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I wasn’t planning on making dessert the first time I threw this together. I had a can of peaches, a box of cake mix, and not much motivation. But somehow, that lazy combo turned into something warm, buttery, and honestly kind of amazing.
This peach cobbler dump cake is now my go-to when people expect “something homemade” and I have zero energy. It’s quick, reliable, and nobody cares that it came from a can—they just want seconds. Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a chilly night in, this recipe just works.
Don’t expect anything fancy here—just good, sweet comfort with barely any cleanup.
Peach Cobbler Dump Cake
This peach cobbler dump cake is the ultimate no-fuss dessert—made with canned peaches, boxed cake mix, and butter. Perfectly golden, gooey, and ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (16 oz each) sliced peaches in heavy syrup
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- reheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pour both cans of peaches (with syrup) into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the peaches. Gently press it down with the back of a spoon.
- Place butter pieces evenly across the surface of the cake mix.
- Sprinkle cinnamon over the top.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra texture, add chopped pecans or a sprinkle of brown sugar before baking.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1 squareAmount Per Serving: Calories: 296Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 489mgCarbohydrates: 65gFiber: 2gSugar: 36gProtein: 3g
Nutrition info is an estimate based on typical ingredients and portions - I calculate these to give you a helpful starting point! For specific dietary needs or accurate counts, I recommend double-checking with your favorite nutrition app or talking to a health professional. You can read more about my approach to nutrition info at notetherecipe.com/disclaimer
Save This Recipe for Later
Don’t lose track of a dessert that’s this easy and satisfying. Whether you’re planning ahead for a holiday dinner, a weekend gathering, or just want a no-fuss sweet option on standby, this peach cobbler dump cake deserves a spot in your recipe collection.
What You’ll Need
Let’s keep this simple—no fancy equipment or obscure ingredients here. This peach cobbler dump cake is all about ease, using pantry staples and minimal prep. Here’s everything you need to pull it off:
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15–16 oz) sliced peaches in heavy syrup
These provide sweetness, moisture, and that syrupy base we’re after. You can also use fresh or frozen peaches if you prefer—just add a bit of sugar and juice to replicate the syrup. - 1 box (about 15 oz) yellow cake mix
This is the shortcut magic. No mixing needed—just sprinkle it over the peaches and let the oven do the rest. You can also try butter pecan cake mix for a warmer, nuttier flavor. - ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
Cut into small pieces to distribute evenly across the top. It melts down to form that golden, crisp topping everyone fights over. - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but recommended)
Adds a cozy flavor that makes this feel like fall in a baking dish.
Optional Add-Ins
- Chopped pecans or walnuts – For crunch and added richness.
- Vanilla extract – Stir a splash into the peach mixture for extra depth.
- Brown sugar – Sprinkle a little on top for a caramelized finish.
Ingredient Notes & Tips
- Fresh Peaches? Go for it. Peel and slice 4–5 ripe peaches, toss with ½ cup sugar and ¼ cup juice or water to mimic canned syrup.
- Frozen Peaches? Thaw and drain them first. You’ll need to compensate with some added sweetness or syrup.
- Making it for a crowd? Double the recipe in a large roasting pan or use two baking dishes side by side.
This recipe is flexible—good for summer cookouts, fall potlucks, or those times when you need something comforting and low-effort. Whether you use canned peaches or fresh from the tree, this peach dump cake brings big flavor without the hassle.
Detailed Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this peach cobbler dump cake to life. No mixers, no stress—just a few simple steps and one dish that’ll have your kitchen smelling like you actually planned this.
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give it time to fully preheat so the topping gets crisp and golden, not soggy.
2. Prep the Baking Dish
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish (glass or ceramic works best). No need to grease it—those peaches have enough syrup to do the job.
3. Add the Peaches
- Dump both cans of peaches with the syrup directly into the dish.
- Spread them out evenly with a spoon or spatula. If you’re using fresh peaches, make sure they’re sweetened and juicy to mimic the syrup texture.
4. Add Cinnamon
Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon over the peaches. This adds that warm, cobbler-like flavor and makes it smell like you know what you’re doing.
5. Sprinkle the Cake Mix
- Open your yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the fruit.
- Don’t mix it in—just let it sit right on top like a blanket of sugary promise.
- Use the back of a spoon to gently press down the dry mix so it settles into the fruit slightly.
6. Add the Butter
- Slice the butter into thin pats or small cubes.
- Dot them evenly across the top of the cake mix. This helps melt everything into a golden, crisp topping.
Optional Move: Sprinkle on some chopped nuts or brown sugar at this stage for a little extra texture and depth.
7. Bake
Place the dish on the center rack and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until:
- The top is golden brown
- The edges are bubbling with peachy goodness
Check at the 35-minute mark to avoid over-browning, especially if your oven runs hot.
8. Cool Slightly
Let it sit for about 10–15 minutes after baking. It helps the filling set up a bit and prevents any scalded tongues—ask me how I know.
Serving Suggestions
- Scoop and serve warm straight from the dish.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling generous.
- Great for summer parties, holiday dinners, or just Tuesday.
Simple, right? You just made a warm, gooey peach cobbler dump cake with barely any effort. You’re basically a magician in an apron.
Tips & Tricks
This peach cobbler dump cake is simple, but a few small adjustments can make it even better. These tips will help you get the best results whether you’re baking for a summer event or just want something warm and sweet without much effort.
Use the Right Peaches
- Canned peaches in heavy syrup are the easiest and give consistent flavor. Do not drain the syrup—it’s essential for the texture.
- If using fresh peaches, peel and slice about 4 to 5 ripe ones. Add sugar and a little juice or water to mimic the syrup.
- Frozen peaches also work. Thaw and drain them first, then mix in sugar to balance the flavor.
Don’t Mix the Layers
After pouring the peaches into the dish and sprinkling the cake mix on top, resist the urge to stir. Keeping the layers separate allows the butter to melt through the dry mix and form a crisp, golden topping.
Distribute the Butter Evenly
Cut the butter into small pieces and scatter them over the cake mix so every part gets coverage. Dry patches happen when butter isn’t spread evenly. For more control, you can melt the butter and drizzle it over the top.
Add Texture or Flavor
You can build on the base recipe if you want a little variety:
- Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top for crunch.
- Use a spice blend—add nutmeg or ginger with the cinnamon for a warmer flavor.
- A handful of brown sugar on top before baking adds a caramel note and deeper color.
Choose the Right Pan
A 9×13-inch baking dish gives the best balance of crisp top and juicy filling. A smaller dish may create a thicker topping but needs a watchful eye to avoid overbaking.
Make It in Advance
Assemble the dish a few hours ahead and refrigerate it, covered. Bake it when you’re ready to serve. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days and reheat in the oven or microwave.
These tips help you get consistent results and allow you to customize the dessert depending on the season, your pantry, or what sounds good that day. Keep it easy, and let the ingredients do the work.
You Might Also Like
If this peach cobbler dump cake hit the spot, here are a few more easy, crowd-pleasing recipes to keep on your list. Each one offers a different flavor profile but keeps that same simple, satisfying approach:
- Greek Yogurt Protein Muffins – Easy & Healthy Recipe
A quick grab-and-go snack or breakfast packed with protein and just the right touch of sweetness. - Lemon Almond Cake Recipe – Light, Moist & Citrusy
A bright, soft cake with subtle almond flavor—perfect for spring or a light dessert after dinner. - Easy Spiced Breakfast Cake – Cozy & Low-Carb Recipe
This one’s warm, gently spiced, and low on carbs, but full on comfort. - Mouthwatering Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops & Potatoes
A full, hearty dinner that delivers big flavor with very little prep. - Bright & Easy Patriotic Poke Cake for July 4th Parties
A fun, colorful cake perfect for summer gatherings, especially when red, white, and blue are on the menu.
These recipes work well for busy weeks, casual parties, or just keeping your dessert rotation fresh and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 3 ingredient peach cobbler dump cake typically includes canned peaches in syrup, yellow cake mix, and butter. That’s it. You pour the peaches into a baking dish, sprinkle the dry cake mix on top, then cover with sliced butter. As it bakes, the ingredients blend into a warm, gooey filling with a golden, cake-like topping.
The most common mistake is mixing the ingredients together after layering. Dump cake relies on the separation of layers—the syrupy fruit on the bottom, dry mix in the middle, and butter on top. Stirring ruins the texture and keeps the topping from baking properly. Another issue is uneven butter distribution, which can lead to dry spots.
A cobbler is usually made with a homemade biscuit or cake batter spooned over fruit, and it requires mixing and more prep. A dump cake skips all that. You “dump” the ingredients in layers—usually starting with fruit, then cake mix, then butter—and bake. Dump cake is faster, more casual, and often relies on pantry staples.
At its most basic, you’ll need:
Canned peaches in syrup (or fresh/frozen with added sugar and liquid)
Yellow cake mix
Butter
Optional add-ins include cinnamon, brown sugar, chopped nuts, or a splash of vanilla. A 9×13-inch baking dish is the standard size for this recipe.