Easy Peach Cake: Old Fashioned Recipe with Cake Mix!
Imagine a dessert where the tender sweetness of ripe peaches melds seamlessly with a light, airy crumb. Each bite offers a burst of summer's essence, balanced by the comforting warmth of a home-baked treat. The cake's moist texture, dotted with soft pieces of fruit, makes it an irresistible indulgence that's both satisfying and subtly elegant.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish: For baking the cake.
- Mixing Bowls: To combine ingredients if adding extra elements like streusel.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Whisk or Spoon: For mixing dry ingredients.
- Rubber Spatula: To scrape bowls and spread batter evenly.
- Oven Mitts: For safe handling of hot dishes.
- Wire Rack: To cool the cake after baking.
- Toothpick: To test for doneness.
Ingredients
- 1 15.25 ounce box yellow cake mix
- 1 29 ounce can sliced peaches in heavy syrup, undrained
- 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking. A baking spray containing flour works particularly well.
- Step 2: Combine the Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, pour the can of sliced peaches, including the heavy syrup. Evenly distribute the peach slices across the bottom of the dish.
- Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the peaches. Ensure that the cake mix covers the entire surface area, leaving no gaps.
- Step 4: Drizzle with Melted Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. The butter will help to bind the cake mix together and create a golden-brown crust.
- Step 5: Add Cinnamon (Optional): If desired, sprinkle ground cinnamon evenly over the top of the cake for added warmth and flavor.
- Step 6: Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 7: Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. The cake can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Optional Tips:
- Substitute the yellow cake mix with white or spice cake mix for different flavor variations.
- Add a streusel topping made with flour, butter, and sugar for added texture and sweetness.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra-indulgent treat.
Notes
Variations
The basic old fashioned peach cake recipe provides a foundation for numerous creative adaptations. Ingredient swaps, regional twists, and dietary adjustments can transform the classic dessert into something entirely new.
- Ingredient Swaps:
- Fruit: Experiment with different canned fruits, such as apricots, pears, or pineapple, in place of peaches.
- Cake Mix: Substitute the yellow cake mix with white cake mix, spice cake mix, or even a gluten-free cake mix for dietary restrictions.
- Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to the cake mix for added warmth and complexity.
- Nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the batter or sprinkle on top for added texture and flavor.
- Extracts: Enhance the flavor with a teaspoon of almond extract or vanilla extract.
- Regional Twists:
- Southern Style: Add a splash of bourbon to the batter for a distinctly Southern flavor.
- Streusel Topping: Create a streusel topping with flour, butter, and brown sugar for a crunchy texture.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Frost the cooled cake with a cream cheese frosting for added richness.
- Dietary Adjustments:
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute melted butter with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut oil or vegan butter.
- Reduced Sugar: Use sugar-free canned peaches and a reduced-sugar cake mix. Consider adding a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.
Serving Suggestions
Old fashioned peach cake is versatile and can be enjoyed in various settings. Consider these serving suggestions:
- Dessert: Serve warm or at room temperature as a simple yet satisfying dessert.
- With Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of vanilla, peach, or cinnamon ice cream for a classic combination.
- With Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a non-dairy alternative.
- With a Drizzle: Drizzle with caramel sauce, honey, or a peach glaze for added sweetness.
- As a Brunch Item: Serve alongside coffee or tea as part of a brunch spread.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is essential to maintain the cake’s freshness and flavor:
- Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- Freezing: Freeze the cake for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Note: The cake may become slightly more moist after refrigeration or freezing, but the flavor will remain intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question 1: Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned peaches?