Let’s be honest—some days, you just need a dessert that practically makes itself. That’s where this Peach Cobbler Dump Cake shines. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s big on flavor, low on effort, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like heaven. Whether you’re new to baking or just want something sweet without the fuss, this is the ultimate go-to recipe.
Dump cakes have been around for decades, and there’s a good reason they’ve stood the test of time. This sweet, peachy dessert combines the juicy goodness of canned peaches with a golden, buttery cake topping. You don’t even need a mixing bowl—everything gets dumped right into the baking dish. Seriously, it doesn’t get any easier.
From summer picnics to last-minute dinner guests, this recipe has your back. It’s quick, cozy, budget-friendly, and oh-so satisfying. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a classic that never goes out of style.
Why You’ll Love Peach Cobbler Dump Cake
There are dozens of reasons to adore this recipe, but here are a few that might just make it your new favorite:
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Only five ingredients—and you probably already have most of them.
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No mixing bowls or fancy tools required.
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Perfect for beginner bakers or anyone in a rush.
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Warm, fruity, buttery, and irresistible.
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Can easily be dressed up with toppings like ice cream or whipped cream.
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Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight desserts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ready to get started? Here’s what you need for this fuss-free, flavor-packed dessert:
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2 cans (15 oz each) of sliced peaches in syrup – Do not drain them! The syrup is what makes the magic happen.
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1 box (15.25 oz) of yellow cake mix – This forms the golden, crumbly top.
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¾ cup (1½ sticks) of unsalted butter, melted – It brings richness and helps create that crisp, golden crust.
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1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon – Optional, but adds a warm, spiced twist.
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Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream – For serving. It’s not required, but it’s highly recommended.
How to Make Peach Cobbler Dump Cake
This is where things get exciting—because it truly doesn’t get any easier than this.
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease Your Dish: Lightly butter or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Add the Peaches: Pour the peaches and all the syrup into the baking dish. Spread them out evenly.
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Add the Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the peaches. Resist the urge to stir. You want the layers to stay separate.
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Drizzle with Butter: Slowly pour the melted butter over the top of the cake mix, trying to cover as much of the surface as possible.
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Optional Cinnamon: If you’re using cinnamon, sprinkle it across the top now.
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Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly around the edges.
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Cool and Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. It’s best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for the Best Dump Cake Ever
Even though this recipe is ultra-simple, these tips will help you take it to the next level:
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Distribute butter evenly: Pour slowly and gently to ensure the top cooks evenly and doesn’t get dry.
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Don’t mix the layers: The magic happens as the ingredients bake into one another.
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Let it rest after baking: This helps everything set up and makes it easier to serve.
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Use quality peaches: Not all canned peaches are created equal. Look for ones in light syrup for better flavor balance.
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Want it extra crisp? Add a handful of chopped pecans or granola on top before baking.
Fun Variations to Try
This recipe is super adaptable. Once you master the basic version, you can switch things up with these tasty variations:
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Fresh Peaches: Use 4 cups of peeled, sliced peaches. Add ½ cup sugar and ¼ cup water or juice to replicate the syrup.
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Spiced Cake Mix: Try using a spice cake or butter pecan mix for extra warmth and depth.
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Berries Galore: Add 1 cup of blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries to the peach layer.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
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Mini Cobblers: Divide the mixture into individual ramekins and reduce bake time to about 30–35 minutes.
How to Serve It
Peach Cobbler Dump Cake is delicious on its own, but these simple additions take it from great to unforgettable:
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The warm cake paired with cold, creamy ice cream? Pure bliss.
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Whipped Cream: Add a generous dollop for a lighter touch.
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Caramel Drizzle: A swirl of caramel sauce on top adds a gourmet finish.
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Yogurt or Crème Fraîche: For a more sophisticated twist, serve with a spoonful of tangy cream.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This dessert keeps beautifully, which makes it ideal for leftovers—or planning ahead.
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Make-Ahead: You can assemble the whole thing a few hours ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Yes, it freezes well! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
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Reheat Like a Pro: Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to keep things moist and fluffy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cake mix flavors other than yellow?
Absolutely! White, butter, spice, or even lemon cake mixes work beautifully.
What if I don’t have canned peaches?
No worries—use frozen or fresh peaches with added sugar and liquid to mimic the syrup.
Is it really okay not to mix the ingredients?
Yes! That’s the beauty of a dump cake. Trust the process—the oven takes care of everything.
Do I need to use butter, or can I substitute it?
Butter gives the best flavor and texture, but margarine or plant-based substitutes can work in a pinch.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure to use a larger baking dish or two pans and adjust the baking time if needed.
What Makes This Dessert So Special?
At first glance, a dump cake might not seem fancy. But that’s part of its charm. It’s the kind of dessert that surprises you—because it’s so much more than the sum of its parts. The peaches break down into a syrupy, jam-like layer while the cake topping becomes golden, crispy, and buttery. Every bite is a little warm hug.
This dessert is also incredibly forgiving. Don’t have a certain ingredient? Substitute it. Want to jazz it up? Go ahead. It’s practically fail-proof, which makes it perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a last-minute dessert or a nostalgic favorite, this Peach Cobbler Dump Cake fits the bill. It’s sweet, warm, and full of love—and it’s made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. From the first spoonful to the last, this dessert brings comfort in every bite.
The best part? You can make it anytime, for any reason, and it always turns out just right.
So grab your favorite baking dish, a couple of cans of peaches, and your trusty box of cake mix. Because once you’ve tried this dump cake, it’s going to become a permanent part of your recipe rotation.