Easy Peaches & White Cake Mix Recipe: A Simple Treat
Imagine a dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite: soft, yielding fruit mingling with a delicate, sweet crumb. The aroma alone hints at sun-ripened orchards and the comforting simplicity of home baking. This dessert offers a harmonious blend of textures the slight resistance of the cooked fruit giving way to a melt-in-your-mouth cake, each element enhancing the other in a delightful dance on the palate.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board (for slicing peaches)
- Oven
- Spatula (for spreading batter)
Ingredients
- 4 cups sliced fresh peaches about 6 medium peaches
- 1 box 15.25 ounces white cake mix
- 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk any kind
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar optional, for sprinkling
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Peaches: Gently toss the sliced peaches in a bowl. If the peaches are not very sweet, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of the granulated sugar to enhance their natural flavor.
- Step 2: Combine Cake Mix and Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the white cake mix, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract (if using) until a smooth batter forms. Avoid overmixing; a few lumps are acceptable.
- Step 3: Assemble the Dessert: Pour the cake batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Evenly distribute the sliced peaches over the batter.
- Step 4: Add Optional Topping: If desired, sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar evenly over the peaches. This creates a slightly caramelized top as it bakes.
- Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 6: Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired. Serve warm, plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Optional Tips and Substitutions:
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of melted butter. Simply melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma, then let it cool slightly before using.
- Substitute canned peaches (drained) if fresh peaches are not available.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter for added warmth.
- For a crumble topping, mix 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup cold butter (cut into small pieces) until crumbly. Sprinkle over the peaches before baking.
Notes
Variations
- Ingredient Swaps:
- Fruit: Substitute fresh peaches with other fruits such as nectarines, plums, apricots, blueberries, or blackberries. Canned peaches (drained) can be used as a convenient alternative when fresh fruit is unavailable.
- Cake Mix: Explore other cake mix flavors such as yellow cake mix or butter pecan cake mix for a different taste profile. Gluten-free cake mixes can be substituted to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Fat: Replace melted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative or use browned butter for a richer, nuttier flavor.
- Regional Twists:
- Southern Peach Cobbler: Enhance with a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or almond extract. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Rustic Peach Crisp: Top with a crumble made from flour, oats, butter, and brown sugar for added texture.
- Dietary Adjustments:
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute melted butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based milk alternative. Check the cake mix label to ensure it is dairy-free.
- Lower Sugar: Opt for a reduced-sugar cake mix or use a natural sweetener like stevia in place of granulated sugar. Reduce the amount of sugar sprinkled over the peaches.
Serving Suggestions
Peaches and white cake mix dessert can be served in various ways to enhance the dining experience:
- Warm Dessert: Serve the dessert warm, shortly after baking, to enjoy the soft, gooey texture and fragrant aroma.
- Accompaniments: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added indulgence.
- Occasions: Ideal for casual family dinners, potlucks, barbecues, or as a comforting dessert for special occasions.
- Presentation: Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a few peach slices for a visually appealing presentation.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is essential to maintain the dessert’s freshness and flavor:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover peaches and white cake mix dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dessert can be stored for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for about 10-15 minutes.
- Freezing: Freezing is not generally recommended, as the texture of the cake and peaches may become soggy upon thawing. If freezing is necessary, wrap the dessert tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question 1: Can I use frozen peaches? Yes, frozen peaches can be used. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using.
- Question 2: What if my cake mix is lumpy? Sift the cake mix before combining it with the wet ingredients to remove any lumps. Avoid overmixing the batter.
- Question 3: How can I prevent the top from burning? If the top is browning too quickly, cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Question 4: Can I make this dessert ahead of time? Yes, the dessert can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Add the topping just before baking.