If you’re craving a dessert that is irresistibly sweet, incredibly easy, and boasts juicy peaches baked to perfection, then this Peach Dump Cake Recipe is just what you need in your life. This wonderful dessert combines canned peaches, a simple yellow cake mix, and slices of butter, creating a magical fusion of flavors and textures without the fuss of mixing or creaming. It’s the perfect go-to recipe for busy weeknights, last-minute guests, or whenever you want a homestyle treat that feels like a warm hug in dessert form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients is all it takes to make a dessert bursting with flavor and a golden crust that everyone will love. Each ingredient plays an essential role, contributing to the juicy filling, the buttery crisp topping, and the cozy spice notes if you choose to add them.
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) sliced peaches in juice or light syrup (undrained): Provides the juicy, tender fruit base with natural sweetness and moisture.
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces): Forms the fluffy, easy-to-make crust that bakes up golden and slightly crunchy.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick, cut into thin slices): Adds richness and helps the cake mix achieve that irresistible crisp topping.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the peaches if you want to enhance their natural flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional): Offers a subtle spicy note that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving (optional): The perfect cool contrast to the warm, gooey dessert.
How to Make Peach Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish to ensure your cake doesn’t stick. This step sets the stage for an easy cleanup and a beautifully baked dessert.
Step 2: Layer the Peaches
Pour the canned peaches with all their juice evenly into the greased baking dish. The juice is the secret to that luscious, saucy consistency that makes this cake sing. If you’re itching to add a little more spice, sprinkle the optional cinnamon and nutmeg over the peach layer now. It gives the filling a lovely, fragrant kick.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Next, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the peaches, covering the fruit completely but do not stir. This no-mix layering is what makes the “dump cake” so effortless and unique. The cake mix bakes up into a golden topping as it absorbs the peach juices beneath.
Step 4: Add the Butter
Distribute the thin slices of unsalted butter evenly over the surface of the cake mix. These butter pieces melt and soak into the cake topping, creating a perfectly buttery, crisp crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft peaches underneath.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Peach Dump Cake Recipe in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the peach filling bubbles around the edges. The smell at this point is absolutely heavenly!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving so that the filling thickens a bit. This pause ensures each slice holds its shape while still being warm and gooey—a true delight paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
How to Serve Peach Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
The best part about Peach Dump Cake Recipe is that it’s stunning on its own, but you can elevate it with a few thoughtful garnishes. A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over warm slices, creating a creamy contrast to the sweet and tangy peaches. For a lighter option, freshly whipped cream adds softness without overpowering the delicate fruit flavors. Fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a pop of color and a touch of elegance if you’re serving guests.
Side Dishes
Although the Peach Dump Cake Recipe is a complete dessert by itself, pairing it with light side options can make your meal even more special. Think of fresh fruit salad for a refreshing bite, or a crisp green salad to balance out the sweetness. For brunch gatherings, it pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or iced tea, making it a delightfully versatile dessert option at any time of day.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to take your Peach Dump Cake Recipe presentation up a notch, consider serving it in individual ramekins for a charming single-serve touch. Layering it in a trifle dish alongside whipped cream and additional fresh peaches can transform it into a stunning layered dessert perfect for parties. For a rustic feel, simply scoop generous portions onto dessert plates and garnish with some fresh peach slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon for that homey vibe everyone loves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this delicious Peach Dump Cake Recipe, store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen when chilled, and it’s ready to enjoy cold or slightly warmed. Just make sure to cover it tightly so it doesn’t absorb other fridge odors.
Freezing
This Peach Dump Cake Recipe also freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions or the entire cake tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you want a treat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently for a warm, comforting dessert with all the original charm.
Reheating
To bring your leftover Peach Dump Cake Recipe back to life, reheat it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15 minutes or until warm throughout. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the oven will help maintain the crispy topping much better. Serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream to recreate that fresh-from-the-oven magic.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned in this Peach Dump Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh peaches work wonderfully. Just peel, slice, and add about 1/2 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water to mimic the syrupy juice that canned peaches provide. This keeps the dessert moist and flavorful.
What happens if I stir the cake mix into the peaches?
It’s best not to stir. The dry cake mix on top of the peaches bakes into a distinct, cakey crust while the peaches underneath become a tender filling. Stirring would create a more uniform batter, changing the texture you expect from a dump cake.
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes! While yellow cake mix is classic for this recipe, white or spice cake mixes make delightful variations, adding subtle changes in flavor that keep the recipe fresh and exciting.
Is the Peach Dump Cake Recipe gluten-free?
This version uses regular cake mix, which contains gluten. However, you can try a gluten-free yellow cake mix to adapt the recipe for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing flavor.
What if I don’t want to use butter?
Butter is key to the crisp, golden topping and rich flavor. If you prefer not to use butter, try a good quality margarine or coconut oil sliced thinly as a substitute, but be aware it will slightly change the taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully effortless and comforting about this Peach Dump Cake Recipe that it quickly becomes a household favorite. Its simple ingredients and fuss-free assembly deliver a dessert that feels like homemade love on a plate every time. So go ahead, gather your pantry staples, and whip up this sweet, buttery, fruity delight to share with your loved ones—you’re going to want to make it again and again!
Print
Peach Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Peach Dump Cake Recipe is an easy and delicious dessert featuring canned peaches topped with a buttery yellow cake mix, baked to golden perfection. It’s perfect for a quick summer treat or any time you want a comforting fruit dessert without the fuss of complicated baking.
Ingredients
Peach Mixture
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) sliced peaches in juice or light syrup (undrained)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick, cut into thin slices)
Serving
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Add peaches: Pour the canned peaches with their juice evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the base of the dessert.
- Season peaches: If desired, sprinkle ground cinnamon and nutmeg over the peaches to add warm spice flavors.
- Sprinkle cake mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the peaches without stirring, creating the cake layer on top.
- Add butter slices: Arrange thin slices of unsalted butter evenly over the entire surface of the cake mix to ensure a rich, golden crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and serve: Let the dump cake cool slightly before serving. For an extra treat, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh or frozen peaches (about 4 cups); add 1/2 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water to mimic the canned peach juice.
- Try using a white or spice cake mix instead of yellow for different flavor variations.
