Peach Dump Cake Recipe
If you are craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug from summer itself, this Peach Dump Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s incredibly easy to make, combining the natural sweetness of canned peaches with the buttery, crispy top of a golden cake mix. This dessert is perfect for those days when you want something impressive that practically makes itself, yet delivers big on flavor and nostalgic charm. It’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a go-to favorite at family gatherings, potlucks, or even just a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but absolutely essential to achieve that perfect balance of juicy, sweet peach filling and a light, crisp topping. Each component brings something special to your Peach Dump Cake Recipe, from the luscious peaches to the buttery richness of the cake layer.
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) sliced peaches in juice or light syrup, undrained: Provides juicy sweetness and soft texture that makes the filling irresistible.
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix: Gives the dump cake its signature crumbly, golden crust that’s crunchy on top and tender underneath.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats: Adds rich flavor and creates the melt-in-your-mouth contrast between the peaches and cake mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): Infuses a warm, aromatic note that perfectly compliments the peaches.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional): Adds subtle spice enhancing the overall depth of the dessert.
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing: Prevents sticking and ensures easy serving.
How to Make Peach Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This simple step guarantees your cake will come out cleanly and maintain its beautiful structure when you serve it.
Step 2: Add the Peaches
Pour both cans of sliced peaches along with their juice evenly into the prepared dish. This juicy base is what keeps the cake moist and flavorful. If you love a little extra warmth in your dessert, sprinkle the peaches with cinnamon and nutmeg—it’s optional but highly recommended for that extra cozy twist.
Step 3: Layer the Cake Mix
Next, sprinkle your dry yellow cake mix evenly over the peach layer. This is the key step where the “dump” part of this dump cake recipe really shines—no stirring required! Gently press the cake mix down, but avoid mixing it in, so it bakes into a beautiful crust on top.
Step 4: Add the Butter
Distribute the thin pats of butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. These pockets of butter melt during baking, creating that irresistible golden crust and rich flavor that makes this Peach Dump Cake Recipe truly addictive.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll want to watch for the top to turn a gorgeous golden brown and for the filling to be bubbly along the edges. Once baked, let the cake cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to settle perfectly.
How to Serve Peach Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This dump cake is wonderful on its own, but adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream takes it to an entirely new level. The cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm, fruity cake, creating a truly indulgent experience.
Side Dishes
Serve your peach dump cake alongside a fresh fruit salad or a vibrant green tea to balance the sweetness with refreshing notes. This pairing is perfect when you want a light, complementary contrast that refreshes the palate without overshadowing the flavors of the dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch at your next gathering, serve the Peach Dump Cake Recipe in individual ramekins or mason jars. Layer the cake with extra peaches and a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for added visual appeal and mouthwatering flavor. Guests will appreciate this thoughtful presentation almost as much as the taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers—and honestly, it’s hard not to finish off the whole dish—store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Your dump cake will stay delicious for 3 to 4 days, making for perfect next-day treats or easy dessert snacks.
Freezing
Peach dump cake freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a sweet treat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently for that freshly baked feel with half the effort.
Reheating
To enjoy your peach dump cake warm after storage, reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or warm a full dish in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Either way, the top regains some of its original crispness, and the flavors pop right back to life.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh or even frozen peaches work well, but you’ll want to add about 1/2 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water to replace the syrup from the canned version and maintain the perfect moistness in the filling.
Why is it called a dump cake?
The term “dump cake” comes from the simplicity of the recipe—you literally dump the ingredients into the baking dish without mixing. It’s a time-saver and results in a delicious, layered dessert with minimal effort.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free cake mix with a similar consistency, you can enjoy this Peach Dump Cake Recipe without gluten. The end result will be just as delightful.
What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
You can use salted butter in a pinch, just reduce or omit any extra added salt in the recipe. The cake may be slightly saltier, but the butter richness will still shine through.
How long will the cake stay moist after baking?
Because of the juicy peach filling, the cake stays moist for several days when stored properly. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld, so feel free to prepare it ahead of time.
Final Thoughts
This Peach Dump Cake Recipe is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm, sweet hug every time you take a bite. Its simplicity is its charm, showing how a few pantry staples can come together to create magic in your kitchen. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro looking for an easy crowd-pleaser, this recipe is sure to become a beloved classic. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Peach Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Peach Dump Cake Recipe is a quick and easy dessert that combines juicy canned peaches with a buttery yellow cake mix topping, baked to golden perfection. It’s perfect for summer or any time you crave a simple, comforting sweet treat.
Ingredients
Peach Mixture
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) sliced peaches in juice or light syrup, undrained
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Cake Topping
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats
Other
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Add Peaches: Pour the canned peaches with their juice evenly into the prepared baking dish. If desired, sprinkle the peaches with cinnamon and nutmeg for added warmth and flavor.
- Add Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the peaches. Gently press it down slightly but do not stir or mix the layers together.
- Top with Butter: Distribute the thin pats of unsalted butter evenly over the surface of the cake mix. The butter will melt during baking, creating a golden, crisp topping.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbly around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the dump cake to cool slightly before serving to let it set. For an extra indulgence, serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra richness.
- You can substitute fresh or frozen peaches; if unsweetened, add 1/2 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water to maintain sweetness and moisture.
- Be careful not to stir the layers after adding the cake mix to maintain the dump cake’s classic texture.
- For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
