If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite, you’ve got to try this Peach Dump Cake Recipe. It’s a brilliantly simple, delightfully sweet treat that brings together juicy canned peaches with the buttery crispiness of cake topping, all baked into one heavenly dish. Whether you’re a baking beginner or just short on time, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of comfort and flavor that makes dessert time something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Peach Dump Cake Recipe is a breeze thanks to its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role: from the luscious peaches providing juicy sweetness to the cake mix creating a golden crust that makes every forkful satisfying.
- Peach slices in heavy syrup: These bring a juicy, sweet base and plenty of moisture that keeps your cake delectably tender.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the natural fruit flavors with a warm, comforting aroma.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a lovely hint of warm spice that complements the peaches perfectly.
- Ground nutmeg: Offers a subtle nutty note that deepens the flavor profile starting with the moment you taste it.
- Yellow cake mix: Forms that irresistible, crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft peaches under.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Ensures the cake topping browns nicely and adds the richness that makes this dessert feel indulgent.
- Vanilla ice cream: Suggested for serving, a cold creamy scoop elevates the warm cake to a luxurious finish.
How to Make Peach Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan
Start by setting your oven temperature to 350°F (180°C), or 160°C if you’re using a fan oven. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this small step ensures your dump cake won’t stick and makes cleanup easier. Preparing your baking dish early on means you’re all set once the assembly begins.
Step 2: Prepare Fruit Base
Open the can of peach slices and pour every juicy bit, syrup included, into your baking dish. Add vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to the peaches and stir gently until well combined. Spreading this mixture evenly helps that delicious peach flavor shine through every bite and sets the stage for the cake topping.
Step 3: Add Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the peach layer. Don’t worry about smoothing it out perfectly; you want full coverage so the fruit stays beneath but will bubble up around the edges to that magical balance of juicy filling and cakey crust.
Step 4: Add Melted Butter
Next, drizzle the melted unsalted butter over the entire surface of the dry cake mix. This step is the secret to achieving that irresistible crisp and golden color on top. Try to cover the cake mix as evenly as possible for a uniform, buttery crunch.
Step 5: Bake
Pop your assembled dish straight into the preheated oven. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until the top turns a perfect golden brown and you see the filling bubbling around the edges—that classic sign your Peach Dump Cake Recipe is ready to come out and cool.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let your cake cool for about 30 minutes. This rest lets the filling thicken slightly so you get neat, perfect slices wherever you dig your spoon in. Serve warm topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
How to Serve Peach Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
While the cake is wonderful on its own, adding a few garnishes can take it to the next level. Fresh peach slices or a sprinkle of toasted pecans add texture and freshness, while a dusting of powdered sugar makes it look effortlessly elegant. Don’t forget the vanilla ice cream—a must for that creamy-cold contrast.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines brightly on its own but can be paired with a simple cup of rich coffee or a light, fruity sparkling beverage to balance the sweetness. For a more substantial dessert spread, offer sliced fresh fruit or simple whipped cream on the side for guests to customize their serving.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not shake things up the next time you make this Peach Dump Cake Recipe? Try preparing singles in ramekins for pretty, individual servings or layer the warm cake with whipped cream and chopped nuts in a trifle cup for a stunning presentation. You could even serve it atop waffles or pancakes for an unforgettable brunch twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers—and believe me, it does happen—store the Peach Dump Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep nicely for 3 to 4 days, and the flavors tend to meld even more deliciously overnight.
Freezing
This dump cake freezes well, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert. Cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop a portion in the microwave for about 30 to 60 seconds until warm, or heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes to revive that crispy topping. Serving with a scoop of ice cream afterwards will bring it right back to fresh-from-the-oven magic.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned ones?
Absolutely! Just use about 4 cups of sliced fresh peaches, toss them with some sugar and a bit of lemon juice, and then use them in place of the canned peaches. You may also want to add a splash of syrup or a bit of water to keep the moisture content up for baking.
Is it necessary to use cake mix, or can I make it from scratch?
Cake mix makes this recipe so quick and foolproof, but if you prefer, you can use a homemade yellow cake batter or even a simple biscuit topping. Just remember the buttery drizzle on top to get that classic dump cake crispiness.
Why is it called a “dump” cake?
It’s called a dump cake because making it involves “dumping” the ingredients into the pan without fussing over mixing or layering precisely. This ease is what makes it a favorite for busy days or unexpected guests.
Can I add other fruits to this Peach Dump Cake Recipe?
Definitely! You can mix in berries, cherries, or even sliced apples for variation—just adjust the spices accordingly to complement the fruit blend. Dump cakes are versatile, so feel free to experiment.
What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
You can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand, but reduce any additional salt in the other parts of your recipe if needed. The salted butter may add a subtle savory edge to balance the sweetness.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Peach Dump Cake Recipe a try because it’s one of those desserts that never disappoints. It’s easy, comforting, and wonderfully adaptable—perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself after a long day. Once you make it, it might just become that go-to dessert you reach for again and again. Enjoy every bite!
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Peach Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Peach Dump Cake is an effortlessly delicious dessert featuring juicy canned peach slices combined with warm spices and topped with a buttery yellow cake mix crust. Baked to golden perfection and served with vanilla ice cream, it’s the perfect sweet treat for any gathering.
Ingredients
Fruit Layer
- 1 (29 oz / 823 g) can peach slices in heavy syrup, undrained
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Cake Topping
- 1 (15.25 oz / 425 g) box yellow cake mix
- 3/4 cup (156 g) unsalted butter, melted
For Serving
- Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) or 160°C for a fan oven. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (approx 22×33 cm) baking dish to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Prepare Fruit Base: Pour the entire can of peach slices, including the heavy syrup, into the prepared baking dish. Add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir well to combine and spread the mixture evenly across the dish.
- Add Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the peach layer, covering all the fruit completely.
- Add Melted Butter: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly over the top of the dry cake mix, ensuring as much coverage as possible for a golden, crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 30 minutes to set slightly. Serve warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Use a 9×13-inch baking dish for best results.
- Do not stir the cake mix into the fruit; it should be sprinkled evenly on top.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving to let the filling thicken.
- For an extra touch, add chopped nuts on top of the butter before baking.
- This cake tastes even better the next day when the flavors have melded.
