This incredibly simple peach dump cake is the definition of effortless baking. With just four ingredients and minimal prep work, you’ll have a warm, comforting dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The juicy peaches create a natural sauce as they bake, while the cake mix forms a golden, buttery crust on top with hints of cinnamon. It’s the perfect last-minute dessert for potlucks, family gatherings, or whenever you need something sweet without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Takes just 5 minutes to prepare with minimal cleanup
- Uses simple pantry staples you likely already have on hand
- No mixing bowls required—everything is assembled directly in the baking dish
- Creates an impressive dessert with virtually no baking skills needed
- The perfect combination of fruity, buttery, and cake-like textures
- Adaptable to different fruits and flavors
- Can be served warm with ice cream or at room temperature
- Makes your kitchen smell amazing while baking
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Sliced peaches in syrup provide the juicy foundation for this dessert. The natural sweetness and tender texture of canned peaches work perfectly, as they release their juices during baking to create a luscious sauce that infuses into the cake layer. You can use peaches in heavy syrup for a sweeter result or peaches in light syrup or juice for a less sweet version.
Yellow cake mix is the magical shortcut ingredient that creates the cakey top layer without any measuring or mixing. The dry mix combines with the butter and fruit juices during baking to form a perfectly textured crust. Don’t worry about preparing the cake mix according to package directions—you’ll be using it dry straight from the box.
Butter is what transforms the dry cake mix into a rich, golden crust. As it melts, it combines with the cake mix to create those delicious crispy, buttery pockets throughout the dessert. Make sure to slice it thinly and distribute it evenly for the best results.
Cinnamon adds that perfect warm spice note that enhances the flavor of the peaches. It’s the finishing touch that elevates this simple dessert and makes your kitchen smell heavenly as it bakes. You can adjust the amount to your taste preferences.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Open the can of peaches and drain most of the syrup. Spread the peach slices evenly across the bottom of your greased baking dish.
- Take the dry cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the peaches, creating a uniform layer. Make sure to cover all the fruit.
- Slice the butter into thin pats and arrange them evenly across the top of the dry cake mix, covering as much surface area as possible. This ensures the cake will bake evenly.
- Finish by sprinkling the cinnamon over the entire dish.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
This Easy Peach Dump Cake recipe serves 6 people generously. It takes just 5 minutes to prep, 45 minutes to bake, for a total time of 50 minutes from start to finish. Each serving contains approximately 300 calories. For larger gatherings, the recipe can easily be doubled in a larger baking dish.
Variations
Fresh Peach Version: Replace canned peaches with 4 cups of sliced fresh peaches tossed with 1/4 cup sugar. Let them sit for 15 minutes before using to create some juice.
Berry Peach Fusion: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries like blueberries or raspberries along with the peaches for a mixed fruit variation.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for added texture.
Spiced Peach: Add 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg and a pinch of cloves along with the cinnamon for a more complex spice profile.
Caramel Peach: Drizzle 1/4 cup of caramel sauce over the peaches before adding the cake mix.
Coconut Edition: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut on top of the cake mix before adding butter for a tropical twist.
Brown Sugar Butter: Replace half the butter with brown sugar for a more caramelized top.
White Chocolate: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips over the cake mix before baking.
Storage/Reheating
Room Temperature: This dump cake can be kept at room temperature, covered with foil or plastic wrap, for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the dump cake covered for up to 5 days. The texture may change slightly as it chills, but it will still taste delicious.
Freezing: This dessert freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To restore that fresh-baked taste and texture, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. For larger portions, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Serving Cold vs. Warm: While this dessert is traditionally served warm, some people enjoy it cold straight from the refrigerator, especially during summer months.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?
Yes, you can use about 4 cups of sliced fresh peaches. Since fresh peaches don’t have the syrup that canned ones do, toss them with 1/4 cup of sugar and let them sit for about 15 minutes to create some juice before using them in the recipe.
Why is my dump cake dry in some spots?
This usually happens when the butter doesn’t melt evenly over the cake mix. To prevent dry spots, make sure to slice the butter thinly and distribute it as evenly as possible over the entire surface. Alternatively, you can melt the butter and drizzle it over the cake mix for more even coverage.
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! White cake mix, vanilla, butter pecan, or even spice cake mix would work wonderfully with peaches. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.
Is it necessary to drain the peaches?
Partially draining the peaches provides the perfect balance of moisture. If you don’t drain them at all, the cake might be too soggy. If you drain them completely, you might not have enough moisture for the cake mix to absorb.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this dump cake up to a day in advance. Assemble it in the baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Why is it called a “dump cake”?
The name comes from the preparation method—you simply “dump” the ingredients into the baking dish with minimal mixing or preparation. It’s one of the easiest types of desserts to make!
Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Definitely! This recipe works well with many fruit combinations. Try adding berries, cherries, or even apples to create your own variation. Just keep the total amount of fruit around the same volume.
What can I serve with peach dump cake?
Vanilla ice cream is the classic pairing, but whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt also work beautifully. It’s also perfectly delicious served on its own.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Layer the ingredients as directed in your slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2 hours. The top won’t get as crispy as the oven version, but it will still be delicious.
How do I know when the dump cake is done baking?
The dump cake is done when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. You might see some of the fruit juices bubbling up through the cake mix layer, which is a good sign that everything is cooking properly.
Conclusion
Easy Peach Dump Cake is the perfect solution when you need a delicious dessert but don’t have the time or energy for elaborate baking. With just four ingredients and five minutes of prep time, you can create a warm, comforting treat that tastes homemade and special. The combination of juicy peaches, buttery cake topping, and warm cinnamon creates a dessert that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility—serve it warm with ice cream for a decadent after-dinner dessert, or enjoy it at room temperature with afternoon coffee. The simple preparation belies the complex flavors and textures you’ll experience in each bite.
Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced one looking for a reliable shortcut, this peach dump cake deserves a spot in your recipe collection. It’s proof that sometimes the simplest recipes yield the most satisfying results.
Print
Easy Peach Dump Cake
An easy and delicious peach dump cake recipe requiring minimal ingredients and effort for a perfect dessert
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
1 can (15 oz) sliced peaches in syrup, drained
1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup butter, sliced
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Spread peaches evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle the cake mix over the peaches, followed by the butter slices.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon and bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a complete dessert experience.
- This recipe is perfect for potlucks and quick dessert fixes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian