Best Peach Dump Cake

Peach Dump Cake is one of those delightfully easy, no-fuss desserts that proves you don’t need a long list of ingredients or hours of prep to create something truly delicious. With its sweet, syrupy peaches, warm spices, buttery cake topping, and irresistibly crisp golden crust, this dessert is a classic for a reason. It’s called a “dump” cake because all the ingredients are literally dumped into a pan—no mixing bowls, no complicated techniques. The oven takes care of the rest, transforming simple pantry staples into a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert.

Perfect for summer potlucks, cozy family dinners, or last-minute guests, this peach dump cake is as versatile as it is tasty. The juicy peaches bring natural sweetness and flavor, while a touch of cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg adds warm, aromatic depth. A box of yellow cake mix simplifies the process, and a generous layer of butter creates that perfect crisp topping as it bakes. It’s a dessert that requires almost no effort but delivers maximum flavor. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled straight from the fridge, Peach Dump Cake is a timeless favorite that’s hard to beat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Ridiculously Easy: Minimal prep—just dump, bake, and enjoy.
2. Classic Comfort Dessert: Warm, sweet, and full of nostalgia.
3. Few Ingredients: Only pantry staples and one canned fruit required.
4. Perfect for a Crowd: Great for potlucks, family dinners, or holidays.
5. Customizable: Easy to switch up the fruit or cake flavor.

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Ingredients

• Peach slices in juice
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Yellow cake mix
• Light brown sugar
• Unsalted butter (cut into thin pats)

Variations

• Different Fruit: Swap peaches for cherry pie filling, apple slices, or mixed berries.
• Cake Mix Flavors: Try white, spice, or butter cake mix instead of yellow.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for crunch.
• Extra Spice: Add a dash of allspice or cloves for more warmth.
• Boozy Twist: Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the peaches before baking.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

Pour the canned peach slices (with juice) into a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 3

Stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg directly into the peaches in the dish.

Step 4

Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the peach mixture—do not stir.

Step 5

Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the dry cake mix.

Step 6

Distribute the butter pats evenly over the top, covering as much surface area as possible.

Step 7

Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit mixture is bubbling at the edges.

Step 8

Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, room temperature, or chilled.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use peaches in juice—not syrup—for the best balance of sweetness.
• Do not stir the layers; the cake bakes best when left as-is.
• Spread butter evenly for a consistent golden crust.
• If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking.
• Let it cool slightly to allow the juices to thicken before serving.

How to Serve

Peach Dump Cake is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
• Enjoy cold straight from the fridge for a firmer texture.
• Pair with coffee or tea for a comforting dessert or sweet brunch.
• Sprinkle with toasted nuts or granola for added crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover dump cake in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Cool the cake completely before freezing. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30–60 seconds, or warm the whole dish in the oven at 325°F until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?

Yes, just slice and sweeten fresh peaches slightly and add about 1/4 cup of juice or water to mimic the canned variety.

2. Should I drain the peaches?

No, use the juice—it’s essential for creating the syrupy base.

3. Can I use butter from the tub?

Stick butter is best for slicing and even melting. Tub spreads may contain too much water.

4. Is yellow cake mix the only option?

No, white, butter, or even spice cake mix works well too.

5. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, bake it in advance and store in the fridge. Reheat before serving if desired.

6. How do I keep the topping crispy?

Serve soon after baking, and avoid covering tightly while still hot.

7. Can I add nuts?

Yes, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before baking.

8. Can I use peaches in syrup?

You can, but it will result in a much sweeter dessert. Juice is preferred.

9. Is this dessert very sweet?

It’s moderately sweet; you can reduce the brown sugar slightly if desired.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger baking pan and adjust baking time as needed.

Conclusion

The Best Peach Dump Cake is the kind of dessert that brings comfort, flavor, and convenience all in one. With minimal prep and maximum payoff, it’s the perfect sweet ending to any meal, whether you’re cooking for guests or treating yourself on a quiet night. The golden, buttery topping over spiced, juicy peaches is simply irresistible. Keep this recipe handy—it’s bound to become a go-to favorite for busy nights, weekend treats, or anytime you need a delicious dessert with almost zero effort.

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