My fresh Peach Dump Cake Recipe is just the right combination of fresh peach, fruity flavor with that buttery, crunchy good streusel topping. I’ll teach you how to make peach cobbler with cake mix making it a delicious dessert perfect for anytime.
Freshly peeled and sliced peaches set my easy peach dump cake recipe apart. Most bakers use canned peaches in heavy syrup to make this recipe easier. And while the beauty of a dump cake is clearly all about being quick and easy, I must stay true to myself. I mean, after all, I am the FRESH COOKY!
Why You Will Love Peach Dump Cake with Fresh Peaches
- Dump Cake Easy | Fast and simple, the ingredients are straightforward for this tried-and-true method for baking.
- Semi-Homemade | Using a box mix may seem like a shortcut. But really, the mix is only used to make a crunchy golden topping.
- Fresh Fruit | Fresh fruit lends a texture and flavor to any recipe you simply do not get in canned fruit fillings.
You are in for a real treat if you have never heard of a dump cake. Dump cakes are just that – grab a baking pan and dump it all in! Dump cakes are one of the easiest desserts. That is what makes this fresh peach cake perfect for a fall day or the busy holiday season (frozen peaches work great too!).
Peach Dump Cake Recipe Ingredients
- Ripe Peaches: Four peeled and sliced fresh peaches will fill this pie with a juicy fruit flavor, add even more for a juicier peach dump cake recipe.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar macerates the juicy peaches a bit and brings out the flavor, you can also use regular and brown sugar.
- Vanilla Extract: You can use either vanilla extract or bourbon vanilla extract, like I used.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon is an optional ingredient, but it compliments the peaches beautifully!
- Yellow Cake Mix: Use your favorite box of yellow cake mix from the grocery store. Also try white cake mix, spice or vanilla cake mix.
- Butter: The thin slices of a stick of butter placed on top of the cake mix are what make the crunch in the golden streusel topping. I use salted butter; if you choose to use unsalted butter, stir in ¼ teaspoon of salt into the dry cake mix.
- Optional: Add chopped pecans or chopped walnuts to the top for added crunch.
Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.
How to Make a Peach Dump Cake with Fresh Peaches
Get the oven started preheating and spray a baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray or grease the pan. You can choose either a 2-quart baking pan or a 9×13 dish. The larger will yield a thinner cobbler, feeding a few more people.
Step 1 | Prep the Peaches
Take out a large mixing bowl and begin making the batter. Combine the peach slices, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and water, and toss them all together. Once the peaches are covered, allow them to sit for a couple of minutes as the liquid forms a slurry.
Then it is as easy as placing the peach filling in the prepared baking dish, spoonful by spoonful.
Step 2 | Make the Streusel Topping
Intimidated by the idea of “streusel”? Remember, this is an easy dump cake.
All you need to do is pour or sprinkle dry cake mix all over the top of the peach filling until all the peaches are covered.
Then use your fingers to even out the crumbles of cake mix and ensure no peaches can be seen.
Step 3 | Layer on the Golden Butter
Set aside 2 of the sliced pats of butter for later. Then evenly place butter pats over the peachy cake mix. You can also use melted butter if you prefer, but I find for this dump cake it covers all the dry cake mix easier.
Oh, and while you are at it, see my tip for how to make Maple Bourbon Whipped Cream (below and in recipe card). You will not regret it!
Then when the peach streusel is halfway done baking, take a look and see if there is any dry cake mix left. That is what those 2 pats reserved are for. You want all the cake mix buttery good and golden brown delicious.
Step 4 | Bake the Cake mix peach cobbler recipe
Now, into the oven, the cake goes until it is golden and bubbly, with peaks of peach juice coming up the sides of the dish. When it is finished baking, remove the pan and let it cool a little before serving, so it sets up nicely.
Oh my, is that not one gorgeous-looking peach streusel cake?
How to Garnish Peach Cobbler
Garnish your dump cake with fresh sliced peaches, a scoop of ice cream, homemade whipped cream, or a drizzle of rich caramel sauce and don’t forget a little bit of fresh grated nutmeg!
For Maple Bourbon Whipped Cream
- 1 cup whipping cream (heavy cream)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (pure, bourbon barrel aged even better)
- 1 teaspoon bourbon vanilla or a teaspoon of bourbon and ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract
Simply whip the cream until soft peaks form in a bowl or stand mixer. Reduce the speed to low-medium and add maple syrup and bourbon vanilla extract, increasing the speed to high. Then whip the mixture until stiff peaks form.
Peach Dump Cake Recipe Tips
- A few minutes before pulling out of the oven, do a quick check for the cake mix cobbler and if there are any dry spots, use the reserved butter pats to cover the dry spots on top of the cobbler, return to oven to finish baking.
- If you are using canned peaches, ensure they are well drained in a colander before you put them in the sugar slurry — you can probably easily omit or cut back the sugar.
- Use frozen peaches! Simply allow peaches to quickly defrost by laying them on a baking tray, then pat lightly with a paper towel.
- If your peaches are ripe, then simply peel peaches using a peeler, they will slip off easily.
- If peaches are a bit on the unripe side, then try this easy blanching method.
Variations & Substitutions
- Nuts about Nuts | Slice almonds, chop pecans, or toast some coconut for more great ways to elevate this peach dessert.
- Oat Streusel? Stir in ¼ cup of oats to the cake mix before you place the butter on top, and place it in the oven for a true cobbler topping option.
- Not peach season? Try fresh blueberries, sliced or cubed apples, fresh blackberries, or sliced cherries to use the freshest fruits of any season for your fruit filling. Remember that nectarines, plums, and apricots would also be delicious!
- Really in a rush? Replace fresh peaches with frozen (details in recipe card), or a couple of cans of peaches.
- Change the Flavor | Use spice cake mix, white cake mix, pineapple cake mix, go crazy with your favorite!
Can You Make Peach Dump Cake in a Crock Pot?
Yes, you can! It’s a great option for busy days—just layer it in the slow cooker and let it cook while you go about your day.
- Prep the peaches: Combine fresh or frozen peach slices with sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
- Layer in the Crock Pot: Spray the insert with spray oil or even better, line with parchment paper. Add the peach mixture to the bottom, sprinkle dry cake mix evenly on top (don’t stir), and place thin pats of butter over the cake mix.
- Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 to 2½ hours, or on LOW for 4 hours, until the topping is golden and the peaches are bubbling. So the condensation doesn’t drip onto the buttery crust, place a clean tea towel between the crockpot lid and the dish, it will catch any drips.
- Serve: Let it sit uncovered for 15–20 minutes to thicken slightly. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Tip: No need to fully thaw frozen peaches—just break them up so they layer evenly.
How to Serve Fresh Peach Dump Cake
For the cleanest slices, let the cake cool completely—but we rarely wait that long! Warm peach dump cake is hard to resist.
Here are a few of our favorite ways to serve it:
- Classic cobbler-style | Warm with a scoop of old fashioned vanilla ice cream, fresh nutmeg, and a peach slice.
- Peaches & cream | Topped with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Over the top | Add a spoonful of my Salted Caramel Bourbon Vanilla Sauce for an extra special finish.
Too much? I think not.
If you love summer fresh fruit, try my Peach Bundt Cake, Blueberry Pancake Bundt Cake, this fresh Iced Peach Green Tea Lemonade or this Old-Fashioned Rhubarb Cake.
You’re welcome! How will you enjoy this peach cobbler dump cake recipe?
Storing Fresh Peach Dump Cake
Store leftovers in an airtight container or covered tightly in the fridge for up to 7 days.
To freeze: Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat individual portions in the microwave (20-second bursts) or warm the whole dish in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sure! This recipe is all about easy preparation and scrumptious results. So if you want to make it ahead of the day you will be serving, store it in the fridge for two days, reheat and top!
I like to think that the beauty of my perfect dessert recipe lies in the fresh fruit. However, if you prefer to use a filling, you can. If using a true pie filling vs. canned peaches, omit sugar and water, but still add cinnamon and vanilla, proceed with recipe.
The top of the dump cake will form a nice crust, but underneath it will be soft or I suppose mushy if you will. But I can almost guarantee that you will count this among your top peach desserts.
No, don’t stir. The butter melts down through the cake mix as it bakes, creating a crisp, golden topping. Just layer and bake!
Yes! Frozen peaches work very well. You don’t need to thaw them—just break them up a bit so they layer evenly. The bake time stays about the same.
More Easy Dump Cakes
- Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
- Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
- Lemon Dump Cake Recipe
- Rhubarb Dump Cake Recipe
Simple Dessert Recipes for the Whole Family
- The Best Key Lime Pie
- Best Oreo Dessert Pudding
- Nothing Bundt Cake Recipe
- Orange Scones (Panera Copycat)
More from The Fresh Cooky
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Ingredients
- 4-5 cups peaches peeled and sliced. About 4 medium peaches, may use frozen or canned peaches, drained
- ⅓ cup sugar I used all-natural cane sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract try using bourbon vanilla extract or a little vanilla and bourbon
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 package yellow cake mix try other cake mixes too, see notes
- ¾ cup butter cold, thinly sliced
Optional Maple Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon bourbon vanilla extract or try a teaspoon of bourbon and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 C) and spray a 2 quart or 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. Note if using 9×13, it will feed more and be a thinner dessert.
- In a large bowl combine peaches, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and water, gently tossing to combine. Let sit for 1-2 minutes until sugar dissolves forming a slurry. Spoon mixture into prepared pan.
- Pour (or "dump") the dry cake mix over the top of the peaches and use fingers to make it even.
- Layer the butter pats evenly across the top of the cake, reserving 1-2 pats to use half way through baking for the areas that the dry cake mix has not absorbed.
- Bake at 375 for 40-45 minutes until golden and bubbly and peach juice comes up from the sides. *Half way through baking, take reserved butter and break apart then using a knife, place on areas of the dump cake that are still dry cake mix, pushing down slightly. Return to oven to continue baking.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool 15 minutes before serving. For easier serving, cool completely. To serve peach cobbler style, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of fresh grated nutmeg along with a slice of fresh peach.
How to Make Bourbon Whipped Cream
- Whip cream until soft peaks form, then with a mixer on medium, add maple syrup and extract. Increase speed to high and whip until stiff peaks form. You’re welcome.
Notes
- If you are using canned peaches, ensure they are well drained in a colander before you put them in the sugar slurry.
- Use frozen peaches! Simply allow peaches to quickly defrost by laying them on a baking tray, then pat lightly with a paper towel.
- Nuts about Nuts | Slice almonds, chop pecans, or toast some coconut for more great ways to elevate this peach dessert.
- Oat Streusel? Stir in ¼ cup of oats to the cake mix before you place the butter on top and place it in the oven for a true cobbler topping option.
- Not peach season? Try fresh blueberries, sliced or cubed apples, fresh blackberries, or sliced cherries to use the freshest fruits of any season for your fruit filling. Remember that nectarines, plums and apricots would also be delicious!
- Really in a rush? Replace fresh peaches with frozen (details in recipe card), or a couple cans of peaches.
- Change the Flavor | Use spice cake mix, white cake mix, pineapple cake mix, go crazy with your favorite!
- If your peaches are ripe, then simply peel peaches using a peeler, they will slip off easily.
- If peaches are a bit on the unripe side, then try this easy blanching method.
Nutrition
Mary
I really wanted to try the peach cake, but you don’t do email recipes. Why not?
Hi Mary, I’m not sure I understand your question? The recipe card is at the bottom of the post. You can save it by using the heart button if you choose to your own private recipe box that works across thousands of blogs. If I’m misunderstanding you please let me know.
Lisa
Very easy recipe. I just have one correction – I used fresh Palisade peaches, and they do not need any extra liquid added. I sprinkled the sugar over the peach slices to macerate for 5 minutes, then gently tossed them with cinnamon & grated vanilla bean. It baked up beautifully without being soupy
We love Palisades!! Great tip! And yes probably on juicier peaches you don’t need any extra liquid! Thanks for your tip!
Nikki
Amazing! Perfect for fresh summer peaches. And the maple whipped cream is over the top. Thank you!
So glad you loved it!
Gabby
I’ve never made one of these cakes before but it was definitely very easy, and absolutely delicious too. Will definitely be making it again!
Love hearing that, Gabby!
Casey
I love a great peach recipe. I can’t wait to try this!
Hope you love it!
Chenee
This was so easy, moist, and delicious. I’ll definitely be making it again!
Yay! Love to hear that!
Akshita
Looks amazing and tastes equally amazing!
So glad you loved it!
MacKenzie
We made this last Sunday. The recipe was super easy to make and turned out delicious. Can’t wait to make again
Fantastic! Thanks!
Gina Abernathy
Dump Cakes are the best! It was so easy to make and the family loved it!
Love hearing that Gina! Thank you!
Janessa
This looks fabulous! I have some extra peaches in the house right now and this is definitely how I am going to be using them!
Perfect, hope you love it!
Kim
So easy and delicious! Loved the cake mix topping. We also made the maple whipped cream and it went so well with the peaches!
YAY! Glad you enjoyed it.
nancy
super summery and tasty peach cake. it was moist and everyone loved it!
It really is, so glad you all loved it!
Vanessa
This was an absolutely delicious way to use up some ripe peaches that I had kicking around. It disappeared quickly!
Perfect use for those ripe peaches!!
Aimee Mars
WOW! This is so delicious. I had fresh peaches to use and found your recipe online. It did not disappoint and everyone who tried a piece, asked for me! We paired it with vanilla ice cream.
Perfect with vanilla ice cream!
Carrie Robinson
This looks so good! And I am loving your suggestion to add a little bourbon to this. 😉
Right!
Shadi
Easy and delicious, this one is a keeper. I know I’m going to make it over and over again!
Thank you so much, so glad you enjoyed it!