3 Ingredient Peach Cobbler (Peach Dump Cake)
While a traditional peach cobbler is worth every minute of the two hours total time it takes to make, not many of us have it to spare very often. Coming to the rescue is this easy recipe for 3 ingredient peach cobbler or a peach dump cake. It’s a sweet shortcut that’s peachy keen in less than 45 minutes.
Peach cobbler tastes like Southern summers, the time of year when juicy peaches are at their peak. It’s the perfect treat for a lazy weekend afternoon when you’re craving something sweet and comforting. At the same time, the thought of spending hours in the kitchen with a long list of ingredients is enough to make you ditch the idea.
Well, what if I told you that you can indulge in warm golden peach goodness with very little prep time and far less hassle than a classic cobbler requires?
That’s right, my friends! This easy peach cobbler recipe only calls for three simple ingredients. Also known as peach dump cake, this one is a game-changer that’ll satisfy your sweet tooth and save you time and energy. You won’t even need to break out your mixer or other tools.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Can a dessert made with just three ingredients really taste that good?” Trust me, the proof is in the pudding … or in this case, the peach cobbler.
What to serve with peach cobbler
Whether you’re hosting a last-minute get-together, need to whip up a quick potluck dish or just want to treat yourself to a scrumptious dessert, this easy peach cobbler is the perfect solution. You will be amazed at what a box of yellow cake mix, two cans of sliced peaches in light syrup, and a stick of butter can do.
Feel free to add pinches of cinnamon and nutmeg and a sprinkle of white or brown sugar. You’ll find that any spices that work well with apples also enhance the flavors of peaches (and pears!).
This easy peach cobbler pairs well with almost any meal, especially other summery dishes that are the stuff of Fourth of July gatherings and backyard barbecues. Grilled or baked meats and burgers come to mind, as do sides like mac and cheese and traditional potato salad.
No matter what I serve it with, I love to top this warm cobbler with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re looking for a complement that’s a bit lighter, top it with a few spoonfuls of cool, whipped cream.
Ingredients needed to make this easy peach cobbler
To make this delicious and easy peach dessert, you will need the following ingredients:
- Peaches: I used canned peaches in heavy syrup, and I have seen others who prefer them in light syrup. If you want to use fresh, in-season peaches, see the FAQs below! You could even use peach pie filling, if you’d like.
- Cake Mix: This recipe calls for yellow dry cake mix, which is what I prefer. An alternative is French Vanilla.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is best for this recipe to ensure consistency, control salt content and allow the peaches’ sweetness to shine.
- (Optional) Cinnamon: Not to over complicate by adding a fourth(!) ingredient to this three-ingredient recipe, but technically it counts if you choose to sprinkle on cinnamon or other spices before baking.
Be sure to check out the full ingredient measurements and complete recipe below.
Kitchen equipment needed:
- 9×13 baking pan or baking dish
- Butter knife
Handy tip: Lots of Butter Slices!
Spread out the butter on top of the cake mix in thin slices that are nearly touching each other. The purpose of the butter is to help moisten the cake mix. But if you have empty spots without butter, the cake mix will remain dry.
Frequently asked questions about peach cobbler
Below are a handful of the most popular questions I get about making this simple peach cobbler. If you have other questions I haven’t answered here, please ask in the comments!
Can I use fresh peaches in this 3-ingredient peach cobbler recipe?
Yes, and you absolutely should if they are in season. Of course it’s great to have the option to make this dessert year-round with canned peaches. To use fresh peaches, just peel, pit and slice them into pieces from 1/4″ to 1/2″ in size. Layer them on the bottom of your greased baking pan and sprinkle them generously with sugar. Then proceed with the other steps of the recipe.
What’s the difference between a pie and a cobbler?
In short, pies have a bottom crust, thick fillings and are served in a pie dish. Cobblers have fruit on the bottom, fillings that are juicier and gooey and are usually served in casserole dishes or skillets.
Can you overcook a cobbler?
Yes, but you can avoid it if you follow the recipe’s recommended baking time and temperature and always check the cobbler a few minutes before to ensure it’s not overbaked. The top of the cobbler should be golden brown, not dark brown (or black!)
Ovens can vary in temperature, so it’s a good idea to get to know your oven’s quirks. If it tends to run hot, you may need to reduce the baking time or temperature slightly.
More Grandma-Approved Recipes To Try
If you like this recipe for quick, three-ingredient peach cobbler, here are a few more super easy desserts that don’t skimp on flavor!
- Easy Coconut Cake Recipe
- No-Bake Frozen Lemonade Pie Recipe
- Southern No-Bake Banana Pudding Recipe
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
- How To Make The Best Homemade Whipped Cream (In Five Minutes!)
How to bake three-ingredient peach cobbler
Below is my step-by-step guide for this tasty, three-ingredient peach cobbler.
3-Ingredient Peach Cobbler or Peach Dump Cake
Equipment
- 9×13 baking pan or baking dish
- Butter knifeÂ
Ingredients
- 30 ounces canned peaches
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- ½ cup butter 1 stick
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Grease 9 by 13 baking pan. Add the canned peaches with the juice.
- Pour cake mix evenly over the top of the peaches and smooth. Add cinnamon if desired.
- Next, cut stick of butter in thin slices and place slices evenly on top of cake mix.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve with a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!
