When it comes to simple, delicious desserts, few can compete with a warm, comforting peach cobbler with cake mix. This quick and easy recipe brings together juicy, sweet peaches with a buttery, crumbly cake topping—creating the perfect dessert that requires little effort. Whether you’re using fresh, canned, or frozen peaches, this recipe is incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight desserts to family gatherings.
With a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds. If you’re already a fan of quick and easy desserts, you might also enjoy this Banana Bread Recipe with Cake Mix, another cake mix-based favorite.
What Is Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix?
Peach cobbler with cake mix is a modern twist on the traditional Southern cobbler. Instead of preparing a biscuit or pastry dough from scratch, this recipe uses boxed cake mix to create a buttery, golden crust on top of sweet, tender peaches. The result is a dessert that’s both indulgent and simple to make, often referred to as a dump cake because you essentially “dump” all the ingredients into a baking dish and let the oven do the work.
This easy cobbler recipe works well with various types of peaches—fresh, frozen, or canned—making it adaptable to what you have on hand. While yellow cake mix is the most commonly used, feel free to experiment with other varieties like white cake mix or spice cake mix to change up the flavor.
For a straightforward recipe guide, check out this easy peach cobbler with cake mix recipe from AllRecipes.
Why Use Cake Mix for Peach Cobbler?
Using cake mix in a peach cobbler offers several advantages, making it a go-to recipe for busy home cooks:
- Saves Time: No need to make dough from scratch. With boxed cake mix, you have all the dry ingredients you need for the perfect crumbly topping.
- Foolproof Results: The cake mix ensures a uniform texture every time, delivering a topping that’s crispy on the outside and soft inside.
- Flavor Flexibility: You can easily switch up the flavor by choosing a different cake mix. For a more autumnal flavor, try using spice cake mix. If you want a lighter flavor, go for white cake mix.
- Minimal Cleanup: Fewer ingredients and simple preparation mean you’ll spend less time cleaning up, making this recipe perfect for busy days.
For even more tips on how to enhance your baking with cake mix, visit these tips for baking with cake mix from Taste of Home.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix
The ingredients list for peach cobbler with cake mix is short and simple, yet delivers a rich and flavorful dessert:
- Peaches (2 cans or 5-6 fresh peaches): Canned peaches in syrup are typically used for a sweeter cobbler, but fresh or frozen peaches work well too.
- Cake mix (1 box): Yellow cake mix is the classic option, but you can experiment with white cake mix or spice cake mix for different flavor profiles.
- Butter (1 stick): Melted butter helps create the crispy, golden topping.
- Cinnamon (optional): Adds warmth and depth to the dish.
- Brown sugar (optional): For extra sweetness and a slightly caramelized top.
Optional Add-Ons:
- Pecans or walnuts: Add crushed nuts for texture and crunch.
- Vanilla ice cream: A classic pairing for warm peach cobbler.
- Whipped cream: Light and airy, it complements the rich cobbler.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix
This simple peach cobbler recipe is ideal for beginners or anyone short on time. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a delicious dessert in no time:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent the cobbler from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Peaches
- For canned peaches: Simply pour the peaches (including the syrup) into the prepared baking dish. You can drain them for a less sweet dessert, but keeping the syrup adds moisture and enhances the sweetness.
- For fresh peaches: Peel and slice about 5-6 large peaches. Toss the slices with a bit of sugar and cinnamon for added flavor.
- For frozen peaches: Thaw the peaches completely before using them, and drain any excess liquid to prevent the cobbler from becoming too watery.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the entire box of cake mix evenly over the peaches. Don’t stir—the dry cake mix should remain as a layer on top of the peaches, which will help create the signature crispy topping.
Step 4: Add Butter and Optional Toppings
Melt the butter and drizzle it evenly over the cake mix. The butter helps the cake mix turn golden and crispy as it bakes.
Optional: Sprinkle cinnamon, brown sugar, or crushed pecans on top for extra flavor and texture.
Step 5: Bake the Cobbler
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The cobbler is done when the top is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling up around the edges. If the topping is browning too quickly, cover the dish with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 6: Let It Cool and Serve
Allow the cobbler to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This gives the filling time to set and ensures it’s not too runny. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a comforting dessert.
Variations of Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix
One of the best aspects of this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few fun variations you can try:
1. Peach Cobbler with White Cake Mix
For a lighter and slightly sweeter version, try using white cake mix. The result is a softer, golden topping that pairs beautifully with the peaches.
2. Spice Cake Peach Cobbler
For a cozy, autumnal flavor, use spice cake mix. The cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in the spice mix add depth and richness, making it a perfect dessert for the fall months.
3. Pecan-Topped Peach Cobbler
For a crunchy, nutty twist, add a layer of crushed pecans before baking. The nuts add texture and a delightful contrast to the soft peaches and cake mix.
4. Gluten-Free Peach Cobbler
Simply substitute regular cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. These mixes are widely available and work just as well, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this delicious dessert.
5. Vegan Peach Cobbler
For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and a vegan cake mix. Most cake mixes can be easily modified by using dairy-free substitutes for butter and eggs.
Tips for the Perfect Peach Cobbler
Even though this is a simple recipe, following these tips will help ensure your peach cobbler turns out perfectly every time:
1. Don’t Drain the Syrup (Unless You Want It Less Sweet)
The syrup from canned peaches adds sweetness and moisture to the cobbler. However, if you prefer a less sweet version, you can drain the peaches before adding them to the baking dish. For a richer, gooier filling, leave the syrup in.
2. Evenly Drizzle the Butter
Make sure the melted butter is evenly drizzled over the cake mix to ensure the topping bakes consistently. If the butter pools in one spot, some areas may brown too quickly while others stay dry.
3. Watch the Browning
If the cobbler topping is browning too quickly but the peaches are not yet bubbling, loosely cover the dish with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking. This will prevent the top from burning while allowing the peaches to fully cook.
FAQs About Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix
Can I use fresh peaches for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh peaches bring a natural flavor that’s unbeatable. Simply peel and slice about 5-6 large peaches and toss them with a bit of sugar and cinnamon before layering them in the baking dish.
Can I use frozen peaches instead of canned?
Yes, frozen peaches work great in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely