This peach cobbler dump cake is a delicious holiday staple. Featuring peaches, warm spices and buttery cake mix, this dessert is the ultimate comfort food!
I was first introduced to dump cakes by my auntie years ago. I remember her making a cherry dump cake at my granny’s house. When I tell you. . .it was one of the best things I had eaten and I was so shocked to learn how easy it was.
Let’s just say I’ve been hooked ever since and have been trying this “technique” with all kinds of fruit variations.
What is a dump cake? Don’t let the horrible name fool ya! Dump cakes are super addicting and easy to make. A dump cake consists of canned fruit, topped with cake mix and butter, and then baked in the oven.
This peach cobbler dump cake recipe is my little twist on a traditional peach cobbler.
The traditional, southern peach cobbler is normally made with a pie crust. While I do love that version, I never really felt it was sweet enough for me and it has never been a big hit with my family.
Until now! I switched out the pie crust for cake mix and it’s been a holiday staple in my family for the past 3 years!
Why You’ll Love This Peach Cobbler Dump Cake Recipe
- Quick & Easy. As I said, a dump cake recipe requires little to no effort! With just 3 main ingredients, this is a quick and easy peach cobbler.
- Customizable. Dump cake is the perfect recipe to experiment with! Switch up the fruit filling and you have a new dessert every time!
- A Guilty Pleasure. Ya’ll this recipe is not good for you, okay. But it is good for the soul. I’m telling you, the whole house will love this one!
Key Ingredients for a Peach Cobbler Dump Cake
Be sure to review the recipe card for full measurements and ingredients.
Canned Peaches – You can use fresh peaches, but I like to keep it as simple as possible and use canned peaches (in heavy syrup).
Yellow Cake Mix– It wouldn’t be a cobbler without some kind of sweet topping. You’ll want to make sure you get a yellow cake mix, it gives the best flavor for a dump cake.
Unsalted Butter – We will need melted butter to pour over the cake mix. The butter adds to the flavor and gives a nice crust on top.
Vanilla Ice Cream – You can’t have peach cobbler without ice cream!
Tools You’ll Need
Baking Dish
Saucepan
How to Make a Peach Cobbler Dump Cake
Step 1: For the peach cobbler filling: In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the peaches, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Step 2: Make a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch and water. Add the slurry to the saucepan.
Step 3: Cook the peaches until the syrup has thickened. Then add the peaches to a baking dish.
I use an 8×8 baking dish. If you use a 9×13, I recommend using 45oz of canned peaches.
Step 4: To make the peach cobbler topping, sprinkle the yellow cake mix on top of the peaches, making sure to cover the entire dish.
For an 8×8 baking dish you only need a little over half of the cake mix. For a 9×13 you will need the full box.
Step 5: Melt the butter and pour over the cake mix.
For a 9×13 dish, use 1½ sticks of butter.
Step 6: Bake in the oven at 350°F for 45 minutes to an hour, until the top is bubbly and turns a nice golden brown.
Step 7: Remove the dump cobbler cake from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm with a nice scoop of ice cream!
Expert Tips for the Best Peach Cobbler
Chunks and Slices! For the best texture, cut some of the peach slices into chunks. I like to do this with the side of my spoon while the peaches cook on the stove. This helps the dessert to not be mushy and gives a better eating experience overall.
Don’t skip the slurry! The syrup that comes in the can is too watery. To avoid a mushy peach cobbler we want it to thicken and that’s why we need to use cornstarch.
Storage Instructions
You can keep your peach cobbler cake covered at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
When ready to serve, bring to room temperature or warm in the microwave.
Looking for more Holiday Recipes? Be sure to check these out!
Fried Apple Cider Donuts – Soft, cakey, and full of fall flavors, these fried apple cider donuts are the perfect seasonal treat!
Sugar Cookie Christmas Cakesicles – Made with a sweet sugar cookie filling and coated in chocolate. A festive Christmas dessert to share at all of your holiday parties!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is peach cobbler supposed to be warm or cold?
Peach cobbler can be enjoyed either way! I prefer to warm mine up so that the ice cream melts a little.
Can you use frozen peaches?
Yes, just throw them into the saucepan. No need to let them thaw.
Do you have to peel fresh peaches to use in a peach cobbler?
Not at all. As you can see with this recipe, you can use canned or even frozen peaches.
If you use fresh or frozen peaches, add about ¼ cup of sugar. This will pull out the juice from the peaches.
Is dump cake mushy?
A dump cake is soft and gooey. The boxed cake mix gives the peach cobbler a nice chewy texture.
What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake?
Be sure not to mix! We want to keep the filling and topping layers separate and make sure the peach cobbler topping crusts nicely.
This Peach Cobbler Dump Cake is the perfect dessert to add to your holiday menus or family’s dessert catalog! Be sure to tag me in your creations on Instagram @itsavemartin!
xoxo, ave
Peach Cobbler Dump Cake
Ingredients
Peach Cobbler Filling
- 30 oz canned peaches, in heavy syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbs vanilla
- 1 tbs cornstarch
- 1 tbs water
Peach Cobbler Topping
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 stick butter, melted
Instructions
- For the peach cobbler filling: In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the peaches, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
- Make a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch and water. Add the slurry to the saucepan.
- Cook the peaches until the syrup has thickened. Then add the peaches to a baking dish.
- To make the peach cobbler topping, sprinkle the yellow cake mix on top of the peaches, making sure to cover the entire dish.
- Melt the butter and pour over the cake mix.
- Bake in the oven at 350°F for 45 minutes to an hour, until the top is bubbly and turns a nice golden brown.
- Remove the dump cobbler cake from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm with a nice scoop of ice cream!