There’s something magical about a dessert that’s both incredibly easy to make and absolutely delicious. Peach Dump Cake is one of those recipes that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Juicy, tender peaches combine with a buttery cake topping to create a warm, golden treat that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or simply when you’re craving something sweet. It’s a fuss-free dessert that doesn’t require any fancy baking skills yet still leaves everyone impressed and asking for seconds. The best part? It only takes a few minutes to prepare before your oven does all the work.
Ingredients
- 2 cans sliced peaches (in syrup)
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the sliced peaches, along with their syrup, into a greased baking dish and spread them evenly. Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the peaches, ensuring full coverage without mixing the layers. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, making sure as much of the surface is moistened as possible for an even golden crust. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is crisp and golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges. Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect finish.
Tips for Success
For best results, avoid stirring the ingredients together—the magic of a dump cake lies in the layering. Use good-quality canned peaches in syrup for the richest flavor, but if peaches are in season, fresh slices with a bit of added sugar make a wonderful substitute. For a spiced variation, sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg over the cake mix before baking. Ensure that your butter is melted and evenly distributed; this helps the topping bake evenly without dry patches.
Variations to Try
You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste. Swap the yellow cake mix for white cake mix for a lighter flavor or spice cake mix for a cozy autumn twist. Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, or stir in a handful of shredded coconut for a tropical note. For a berry twist, layer fresh raspberries or blueberries on top of the peaches before adding the cake mix.
Serving Suggestions
Peach Dump Cake is delicious on its own, but pairing it with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream elevates it to a restaurant-worthy dessert. The contrast between the cold creaminess and the warm, gooey peach filling creates a satisfying texture combination. For a brunch setting, serve small portions with a dollop of Greek yogurt instead of ice cream for a lighter option.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds or place the entire dish in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through. While the texture is best on the first day, it still tastes wonderful reheated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?
Yes! Simply peel and slice fresh peaches and toss them with 1/2 cup sugar to mimic the syrup from canned peaches. You may also need to add a splash of water or fruit juice to keep the filling moist.
Do I have to use yellow cake mix?
Not at all—white, spice, or butter cake mixes all work beautifully. Each will give the dessert a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a few hours. Bake it just before serving for the best texture.
What’s the best way to make it extra crispy on top?
Make sure your butter covers most of the cake mix. You can also add a sprinkle of coarse sugar over the top before baking to enhance the crunch.
Is Peach Dump Cake gluten-free?
It can be! Just use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure your canned peaches are labeled gluten-free.
Conclusion
Peach Dump Cake is the ultimate easy dessert—quick to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and always satisfying. Its rich peach flavor, buttery crisp topping, and melt-in-your-mouth texture make it a favorite for gatherings big and small. With minimal prep time and just a few ingredients, it’s proof that you don’t need complicated recipes to make something truly delicious. Whether you serve it warm with ice cream at a family dinner or bring it to a potluck, this dessert will always be a crowd-pleaser. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.
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