Satisfy your sweet tooth with this simple peach cobbler recipe made with canned peaches and dry cake mix! Just a few basic ingredients come together in a deliciously comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The delicious cake-like topping that forms from the combination of the heavy syrup from the cans of peaches, warm spices, and the melted butter over the top of the cobbler is almost like magic! Get ready to impress your family and friends with this effortless Southern favorite!
Also known as a peach dump cake or peach cobbler dump cake, this is the easiest dessert to make and a good one to have in your back pocket for the summer time. Serve it on its own or with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate summertime treat! Plus, it’s made all in one dish!
Peach cobbler is one of my favorite desserts to make, especially during peach season. But, using canned peaches instead of relying on fresh peaches makes it possible to enjoy my favorite dessert all year long! This easy cobbler recipe is the perfect dessert for unexpected guests or last minute summer get-together. Best of all, it’s prepared and baked all in the same dish, making this a no-fuss, easy dessert that will be a family favorite!
There is no need to knead any dough or make a complicated pie crust. The boxed cake mix creates a crispy, flavorful topping that enhances the warm, juicy peaches perfectly.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about the simplicity of this recipe. With just a handful of basic ingredients like canned peaches, cinnamon, nutmeg, cake mix, melted butter, and cornstarch, you can whip up this dessert with a 5 minute prep time!
- Simplicity: With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers alike.
- Budget-Friendly: Utilizing pantry staples and affordable canned peaches, this dessert won’t break the bank.
- One-Pot Wonder: Crafted entirely in a trusty cast iron skillet, this cobbler minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor.
- Speedy Preparation: From start to finish, you’ll have a steaming, fragrant cobbler ready to devour in no time.
- Texture & Flavor: Expect a heavenly contrast of tender peaches against a crisp, buttery crust, infused with warm spices.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Canned Peaches: The canned peaches make this easy to make even when peaches are not in season. Fresh or frozen peaches can be used, adjusting sugar levels as needed for sweetness.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices add warmth and depth to the cobbler, enhancing the peach filling. Allspice or pumpkin pie spice can be substituted for slightly different flavors.
- Cake Mix: The cake mix forms the cobbler’s buttery crust, providing a light and fluffy texture with a slight crisp! Different flavored cake mixes may also be used. Try spiced, white, french vanilla, butter pecan, or even gingerbread.
- Melted Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to both the crust and the peach filling and forms the “crust” of the cobbler. Unsalted or salted butter may be used along with margarine as an alternative, though the flavor may vary slightly.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch works with the syrup from the peaches and thickens the peach cobbler filling, ensuring a luscious consistency.
How to Make Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix
For the complete instructions, see the recipe card below.
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 12-inch cast iron skillet. Making sure your oven is preheated is key to even baking.
You can also use a 9×13 inch casserole dish for this recipe.
Step 1: Make the Peach Filling
To your casserole dish or skillet, combine the peaches, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Stir to combine.
Remember, one can of peaches should be drained and one can of peaches should keep the syrup.
Step 2: Add the Cake Mix
Next, sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the top of the peaches. Do not stir! But, gently press the cake mixture into the peaches with the back of a spoon. The cake mix should be spread evenly across the peaches.
Then, drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, covering as much surface area as possible. For a golden, crispy crust, ensure the melted butter reaches all corners of the skillet.
Step 3: Bake the Cobbler
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
You may see places where the butter or filling isn’t reaching the cake mix during baking. In this case, add a few pats of butter to those areas during the last 20-30 minutes of baking.
If the crust browns too quickly, tent the cobbler with foil halfway through baking.
Allow the cobbler to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving with vanilla ice cream!
Expert Cooking Tips
- To enhance the flavor of the cobbler, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the peach mixture.
- For an extra crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before drizzling with butter.
- Serve the cobbler warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.
Variations
- For a seasonal twist, substitute canned peaches with fresh or frozen berries, adjusting the sugar to taste. You could also use canned fruit filling as a short cut. Try apple pie filling, peach pie filling, or another pie filling.
- Experiment with different cake mix flavors, such as yellow, white, or spice, to customize the cobbler to your preference.
- You could also add brown sugar for extra sweetness.
What to Serve with Peach Cobbler
Pair this with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience.
To complement a complete meal, serve it after main dishes like oven-roasted ribs, brisket, oven-roasted pork tenderloin, or a Dutch oven pot roast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?
Absolutely! Adjust the sugar level to taste and consider adding a splash of water or juice to compensate for the moisture lost from fresh peaches.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Ensure the peach mixture is evenly spread in the skillet, and sprinkle the cake mix over it without stirring. This creates a barrier between the peaches and the crust, preventing sogginess.
Can I make this cobbler ahead of time?
While best enjoyed fresh from the oven, you can prepare the cobbler in advance and reheat it in the oven at 300°F for 15-20 minutes before serving.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Allow the cobbler to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze peach cobbler?
Yes, you can freeze the cobbler for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I use a baking dish instead of a cast-iron skillet?
Although you can use a baking dish for this skillet peach cobbler recipe, the crust texture and baking time may be affected. Just ensure you continue checking on it while it cooks.
How do I know when the cobbler is done?
You’ll know this peach cobbler is done when it’s golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. The top should be crusty, and the peach filling should be bubbling.
Storing & Reheating
Enjoy the peach cobbler fresh from the oven for optimal flavor and texture.
If storing leftovers, allow the cobbler to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place individual servings in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
For longer-term storage, freeze the cobbler in an airtight container for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as directed.
More Dessert Recipes
If you have a sweet tooth like me, you’ll have to check out some more of my favorite dessert recipes like this skillet peach cobbler:
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Easy Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix
Equipment
- 9×13 inch Casserole Dish
- 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- 60 ounces canned sliced peaches in light or heavy syrup one can drained and one undrained
- 1 box yellow cake mix 15.25 ounce package
- 1 cup butter melted
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 12-inch oven-proof skillet or 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Pour peaches into the baking dish (one can drained, one can undrained). Add nutmeg, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Stir until all combined.
- Sprinkle cake mix over the top of the peach mixture. Do not stir, but gently press the cake mix into the peaches with the back of a spoon. Ensure the cake mix is spread in an even layer.
- Drizzle the melted butter all over the top of the cake mix, covering the entire mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and the filling is bubbling, about 60 minutes.
- Allow to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.