If you’re craving a simple, sweet dessert that bursts with juicy peaches and a perfectly crumbly topping, Peach Dump Cake is your answer. This classic Southern favorite has won hearts for its effortless preparation and incredible flavor — you literally “dump” ingredients into a pan and let the oven do the magic. Whether you’re a busy home cook or a novice baker, Peach Dump Cake makes dessert easy, fast, and delicious.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Peach Dump Cake: what it is, why it’s so popular, a foolproof recipe, handy variations, and tips to make your own perfect batch every time.
Table of Contents
What Is Peach Dump Cake? A Quick Introduction
Peach Dump Cake is a no-fuss dessert made by layering canned peaches, cake mix, and butter, then baking until golden and bubbly. It’s called a “dump cake” because you simply dump all the ingredients into a baking dish without any complicated mixing or measuring. The result is a cobbler-like dessert with sweet, juicy peach filling and a crunchy, buttery cake topping.
Why You’ll Love Peach Dump Cake
- Super easy to make: Minimal prep, no mixer required.
- Uses pantry staples: Canned peaches and boxed cake mix are your best friends.
- Deliciously comforting: Warm, sweet peaches meet a crisp, cakey topping.
- Versatile: Great for potlucks, family dinners, or spontaneous dessert cravings.
Ingredients for Peach Dump Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic Peach Dump Cake:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Canned peaches | 2 cans (15 oz each) | Sweet, juicy fruit base |
| Yellow cake mix | 1 box (15.25 oz) | Crumbly, sweet topping |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (2 sticks) | Adds richness and crispiness |
| Cinnamon (optional) | 1 tsp | Adds warm spice (optional) |
| Brown sugar (optional) | 2 tbsp | Extra caramel flavor (optional) |
How to Make Peach Dump Cake: Step-by-Step Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly.
- Drain the canned peaches, reserving a bit of juice if you want a juicier cake.
- Spread the peaches evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar over the peaches if using for extra flavor.
- Evenly cover the peaches with the dry yellow cake mix—don’t stir!
- Slice the butter into thin pats and scatter them evenly over the cake mix.
- Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving — this allows the juices to thicken.
Enjoy your warm Peach Dump Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
Tips for the Best Peach Dump Cake
- Use high-quality canned peaches packed in juice, not syrup, for a more natural flavor.
- Don’t mix the layers! The magic happens when the butter melts over the cake mix, creating a crispy crust.
- For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts or shredded coconut on top before baking.
- Want it gluten-free? Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix.
- Serve warm for the best flavor experience.
Delicious Variations to Try
Peach Dump Cake with Fresh Peaches
Swap canned peaches for fresh, sliced peaches. Toss them with a little sugar and lemon juice, then layer as usual.
Peach Dump Cake with Cream Cheese
Add dollops of cream cheese between the peaches and cake mix layers for a rich, tangy twist.
Mixed Fruit Dump Cake
Mix peaches with other fruits like blueberries or blackberries for a colorful, fruity dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peach Dump Cake
What does “dump cake” mean?
“Dump cake” refers to a dessert where you literally dump the ingredients into a pan and bake — no mixing required.
Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?
Yes! Just slice and layer fresh peaches, and add a bit of sugar and lemon juice to enhance sweetness and flavor.
How should I store leftover Peach Dump Cake?
Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Can I make Peach Dump Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking, but bake fresh for the best texture.
Is Peach Dump Cake gluten-free?
Traditional recipes use boxed cake mix, which contains gluten. Use gluten-free cake mix to make a gluten-free version.
Why Peach Dump Cake Should Be Your Next Dessert
With its irresistible combination of sweet peaches and buttery, crispy topping, Peach Dump Cake is more than just a dessert — it’s a stress-free way to impress family and friends. You don’t need baking skills or fancy ingredients. Just pantry staples and a little oven time.
Ready to whip up your own Peach Dump Cake? Grab those canned peaches and that cake mix — your easiest, tastiest dessert is just a dump away!