This peach pecan dump cake is the kind of dessert that feels almost too easy for how good it tastes. Sweet, juicy peaches bake into a soft, custardy base, while the cake mix and butter create a rich, golden topping studded with toasted pecans. The result is somewhere between a cobbler and a gooey butter cake warm, comforting, and completely irresistible.
I especially love making this when peaches are in season. Fresh peaches bring a brightness and texture that really shine here, though canned peaches work beautifully when that’s what you have. This is one of those recipes I turn to when I want something homemade without spending all afternoon in the kitchen. The fact that it comes together in minutes makes it even better. Every time I serve it, someone asks for the recipe, usually while going back for seconds.
What makes this a keeper is how foolproof and crowd-pleasing it is. There’s no fancy technique, no layering stress just mix, sprinkle, pour, and bake. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got a dessert that feels special with almost no effort. Love this recipe? Pin it to your Easy Desserts board on Pinterest so you don’t lose it!
Peach Pecan Dump Cake
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy10
servings15
minutes50
minutes420
kcalA rich, easy dump cake made with fresh peaches, cinnamon, pecans, and French vanilla cake mix.
Ingredients
6–8 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced (about 6 cups)
12 oz evaporated milk
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
3 tsp ground cinnamon
1 box French vanilla cake mix (or white cake mix)
1 cup pecans, chopped
¾ cup butter, melted
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 175°C / 350°F. Grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the peaches, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. The mixture will be loose.
- Pour the peach mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top of the peaches, covering the surface completely.
- Sprinkle the pecans evenly over the cake mix.
- Pour the melted butter slowly and evenly over the entire dish.
- Bake for about 50 minutes, until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Notes
- Fresh peaches provide the best flavor, but canned peaches can be substituted (drained well).
- Do not stir after adding the cake mix; the texture depends on baking as layered.
- If pecans brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil near the end.
- Best served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Nutrition
Yields: 10 servings
Estimated Nutrition per Serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Fat: 22.6 g
- Carb: 49.8 g
- Protein: 6.2 g
Recipe Science
This dump cake relies on liquid migration and fat distribution rather than traditional mixing. As the peaches bake, they release moisture that hydrates the cake mix from below, while melted butter helps create a crisp, rich topping.
Eggs and evaporated milk form a custard-like base that sets during baking, giving the dessert body and structure. Cinnamon enhances peach sweetness, while pecans add both texture and toasted nut flavor as they bake on the surface.
From a practical standpoint, this dessert is extremely forgiving. Minor measurement variations won’t ruin the outcome, making it ideal for casual baking and entertaining.
Dietary Notes & Health Alerts:
Added sugar and saturated fat exceed 20 percent of the FDA Daily Value per serving. For lighter portions, serve smaller squares with unsweetened whipped cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Easy: No mixing layers or special tools.
- Seasonal Favorite: Perfect for fresh summer peaches.
- Rich and Comforting: Warm, gooey, and satisfying.
- Crowd-Friendly: Great for potlucks and family gatherings.
FAQ
- Can I use canned peaches? Yes, drain them well before using.
- Can I reduce the sugar? Yes, reduce to ¾ cup if peaches are very sweet.
- Does this reheat well? Yes, warm individual portions gently.
- Can I use walnuts instead of pecans? Absolutely.
Conclusion
This peach pecan dump cake is proof that easy desserts can still feel homemade and special. Keep it simple, enjoy the process, and don’t forget the ice cream. Do you prefer your dump cake straight from the oven or chilled the next day?
Happy cooking, from my kitchen to yours!