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peaches with cake mix

Easy Peaches with Cake Mix Recipe: Simple Dessert

Imagine warm, tender peaches, their sweetness intensified by a delicate, golden crust. Each spoonful offers a delightful contrast the soft, juicy fruit yielding to the slightly crisp, buttery topping. The aroma alone, a blend of baked sugar and ripe stone fruit, evokes a sense of comfort and simple indulgence.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Baking, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing Bowl (optional, for combining dry ingredients)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Peeler (if using fresh peaches)
  • Knife (for slicing peaches)
  • Oven
  • Pot Holders or Oven Mitts
  • Serving Spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 6-8 medium peaches peeled and sliced (or two 15-ounce cans of sliced peaches, drained)
  • 1 box 15.25 ounces yellow cake mix
  • cup 1 sticks cold butter, cut into small pieces
  • teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
  • cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare the Peaches: Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange the peach slices evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  • Step 2: Add the Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the peach slices, ensuring they are mostly covered.
  • Step 3: Distribute the Butter: Scatter the cold, cubed butter evenly over the cake mix. The butter will melt as it bakes, creating a crumbly topping.
  • Step 4: Add Optional Spices & Nuts: If desired, sprinkle the cinnamon and chopped nuts evenly over the top of the butter and cake mix layer.
  • Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peaches are bubbly. A toothpick inserted into the topping should come out with moist crumbs.
  • Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve: Let the cobbler cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to thicken slightly. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
  • Optional Tips & Substitutions: For a richer flavor, use butter pecan cake mix. If using frozen peaches, thaw them slightly and drain any excess liquid before arranging in the baking dish. To make a crispier topping, consider adding a tablespoon or two of sugar to the cake mix before sprinkling it over the peaches. For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative. A gluten-free cake mix can be used for a gluten-free variation.

Notes

Variations

The fundamental “peaches with cake mix” recipe lends itself to numerous creative adaptations:
  • Ingredient Swaps:
    • Other fruits: Nectarines, plums, apples, berries, or a combination thereof, can be substituted for peaches.
    • Cake mix flavors: Experiment with different cake mix flavors such as lemon, spice, chocolate, or butter pecan.
    • Topping additions: Add chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds), rolled oats, shredded coconut, or a streusel topping for enhanced texture and flavor.
    • Spices: Incorporate cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to complement the fruit and cake mix.
  • Regional Twists:
    • Southern Pecan Cobbler: Use a butter pecan cake mix and generously add pecans to the topping.
    • Apple Crisp Variation: Substitute sliced apples for peaches and use a spice cake mix with a sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar.
  • Dietary Adjustments:
    • Gluten-Free: Utilize a gluten-free cake mix to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
    • Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with a plant-based butter alternative or coconut oil.
    • Lower Sugar: Opt for sugar-free canned peaches and a reduced-sugar cake mix, or use a natural sweetener like stevia.

Serving Suggestions

This dessert is best served warm, shortly after baking. It can be enjoyed as:
  • A comforting weeknight dessert.
  • A crowd-pleasing dish for potlucks and gatherings.
  • An elegant finale to a summer barbecue.
Complementary pairings include a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It also pairs well with a hot beverage such as coffee or tea.

Storage Tips

Proper storage is essential for preserving the freshness and flavor of the dish:
  • Allow the cobbler to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container.
  • Refrigerate the cobbler for up to 3-4 days.
  • To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave or the entire cobbler in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Question 1: Can I use frozen peaches? Answer: Yes, frozen peaches can be used. Thaw them slightly and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the baking dish.
  • Question 2: Can I prepare this in advance? Answer: The dish can be assembled a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add the butter just before baking.
  • Question 3: My topping is not getting golden brown. What should I do? Answer: Increase the oven temperature slightly (by 25F or 15C) for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  • Question 4: Can this be made in a slow cooker? Answer: Yes, it can be made in a slow cooker. Layer the peaches in the slow cooker, top with cake mix, and then the butter. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the peaches are tender and the topping is cooked.
Keyword Comfort Food, Easy Baking, Summer