Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?

Absolutely! You'll need about 4 cups of sliced fresh peaches. Since fresh peaches don't come with syrup, create your own by tossing the sliced peaches with ½ cup sugar and letting them sit for 30 minutes to release their juices. This ensures you'll still have that lovely saucy texture.

What if my cake mix topping still looks powdery after baking?

This usually happens when some areas don't get enough butter. If you notice dry spots toward the end of baking, you can melt a little extra butter and drizzle it over those areas, then continue baking until golden. Next time, try cutting the butter into smaller pieces for better coverage.

Can I make this recipe lower in sugar?

You can use peaches in juice or light syrup instead of heavy syrup and reduce the brown sugar to 1 tablespoon. The cake will be less sweet but still delicious. Some bakers also have success using sugar-free cake mix.

Is there a way to make this dessert ahead for a party?

Prepare everything up to 24 hours in advance, but don't bake it. Cover the assembled dish and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed. You might need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it's still cool from the refrigerator.

Peach Dump Cake Recipe

Name: Peach Dump Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the pan); 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed; 1 29-ounce can peaches in heavy syrup (do not drain); 1 15.25-ounce yellow cake mix; 1 ½ sticks butter, cut into small pieces

This heavenly Peach Dump Cake is the definition of effortless indulgence! With just four simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you’ll create a warm, buttery dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The sweet peaches bubble up through a golden, crispy cake layer to create the perfect balance of fruit and cake in every bite. It’s the dessert you’ll turn to when you need something delicious but don’t have time for anything complicated!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Easy: If you can open cans and sprinkle things, you can make this cake! No mixing, no measuring cups, no fuss.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples that won’t break the bank.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone from kids to grandparents will be asking for seconds of this comforting, nostalgic dessert.
Versatile: Perfect for weeknight treats, potlucks, or dressed up with ice cream for company.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter: Creates that irresistible golden, crispy top layer and adds rich flavor throughout. The small amount used for greasing ensures nothing sticks.
Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness to the base that complements the peaches perfectly. The molasses notes in brown sugar bring depth you won’t get from white sugar.
Canned Peaches in Heavy Syrup: The star of the show! The peaches bring fruity sweetness while the syrup creates a luscious sauce as it bakes. Using peaches in heavy syrup rather than light syrup or juice ensures the dessert has the right level of sweetness.
Yellow Cake Mix: The magic ingredient that transforms into a buttery, cakey topping with zero effort. The mix contains all the dry ingredients you need, eliminating measuring flour, sugar, and leavening agents.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Fruit Swaps

Try using canned cherries, blueberry pie filling, or apple pie filling instead of peaches for a completely different flavor profile.

Add Some Crunch

Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before adding butter for extra texture.

Spice It Up

Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a sprinkle of nutmeg to the cake mix for a warm, spiced flavor that pairs beautifully with the peaches.

Cake Mix Variations

Experiment with different cake flavors – vanilla, butter pecan, or even spice cake mix all work wonderfully with peaches.

How to Make Peach Dump Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Take 1 tablespoon of butter and thoroughly grease the bottom and sides of a 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar evenly across the buttered bottom. This creates a caramelized base that will be absolutely divine.

Step 2: Add the Peaches

Pour the entire can of peaches, syrup and all, into the baking dish. Spread them out so they’re evenly distributed. The heavy syrup will mix with the brown sugar to create an incredible sauce.

Step 3: Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the peaches. Try to get an even layer covering all the fruit. Don’t mix it in – just let it sit on top.

Step 4: Top with Butter

Cut the 1½ sticks of butter into small pieces (about ½-inch squares) and distribute them evenly across the top of the cake mix. Make sure to cover as much of the cake mix surface as possible.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the top is beautifully golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling around the edges. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells amazing and the top is crisp to the touch.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Butter Distribution: Make sure the butter pieces cover as much of the cake mix as possible for even browning. Any dry spots might remain powdery.
Check Early: Ovens vary, so start checking at the 40-minute mark. The top should be golden and crisp, not burnt.
Let It Rest: Allow the cake to cool for about 15 minutes before serving. This gives the bubbling fruit layer time to set slightly.
Cold Butter Trick: Cutting cold butter into small pieces is easier than using room temperature butter and gives more even coverage.

How to Serve

Warm is Best

Serve this cake warm for the ultimate comfort dessert experience. The contrast between the warm cake and cold topping is simply wonderful.

Topping Ideas

A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top creates a magical hot-and-cold contrast as it melts into the warm cake. Alternatively, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a splash of cold heavy cream poured over the top adds richness.

Special Occasions

For a more elegant presentation, serve in individual ramekins with a mint leaf garnish and a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover leftovers with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The cake will absorb more of the peach syrup as it sits, becoming even more flavorful.

Freezing

This dessert freezes surprisingly well! Portion into individual servings, place in airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Perfect for emergency dessert cravings!

Reheating

Microwave individual portions for 30-45 seconds until just warm. For the whole cake, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 20 minutes. The foil prevents the top from over-browning.

FAQs

Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?

Absolutely! You’ll need about 4 cups of sliced fresh peaches. Since fresh peaches don’t come with syrup, create your own by tossing the sliced peaches with ½ cup sugar and letting them sit for 30 minutes to release their juices. This ensures you’ll still have that lovely saucy texture.
What if my cake mix topping still looks powdery after baking?

This usually happens when some areas don’t get enough butter. If you notice dry spots toward the end of baking, you can melt a little extra butter and drizzle it over those areas, then continue baking until golden. Next time, try cutting the butter into smaller pieces for better coverage.
Can I make this recipe lower in sugar?

You can use peaches in juice or light syrup instead of heavy syrup and reduce the brown sugar to 1 tablespoon. The cake will be less sweet but still delicious. Some bakers also have success using sugar-free cake mix.
Is there a way to make this dessert ahead for a party?

Prepare everything up to 24 hours in advance, but don’t bake it. Cover the assembled dish and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed. You might need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s still cool from the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

This Peach Dump Cake is the perfect example of how the simplest recipes are often the most beloved. When life gets hectic but you still want something homemade and heartwarming, this dessert delivers every time. The combination of juicy peaches and buttery cake creates pure comfort in a dish with nearly zero effort. Give it a try tonight – I guarantee it won’t be the last time you make it!