If you are craving an effortless, crowd-pleasing dessert that bursts with sweet, buttery goodness, this Peach Dump Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine juicy peach slices swimming in rich syrup, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a golden, crisp cake layer that practically melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect combination of comfort and simplicity, so easy to prepare yet irresistibly delicious. Whether it’s a casual weeknight treat or a festive gathering, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for all things peach and cozy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step to creating your delightful Peach Dump Cake. Each one plays a vital role: the peaches bring juiciness and natural sweetness, the spices add warmth, the cake mix creates a fluffy crust, and the butter delivers that luscious, golden finish you’ll love.
- Peach slices in heavy syrup (1 can, 29 oz / 823 g): Using the syrup-packed peaches keeps the cake moist and flavorful without any extra sugar needed.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle depth and aroma that enhances the peaches beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a warm, comforting spice note that pairs perfectly with the fruit.
- Ground nutmeg (1/8 teaspoon): A pinch of nutmeg adds complexity without overpowering the other flavors.
- Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz / 425 g): The secret to the quick prep—creates a soft, fluffy cake topping with minimal effort.
- Unsalted butter (3/4 cup / 156 g, melted): Drizzled on top to achieve that irresistible golden crunch and rich flavor.
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving): The perfect cool and creamy companion to your warm peach dump cake.
How to Make Peach Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) or 160°C if you have a fan oven. Then lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish; this simple step prevents any sticking during baking and makes clean-up a breeze later on.
Step 2: Combine the Peaches and Spices
Next, pour the entire can of peach slices, syrup and all, right into your prepared dish. Add in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg, then stir everything gently to make sure the flavors are evenly mixed and the peaches are spread out nicely.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Now, evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the peach mixture. The idea is to suspend the peaches under this layer, allowing the mix to absorb all those juicy syrupy flavors for that ideal crumbly crust.
Step 4: Add the Butter
Drizzle the melted butter slowly over the top of the cake mix layer. Try to cover as much surface as possible—this step is crucial for that stunning golden top and crisp texture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is beautifully golden brown and you see the peach filling bubbling around the edges. That bubbling means juicy, warm goodness waiting to be enjoyed.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let your Peach Dump Cake rest for about 30 minutes after removing it from the oven. This cooling period helps the dessert set just right before serving. Grab a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make it even more irresistible!
How to Serve Peach Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your peach dump cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is the classic, delicious choice. For extra flair, try sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon over the ice cream — it adds crunch and visual appeal that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of sweet iced tea alongside. If you’re serving the cake for a brunch or gathering, fresh whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt can balance the sweetness and add a creamy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to dress things up, consider serving individual portions in pretty ramekins. You could also layer leftovers in parfait glasses with granola and fresh peach slices for a totally fresh, new twist on this classic Peach Dump Cake Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover peach dump cake should be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days and actually tastes fantastic slightly warmed—just pop a portion in the microwave for around 20 seconds.
Freezing
This cake freezes remarkably well. To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place portions into airtight containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, so you always have a sweet treat ready to go.
Reheating
Reheat your frozen or refrigerated peach dump cake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving large portions as it can make the texture soggy—oven heat keeps the crust nicely crisp.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned for this Peach Dump Cake Recipe?
Fresh peaches can work, but canned peaches in heavy syrup give the cake its signature juicy sweetness and syrupy texture. If fresh peaches are your choice, make sure they are ripe and add a bit of sugar and extra liquid to compensate.
What can I substitute for yellow cake mix?
If you prefer not to use a boxed cake mix, you can make your own simple batter with flour, sugar, baking powder, and a bit of salt, but the convenience and texture from the pre-made mix are what make this recipe so quick and foolproof.
Is this Peach Dump Cake Recipe gluten-free?
Traditional yellow cake mix contains gluten, so this recipe as is is not gluten-free. However, you can try substituting with a gluten-free cake mix to accommodate dietary needs.
How sweet is this Peach Dump Cake Recipe?
The sweetness is balanced perfectly thanks to the canned peaches’ syrup and the cake mix. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you might consider halving the syrup or sprinkling the peach layer with a bit of lemon juice before adding the cake mix.
Can I make this dessert vegan?
To make a vegan version, select a vegan yellow cake mix, replace butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan margarine, and double-check canned peaches for no animal-derived additives. The result will still be delicious and just as comforting.
Final Thoughts
With its incredible ease and irresistibly warm flavors, this Peach Dump Cake Recipe is a total winner for any occasion. Whether you’re in need of a quick dessert fix or impressing friends with minimal fuss, this cake delivers every single time. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your all-time favorites too!
Print
Peach Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Total Time: 45-55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Peach Dump Cake is a simple and delicious dessert featuring juicy peach slices combined with warm spices, topped with a buttery, golden cake mix crust. It’s baked to perfection and served best with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Fruit Mixture
- 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
Serving
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) or 160°C if using a fan oven. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (approx 22×33 cm) baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick, and set it aside.
- Prepare Peach Mixture: Pour the entire can of peach slices along with the heavy syrup into the prepared baking dish. Add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir everything together to combine evenly, then spread the mixture flat in the dish.
- Add Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the peach layer, covering the fruit completely to form the base of your topping.
- Drizzle Butter: Pour the melted unsalted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix, aiming for as much coverage as possible. This butter helps create a golden and crispy topping as it bakes.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. The cake is done when the top turns golden brown and you see bubbling peach filling around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the dump cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 30 minutes to help it set slightly. Serve warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added creaminess and flavor.
Notes
- Use a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure even cooking and proper thickness.
- You can substitute the yellow cake mix with a white or spice cake mix for variation.
- Peach slices with juice or light syrup can be used, but heavy syrup creates a richer filling.
- Letting the cake cool before serving helps it set and makes slicing easier.
- For a dairy-free option, use vegan butter and dairy-free ice cream.
