface. Resist the urge to stir—layering is what creates those signature textures, from soft fruit on the bottom to the craggy, golden top.
Step 5: Add Butter
Arrange the thin pats of unsalted butter all across the top of the cake mix layer. These pockets of butter will melt and seep through the cake, creating a beautifully baked, crisp-tender crust.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly with peachy goodness. Your kitchen will smell like pure summer!
Step 7: Serve
Let the cake cool just slightly so the juices thicken a bit, then serve it warm. Top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that dreamy, molten effect.
How to Serve Peach Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Dress up each bowl with a big scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a cloud of whipped cream right before serving. For an extra flourish, try a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a shower of chopped toasted pecans to add even more flavor and a little bit of crunch.
Side Dishes
While Peach Dump Cake Recipe shines as a dessert star, serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad or sweetened iced tea for the perfect summer celebration. For an after-dinner treat, a steaming cup of coffee beautifully balances the golden, sweet richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try making individual portions in ramekins for dinner parties, or serve it picnic-style in mason jars with layers of cake and cream. For a rustic touch, present the cake straight from the baking dish and let everyone dig in family-style—everyone loves a dessert with a sense of occasion!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Peach Dump Cake Recipe keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just make sure to cool it to room temperature first before sealing it up to preserve the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, portion the cooled cake into airtight containers or wrap the baking dish tightly with foil. The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm individual servings in the microwave for 30–45 seconds until heated through, or pop the whole baking dish back in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and warm. Top with fresh ice cream or whipped cream for that just-baked effect.
FAQs
Can I use fresh or frozen peaches instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use about 4 cups of sliced peaches. Add 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup peach juice or water to mimic the sweetness and moisture of canned peaches.
Does the cake mix have to be yellow, or can I use another flavor?
Yellow cake mix is classic for this Peach Dump Cake Recipe, but white or even spice cake mix also tastes delicious. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, so feel free to experiment!
Do I need to stir the layers together?
No stirring! The magic of this recipe comes from layering the ingredients. The butter melts down, moistening the cake mix and creating that signature golden, cobbler-like topping.
Is there a dairy-free version?
For a dairy-free Peach Dump Cake Recipe, substitute plant-based butter or margarine for the unsalted butter. Just make sure the cake mix you use is also dairy-free.
Can I make this dessert in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble everything up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for a few hours before you’re ready to bake. Bake just before serving for the best texture and freshness.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something unbeatable about the nostalgic warmth of this Peach Dump Cake Recipe—especially when it comes together so easily! Whether you’re making it for a crowd or just treating yourself on a cozy night in, this peachy, buttery wonder is a surefire way to delight everyone at the table. Give it a try and watch it disappear before your eyes!
Print
Peach Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious simplicity of this Peach Dump Cake recipe. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a warm and comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Canned Peaches:
- 2 (15 oz) cans sliced peaches in juice or light syrup (undrained)
Cake Mix:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (sliced into thin pats)
Optional:
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer Peaches: Spread the undrained peaches in the baking dish. Add cinnamon if desired.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the peaches without stirring.
- Top with Butter: Place butter slices over the cake mix.
- Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen peaches by adding sugar and liquid.
- Enhance with nutmeg or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
