Peach Dump Cake Recipe: An Effortless Summer Dessert
Nostalgic fruit and golden butter meld into a scoopable treat that comforts with every bite.
Peach Dump Cake: The Ultimate Lazy Summer Dessert
Few desserts are as easy, comforting, or consistently loved as the peach dump cake. Its name may not sound fancy, but its simplicity and flavor have made it a staple for busy home cooks and those seeking a nostalgic, fruity treat. With just a handful of pantry staples—canned peaches, a box of cake mix, and butter—you can create a dessert that’s as effortless as it is satisfying.
What Is a Peach Dump Cake?
The term “dump cake” comes from the method: you simply dump ingredients into a baking dish and bake. There’s no creaming, folding, or sifting—just layer, bake, and enjoy. The result is a dish that’s somewhere between a cobbler and a cake, with a gooey, fruity base and a golden, crisp topping.
The magic lies in the syrup from the canned peaches, which bubbles up and soaks into the cake mix, creating a texture that’s scoopable rather than sliceable. It’s comfort food at its best, and it’s ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 2 (15.25 oz.) cans sliced peaches in heavy syrup (plus syrup)
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 box (15.25 oz.) yellow cake mix
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) salted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- Toasted sliced almonds (optional, for serving)
- Vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)
How to Make Peach Dump Cake: Step-by-Step
- Prep the Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Add the Peaches: Pour both cans of peaches and their syrup into the dish. Drizzle with almond extract and gently stir to combine.
- Add Butter: Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of the butter cubes over the peaches.
- Top with Cake Mix: Pour the dry cake mix evenly over the peaches. Gently pat it into an even layer using your hands or the back of a spoon.
- Add More Butter: Scatter the remaining butter cubes evenly over the cake mix.
- Bake: Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit mixture is bubbly.
- Serve: Sprinkle with toasted almonds if desired, and serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Why Peach Dump Cake Is a Genius Dessert
This recipe is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something magical. The syrup from the peaches provides all the moisture the cake mix needs to bake up tender and golden, while the butter melts over the top to create a crisp, buttery crust.
The result is a dessert that’s both rustic and irresistible, with a texture that’s closer to a cobbler or crisp than a traditional cake. It’s best enjoyed by the scoop, especially when paired with a melting scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Difference Between Dump Cake and Cobbler
One of the most common questions about dump cakes is how they differ from cobblers. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Dump Cake | Cobbler |
|---|---|
| Ingredients are layered, not mixed | Topping is usually a batter or biscuit dough that’s mixed |
| Dry cake mix is used as the topping | Often uses a batter or biscuit topping |
| No stirring or mixing required | Usually requires mixing batter or dough |
| Baked until topping is crisp and golden | Baked until topping is cooked and fruit is bubbly |
In short, a cobbler’s topping is mixed and spooned over the fruit, while a dump cake’s topping is sprinkled dry over the fruit—no mixing, no fuss.
Is Dump Cake Supposed to Be Runny?
Compared to traditional cakes, dump cakes are a bit gooier, thanks to the fruit and syrup. The topping bakes up crispy on top but remains moist and tender beneath, creating a texture that’s somewhere between a cake and a fruit crisp. This makes it perfect for serving by the scoop, especially with ice cream, rather than slicing it like a layer cake.
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How to Dress Up Your Peach Dump Cake
While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, it’s easy to dress up for a special occasion or to suit your taste:
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds over the top before baking for extra crunch and flavor.
- Mix in Berries: Toss in a cup of fresh blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries before adding the cake mix for a burst of color and additional fruit flavor.
- Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the classic companion to warm, gooey dump cake.
- Experiment with Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake mix for a warm, spicy note.
- Try Different Cake Mixes: Use any flavor of cake mix you have on hand—yellow, white, or even chocolate can all work beautifully with peaches.
Can You Make Dump Cake with Other Fruits?
Absolutely! Peach dump cake is just the beginning. The method is infinitely adaptable, and you can use any canned pie filling or fruit in syrup. Cherry-pineapple mixed with white cake mix is especially popular, or try apple with caramel sauce and a spice cake mix for a fall twist. The key is to use fruit that’s packed in syrup to ensure enough moisture for the cake mix to bake up tender and golden.
Storage and Reheating
Once your peach dump cake is baked, let it cool completely. Then, tightly wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave, or reheat the whole pan in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Peach Dump Cake
Q: What makes a dump cake different from a regular cake?
A dump cake skips all the mixing—instead, you layer the ingredients in a baking dish and bake. The cake mix remains dry before baking and soaks up the fruit juices during cooking, resulting in a tender, slightly gooey texture.
Q: Can you use fresh peaches instead of canned?
While canned peaches in syrup work best to ensure enough moisture, you can use fresh peaches. Just slice, toss with sugar (about 1/4 cup), and let sit for 15 minutes to release juices before layering with the cake mix.
Q: Does peach dump cake need to be refrigerated?
Yes, once cooled, cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to three days.
Q: How can I make my dump cake less runny?
The runny texture is part of the charm! If you prefer a firmer cake, use less syrup from the peaches or use peaches in natural juice rather than heavy syrup.
Q: Can I add other flavors or spices?
Absolutely. Almond extract is traditional, but you can add vanilla, cinnamon, or even a splash of bourbon for extra flavor.
Q: Can I freeze peach dump cake?
Dump cake can be frozen after baking. Let cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q: Is it really okay to use dry cake mix without adding eggs or oil?
Yes! The moisture from the fruit and syrup plus the melted butter is all you need for the topping to bake up crisp and golden.
Variations and Customizations
The beauty of dump cakes is their adaptability. Here are a few fun twists to try:
- Berry Medley Dump Cake: Mix peaches with blackberries, raspberries, or blueberries before adding the cake mix for a colorful, juicy result.
- Peach & Coconut Dump Cake: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the cake mix and butter for a tropical twist.
- Peach & Pecan Dump Cake: Swap almonds for chopped pecans for a nutty, Southern-inspired dessert.
- Peach Melba Dump Cake: Layer peaches with raspberry preserves and use vanilla cake mix for a nod to the classic Peach Melba.
Serving and Presentation
Presentation matters, even for rustic desserts. Serve your peach dump cake straight from the dish for a casual get-together, or scoop it into individual bowls for a pretty presentation. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, sprinkle with nuts or fresh berries, and watch guests come back for seconds.
More About the Author
The recipe is brought to you by Ree Drummond, also known as The Pioneer Woman, renowned for her down-to-earth cooking style and love of simple, delicious recipes. Her team, including Senior Food Editor Josh Miller, is dedicated to creating recipes that are both approachable and creative, ensuring everyone can find something delicious to try.
Conclusion
Peach dump cake is a foolproof dessert that demystifies baking. With just a few ingredients and almost no prep, you get a warm, comforting, and endlessly adaptable treat. Whether you serve it at a potluck, after a family dinner, or just because you need a little pick-me-up, it’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth—and leave you wondering why you ever tried anything more complicated.
Final Tips
- Keep It Simple: The recipe is forgiving—don’t overthink it.
- Play with Flavors: Swap fruits, extracts, and nuts to suit your mood.
- Make It Ahead: Prep ahead and bake when needed for a stress-free dessert.
- Enjoy Warm: Serve with ice cream for the best experience.
Peach dump cake is proof that sometimes the simplest things are the best. Dump, bake, and enjoy!
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