Last August, after a hot and sticky afternoon at the local farmers market, I walked home with a paper bag full of perfectly ripe peaches and zero desire to turn on the stove for long. That day had the kind of heat that makes your front porch feel like a sauna and your motivation melt faster than a popsicle. I wanted dessert—something cozy and nostalgic—but easy enough to throw together without hovering over a hot oven all day.

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That’s when I remembered a little trick my neighbor once shared with me during a block party: dump cake. Not the prettiest name, but what it lacks in flair, it makes up for in taste—and simplicity. I took her basic formula, swapped in those fresh peach slices, a bit of cinnamon for warmth, and a generous splash of melted butter.

As a result, I had Buttery, bubbling gold. The edges crisped into a soft, cake-like crust, while the center stayed gooey and rich with sweet peach juice. I served it warm, straight out of the oven, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that started to melt the moment it touched the surface. It wasn’t just dessert—it was comfort. Ever since then, this Peach Cobbler Dump Cake has become my go-to when I want that made-from-scratch flavor without the effort.

Short Description

Peach Cobbler Dump Cake is an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert made with canned or fresh peaches, cake mix, and melted butter. Just layer, bake, and enjoy a golden, bubbling treat in under an hour!

Key Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) peach slices, drained (or use fresh/frozen peaches)
1 tbsp sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (or any cake mix of your choice)
1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)

Tools Needed

9×13-inch baking dish
Measuring spoons
Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)
Spoon or spatula
Oven mitts

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Layer the Peaches
Spread the drained peach slices evenly across the bottom of the dish. If you’re using fresh or frozen peaches, make sure they’re sliced and slightly thawed. Sprinkle sugar on top if you want extra sweetness.

Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the peaches. Do not mix or press down—this helps create a buttery crumble on top.

Step 4: Add Cinnamon (Optional)
Dust the top of the cake mix with ground cinnamon for a cozy, warm flavor.

Step 5: Pour the Butter
Drizzle melted butter over the entire surface of the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible—this will help it bake evenly and create that golden top.

Step 6: Bake It
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly around the edges. The surface should look crisp and slightly crumbly.

Step 7: Serve Warm
Scoop and serve warm. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’d like—it’ll melt right into the cake and create a dreamy dessert moment.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– Only 5 ingredients and almost no prep

– No mixing bowls needed—just layer and bake

– Customizable with different fruits and cake flavors

– Perfect balance of gooey fruit and crisp topping

– Great for potlucks, holidays, or quick weeknight desserts

– Comforting and nostalgic flavors in every bite

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Mistake 1: Using too much fruit juice
Solution: Drain canned peaches thoroughly. Too much liquid will make the cake soggy.

Mistake 2: Stirring the cake mix
Solution: Resist the urge to mix. Dump cakes work best when the dry mix stays on top, forming a crispy layer as it bakes.

Mistake 3: Uneven butter distribution
Solution: Pour the melted butter slowly and evenly. If needed, use a spoon to spread it out gently over dry patches.

Mistake 4: Overbaking
Solution: Check at the 35-minute mark. The top should be golden and the edges bubbling. Overbaking can dry out the topping.

Mistake 5: Skipping the greased pan
Solution: Always grease your baking dish to prevent sticking, especially with sugary fruit.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream

Add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce

Perfect for family-style dinners, brunch buffets, or Sunday potlucks

Pairs beautifully with iced tea, coffee, or a chilled glass of white wine

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days

Freezer: Freeze portions in sealed containers for up to 1 month

To Reheat: Warm in the microwave in 30-second intervals or reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes for a crispier texture

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?
Yes! Just peel and slice about 2 cups of ripe peaches. You can use them raw or lightly sauté them with sugar and a splash of lemon juice for more flavor.

2. What happens if I stir the cake mix into the peaches?
It changes the texture. Mixing it in will result in a more uniform, cakey consistency rather than the classic cobbler topping.

3. Can I use white or spice cake mix instead?
Absolutely! White cake mix gives a lighter flavor, while spice cake adds extra warmth and depth.

4. Is this recipe too sweet?
You can skip the optional sugar or use unsweetened peaches if you prefer a less sweet dessert.

5. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, assemble it the same way in a greased slow cooker and cook on low for 2–3 hours or until the top is set and golden.

Tips & Tricks

Use a glass baking dish for even browning

Sprinkle chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds) on top before baking for added crunch

Add a dash of nutmeg or cardamom for extra spice

Let the cake rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the juices to thicken

Recipe Variations

1. Berry Cobbler Dump Cake

Use 1 can (15 oz) mixed berries or fresh strawberries

Swap yellow cake mix for vanilla or white cake mix

Add ½ tsp lemon zest to brighten the flavor

2. Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake

Use 1 can (15 oz) apple pie filling

Use spice cake mix for a fall twist

Add chopped walnuts and ¼ tsp nutmeg before baking

3. Tropical Peach-Mango Dump Cake

Mix 1 cup diced mango with drained peaches

Use coconut or pineapple cake mix

Top with shredded coconut before baking

Final Thoughts

Peach Cobbler Dump Cake has a way of surprising you. It’s the kind of recipe that proves you don’t need fancy techniques or a long list of ingredients to make something downright irresistible. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of the beauty in simplicity—how a few pantry staples can create a dessert that feels like a warm hug.

The contrast of buttery crisp topping and juicy peaches is magic in every bite. And let’s be honest—any recipe that lets you “dump and bake” is a keeper. You’ll want to file this one under always in rotation.

Peach Cobbler Dump Cake