If you’re looking for a dessert that comes together in a snap yet tastes like it took hours of love and baking skill, this Peach Dump Cake Recipe is just what you need. It’s a delightful, wonderfully sweet and tangy treat where juicy peaches mingle with buttery cake topping, creating layers of flavor that feel like a warm hug on a plate. The magic lies in its simplicity—just a handful of pantry staples that turn into a golden, bubbling creation that impresses every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Peach Dump Cake Recipe is in how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering its irresistible texture and flavor. From the rich butter that browns perfectly to the sweet peaches that bring that summery juiciness, every item contributes something special.
- Butter (1 ½ sticks plus 1 tablespoon): Provides moisture, richness, and helps create a crispy, golden crust that’s simply irresistible.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons, packed): Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that balances the fruit perfectly.
- Peaches in heavy syrup (29-ounce can, undrained): The star of the show, bringing natural sweetness and juicy texture in every bite.
- Yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces): Acts as the base layer creating a fluffy, crumbly topping that perfectly contrasts the tender peaches beneath.
How to Make Peach Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by warming your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the perfect temperature for baking the dump cake to a golden, bubbly finish without drying out the peaches or the cake topping.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter and brush it generously over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Then sprinkle the brown sugar evenly on top of the butter—this layer creates a luscious caramel base that will bubble up and give the cake extra sweetness and depth.
Step 3: Add the Peaches
Pour the entire can of peaches, including all that irresistible syrup, right into the prepared dish. Spread the peaches out so they’re evenly distributed; their juicy sweetness will soak into the cake mix later.
Step 4: Layer the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the peaches. Don’t worry about mixing it in; the magic happens as the cake bakes and the syrupy juices combine with the cake base.
Step 5: Dot with Butter
Cut the remaining 1 ½ sticks of butter into small pieces and distribute them evenly over the top of the cake mix. These butter pieces melt during baking, creating a crispy, golden crust that’s pure perfection.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the dump cake for 45 minutes or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and you see bubbly edges. The aroma wafting from the oven will have you counting down the minutes!
How to Serve Peach Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This Peach Dump Cake Recipe is delicious on its own, but if you want to add a little extra flair, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream melts wonderfully on top. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a few fresh peach slices can add texture and a fresh pop that’s simply delightful.
Side Dishes
Serving this warm dessert alongside a cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk is always a winning combo. If you want to make it a more indulgent treat, a light fruit salad or a tangy yogurt parfait complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or family gatherings, consider serving the Peach Dump Cake Recipe in individual ramekins. It makes the dessert feel special and allows everyone to enjoy their own perfectly baked portion. You can also layer it in a trifle bowl with whipped cream and sliced almonds for a stunning presentation that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare!), cover the Peach Dump Cake tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 3 to 4 days while maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
Freezing
This dump cake freezes well if you want to make it ahead. Let it cool completely, then wrap it securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds, or warm the whole dish in a 350-degree oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Adding a little extra butter on top before reheating helps refresh that golden crust.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh peaches can offer a brighter, more natural flavor. Just peel, slice, and toss them with a little sugar and lemon juice before using. You may want to add a bit of peach juice or syrup to keep it moist.
Is it possible to make this dump cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free yellow cake mix to make this dessert suitable for gluten-sensitive friends or family. The texture will be just as delightful and the taste just as sweet.
What variations can I try with this Peach Dump Cake Recipe?
Try swapping out peaches for other fruits like cherries, blueberries, or mixed berries for a different twist. You can also experiment with adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake mix for a warming spice element.
Do I have to use heavy syrup peaches?
Using peaches in heavy syrup adds extra sweetness and syrupy richness. If you prefer a lighter dessert, you can use peaches in natural juice, but you might want to add an extra tablespoon of sugar to balance the flavor.
How do I know when the dump cake is fully baked?
The top should be golden brown and the edges bubbly. You won’t be able to insert a toothpick cleanly since the filling is moist, but the crust should have a lovely crisp quality. Keep an eye on the color, and trust your nose—it smells amazing when it’s done!
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Peach Dump Cake Recipe. It’s one of those special desserts that feels like a cozy family tradition and a delightful treat all at once. Whether you’re serving it to guests or indulging on a quiet night in, it brings simple ingredients to life in the most incredible way. So grab your can of peaches, your yellow cake mix, and get ready to bake something that will quickly become a favorite dessert in your home.
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Peach Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Peach Dump Cake is a quick and easy dessert that layers canned peaches with yellow cake mix and butter to create a golden, buttery, and sweet treat with minimal effort. This classic Southern-style dump cake is perfect for any occasion and delivers a comforting combination of juicy peaches and a crisp cake topping.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
- 1 15.25 oz. box yellow cake mix
Wet Ingredients
- 29 ounce can peaches in heavy syrup (undrained)
- 3/4 cup butter (1 ½ sticks butter, plus 1 tablespoon)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the right temperature before baking.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter and brush it evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Then sprinkle 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar evenly over the melted butter to create a caramelized base.
- Add Peaches: Pour the entire contents of the 29-ounce can of peaches, including the syrup, into the prepared baking dish. Arrange the peaches evenly to cover the bottom layer thoroughly.
- Top with Cake Mix: Evenly spread the entire box of yellow cake mix over the peaches without stirring or mixing.
- Add Butter Pieces: Cut the remaining 1 ½ sticks of butter into small pieces and distribute them evenly over the top of the cake mix to help it brown and crisp while baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh peaches if desired, but canned peaches in syrup give the best moisture and sweetness balance.
- Feel free to experiment with different cake mix flavors such as white or spice cake for a twist.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a classic pairing.
- This dessert can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
