5 Easy Desserts Anyone Can Make (Peach Cobbler Dump Cake, Ice Cream Sandwich Cake & More!)
5 Easy Desserts Anyone Can Make (Peach Cobbler Dump Cake, Ice Cream Sandwich Cake & More!) is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Allrecipes on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min
Cost: $33.13 total, $2.76 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) Canned Peaches in Light Syrup (Drain one can about half; keep the juice in the dish for extra syrup)
- 1 box (15.25 oz) Yellow Cake Mix (Any brand; no additional ingredients needed)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (Cold, sliced into thin pieces; you can also melt for a smoother top)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the cake.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 375°F
Prepare the Fruit Layer
Open two cans of peaches. Drain about half of one can, leaving the juice in the pan. Dump both cans (one undrained, one partially drained) into the 9×13 baking dish, spreading evenly.
Time: PT5M
Add Cake Mix
Sprinkle the entire box of yellow cake mix over the fruit layer. Do not stir; just let it sit on top.
Time: PT2M
Top with Butter
Arrange thin slices of cold butter over the cake‑mix layer, covering as much surface as possible.
Time: PT3M
Bake the Dump Cake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45‑55 minutes, until the top is golden brown, bubbly, and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.
Time: PT45M
Temperature: 375°F
Cool Slightly
Remove from oven and let the cake sit for about 10 minutes before serving so it sets and is safe to eat.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 2 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Wheat, Eggs
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Canned Peaches in Light Syrup: Fresh sliced peaches, Canned peach halves
- Instead of Yellow Cake Mix: Vanilla cake mix, Homemade cake batter
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Vegetable oil (use less for topping)
Equipment Needed
- 9×13‑inch Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowl (optional)
- Spatula or Spoon
- Oven
- Oven Mitts
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Draining half of one can of peaches to keep extra syrup.
- Evenly spreading the cake mix without stirring.
- Covering the top with butter slices for a crisp, buttery crust.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg over the fruit before adding the cake mix.
- Use melted butter instead of sliced for a smoother, more uniform crust.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added decadence.
Troubleshooting
Top is not golden brown.
Increase the amount of butter or drizzle melted butter over the top before baking; you can also finish with a brief broil (1‑2 minutes) watching closely.
Cake mix stays dry and doesn’t soften.
Make sure the butter is evenly distributed; you can also gently press the mix into the fruit before adding butter.
Fruit is too watery, making the cake soggy.
Drain more of the canned peaches or use a thicker fruit packing syrup.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover tightly and store up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months; reheat gently before serving.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours; after that, refrigerate.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the cake a day ahead, let it cool, then refrigerate. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 10‑15 minutes before serving.
- Portion into individual squares and freeze for quick dessert servings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of peach dump cake in American Southern cuisine?
Peach dump cake is a modern twist on the classic Southern peach cobbler. It emerged in the 1990s as a convenience‑focused dessert, using boxed cake mix to simplify the traditional cobbler method while still delivering the sweet, buttery flavor that Southern gatherings love.
What regional variations of peach dump cake exist in the United States?
In the Deep South, bakers often use fresh sliced peaches and add a pinch of cinnamon. In the Midwest, a vanilla or spice cake mix is common, and some add a streusel topping. West Coast versions may incorporate almond extract or a crumble made from oats and brown sugar.
How is peach dump cake traditionally served in Southern potlucks?
It is typically served warm straight from the oven, cut into squares, and paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The hot fruit sauce mingles with the cold ice cream to create a “liquid gold” contrast that is beloved at gatherings.
During what occasions is peach dump cake commonly prepared in American culture?
Peach dump cake is popular at summer barbecues, family reunions, potluck dinners, and holiday brunches because it requires minimal prep and can be made in a large 9×13 pan that feeds a crowd.
What makes peach dump cake special compared to a traditional peach cobbler?
The dump cake replaces the biscuit topping of a cobbler with a simple cake‑mix crust, creating a lighter, cake‑like texture while still delivering the buttery, syrupy fruit base. It also eliminates the need to whisk a batter, making it truly “dump‑and‑go.”
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making peach dump cake?
Common errors include over‑draining the peaches (which removes the sweet syrup), using too little butter (resulting in a dry top), and baking at too low a temperature, which prevents the crust from turning golden and crisp.
How do I know when the peach dump cake is done baking?
The cake is done when the top is a deep golden brown, the butter has melted into a crisp crust, and the fruit is bubbling around the edges. A quick visual check for bubbling and color is sufficient; no internal thermometer is needed.
Can I make peach dump cake ahead of time and store it?
Yes. After it cools, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven for 10‑15 minutes before serving, or serve cold with ice cream for a different texture.
What does the YouTube channel Allrecipes specialize in?
The YouTube channel Allrecipes focuses on home‑cooked, crowd‑pleasing recipes that are easy to follow, often featuring quick‑prep or “dump‑and‑go” dishes that suit busy families and beginner cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Allrecipes' approach to American comfort desserts differ from other cooking channels?
Allrecipes emphasizes simplicity and accessibility, often using boxed mixes, canned ingredients, and minimal equipment, whereas many other channels showcase more elaborate techniques or gourmet twists. This makes Allrecipes ideal for quick, reliable desserts like the peach dump cake.
Last updated: August 19, 2026
