A Peach Dump Cake is the epitome of easy, delicious comfort food! It’s one of those desserts where you literally “dump” the ingredients in a baking dish and let the oven do all the work. This recipe combines sweet, juicy peaches with a buttery cake topping that crisps up perfectly in the oven. It’s a classic, and you’ll love how simple it is to make!
Best Peach Dump Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) sliced peaches in syrup (or fresh peaches, peeled and sliced – about 4 cups)
- 1/4 cup (60g) sugar (optional, depending on the sweetness of your peaches)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)
- 1 box (about 15 oz) yellow cake mix (or vanilla cake mix)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick, 115g) unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Prepare the Peaches:
- If using canned peaches, drain the syrup, but reserve a couple of tablespoons for extra moisture. Place the peaches (drained or fresh) in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- If you like, sprinkle the peaches with a little sugar and cinnamon to enhance their natural sweetness. Toss to coat evenly.
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Add the Cake Mix:
- Evenly spread the dry cake mix over the peaches, covering them completely. Don’t stir or mix it in, just sprinkle it out like a topping.
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Top with Butter:
- Place the thin slices of butter evenly on top of the cake mix. It will melt during baking and create a beautiful crispy, golden topping.
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Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the peaches are bubbly.
- The cake should have a slightly crispy top with a soft, cakey texture underneath, and the peaches will be tender and sweet.
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Cool and Serve:
- Let the peach dump cake cool slightly before serving, but it’s best enjoyed warm.
- Serve as is, or top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Tips for the Best Peach Dump Cake:
- Fresh Peaches: If you’re using fresh peaches, peel and slice about 4-5 medium peaches. You might need a little extra sugar depending on how ripe they are.
- Extra Flavor: For a more complex flavor, add a dash of ground nutmeg or a little almond extract with the vanilla.
- Add Some Crunch: For a fun twist, sprinkle a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cake mix before baking for added crunch.
- Other Fruit: You can swap peaches for other fruits, like blueberries, strawberries, or even a mix of fruits. It works with pretty much any canned or fresh fruit!
- Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, you can use a sugar-free cake mix and opt for a lighter butter substitute (like margarine or coconut oil).
Why This Dump Cake is the Best:
- Easy: It requires minimal effort and ingredients, making it perfect for when you need a quick dessert.
- Versatile: You can use any fruit you like (try it with cherries, apples, or even mixed berries), and it’ll still be amazing.
- Delicious: The combination of juicy peaches and the buttery, crisp cake topping is hard to beat.
This Peach Dump Cake is so simple, but it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Plus, it makes your kitchen smell like a bakery! Let me know how it turns out, or if you make any fun tweaks!