Slow Cooker Peach Dump Cake: The 4-Ingredient Dessert Everyone Will Beg For
There’s something magical about a dessert that requires almost no effort yet delivers bakery-level comfort in every bite. This Slow Cooker Peach Dump Cake is exactly that kind of recipe.
With just four simple ingredients—canned peaches, yellow cake mix, butter, and cinnamon—you can create a warm, golden, bubbly dessert that tastes like it took hours of careful baking.
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. No mixing bowls. No electric mixer. No complicated steps. You simply layer the ingredients in your slow cooker, cover it, and walk away.
A few hours later, your kitchen smells like a Southern bakery, and you have a spoonable dessert that’s somewhere between a cobbler and a buttery cake.
This is the kind of dessert you make when guests are coming over, when you need something for a potluck, or when you just want comfort food without the fuss. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it relies on a clever layering method instead of traditional mixing. The peaches provide moisture and sweetness, while the dry cake mix absorbs that liquid as it cooks. The butter slowly melts into the cake mix, creating a rich, golden topping that forms naturally in the slow cooker.
The slow cooker’s gentle heat allows the fruit to bubble and soften without burning the topping. Unlike oven baking, which can sometimes dry out fruit desserts, the slow cooker traps moisture and creates that perfect cobbler-like texture.
Another reason this recipe is so successful? The ingredient balance is nearly foolproof. The peaches bring natural sweetness and syrup. The cake mix provides structure. The butter adds richness and crispness. And the cinnamon enhances everything with warmth and depth.
Because there are no eggs or milk, there’s less room for error. The fruit handles the hydration, and the cake mix does the rest. It’s practically designed to succeed—even for beginner cooks.
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
One of the best things about this peach dump cake is how minimal the ingredient list is. Here’s what you’ll need:
2 (15 oz) cans canned peaches – In heavy syrup or juice (your choice affects sweetness)
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix – Any brand works
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter – Melted or sliced into thin pats
1 teaspoon cinnamon – Optional, but highly recommended
That’s it. No eggs. No milk. No extra sugar required.
You’ll also need:
A 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker
Non-stick spray or butter for greasing
The canned peaches act as both the fruit layer and the liquid base. The cake mix becomes the topping. The butter transforms everything into a golden crust. And cinnamon adds that irresistible warmth that makes people ask for seconds.
How To Make This Recipe
This dessert truly lives up to its “dump cake” name. You layer, cook, and serve.
Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease your slow cooker with butter or non-stick spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 2: Add the Peaches
Pour both cans of peaches into the slow cooker, including the juice. Spread them evenly.
If you prefer a thicker dessert, drain one can and use only one can’s juice. For a juicier cobbler texture, use both cans with all their syrup.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the peaches. Do not stir. This is crucial. The dry layer creates the crust.
Step 4: Add Cinnamon
Sprinkle cinnamon evenly over the cake mix.
Step 5: Add Butter
Drizzle melted butter evenly over the surface, or place thin pats across the top, covering as much area as possible.
Step 6: Cover and Cook
Cook on:
LOW for 3–4 hours
HIGH for 2–3 hours
It’s ready when the top looks golden and set, and the edges are bubbling.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Turn off the slow cooker and let it rest uncovered for 15–20 minutes. This helps the topping firm up.
Then scoop and serve warm.
Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success
1. Don’t Stir
Stirring ruins the layered structure and results in a gummy texture. Keep the layers separate.
2. Distribute Butter Evenly
Dry patches mean dry cake mix. Make sure the butter covers the top thoroughly.
3. Adjust the Juice
For thicker results, reduce liquid. For saucier results, keep all the juice.
4. Check Doneness
If parts look dry and powdery, cook an additional 30 minutes.
5. Let It Rest
The resting period helps the dessert set and makes serving easier.
How To Serve
This dessert is best served warm, straight from the slow cooker. Use a large spoon to scoop generous portions into bowls.
Because it’s soft and scoopable, it doesn’t slice like traditional cake. Instead, it has a rustic cobbler-style presentation with layers of fruit and buttery topping.
If serving at a gathering, keep the slow cooker on the warm setting so guests can help themselves.
Serving Suggestions
This peach dump cake pairs beautifully with classic toppings and drinks:
Vanilla ice cream (the ultimate pairing)
Fresh whipped cream
Fresh berries
Caramel drizzle
A sprinkle of powdered sugar
For beverages:
Coffee
Hot tea
Cold milk
The contrast between warm cake and cold ice cream is especially irresistible.
Time
Prep Time: 5–10 minutes
Cook Time: 2–4 hours (depending on setting)
Rest Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: About 2½ to 4½ hours
The hands-on time is minimal—just a few minutes of layering. The slow cooker does all the work.
Flavor Variations to Try
This recipe is endlessly adaptable.
Peach Berry Dump Cake – Add 1 cup blueberries or raspberries.
Peach Pecan Dump Cake – Add ½ cup chopped pecans.
Spiced Peach Dump Cake – Add nutmeg and cardamom.
Peach Pineapple Dump Cake – Replace one can of peaches with crushed pineapple.
Cherry Peach Dump Cake – Add cherry pie filling.
Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free cake mix.
Fresh Peach Version – Use 4–5 cups fresh peaches with sugar and lemon juice.
Frozen Peach Version – Use thawed frozen peaches with juices.
Each variation keeps the same simple method while offering a new flavor twist.
Why Everyone Loves This Dessert
It’s comforting. It’s easy. It feels homemade without the effort. The texture is a perfect mix of soft fruit and buttery crumble topping. It feeds a crowd. And it makes your house smell amazing.
Best of all, it’s nearly impossible to mess up.
This Slow Cooker Peach Dump Cake proves that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most unforgettable.
Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, holiday gathering, or cozy weekend night at home, one thing is guaranteed:
Everyone will beg for the recipe.