There’s nothing better than a peach cobbler recipe with cake mix when you’re looking for a simple, yet utterly delicious dessert. This easy-to-make cobbler only requires five ingredients and takes less than 5 minutes of preparation, making it a go-to option for when you’re short on time but still want a treat that will impress everyone. Whether you’re planning for a summer barbecue, hosting a cozy get-together in the colder months, or simply indulging in a last-minute dessert, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Follow these steps for a sweet, golden, and bubbly peach cobbler that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why Use Cake Mix in Peach Cobbler?
Traditionally, the topping for a peach cobbler is made from scratch, often using ingredients similar to a biscuit or cake batter. However, using boxed cake mix in this recipe simplifies the process while still giving you a crispy, golden-brown crust that complements the soft, juicy peaches. Not only does this method cut down on time and effort, but the result is a dessert that tastes like it took hours to prepare. The cake mix provides a sweet, crunchy layer that pairs perfectly with the warm, spiced peaches underneath. Plus, with just a few pantry staples, this recipe is accessible and convenient, making it a must-try for both experienced bakers and beginners alike.
Ingredients for Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix
To make this peach cobbler recipe with cake mix, you’ll need the following 5 simple ingredients:
- 3 (15-oz) cans of peaches, drained
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup brown sugar, divided
- 1 (15.25-oz) box yellow cake mix
- 1 stick of butter, melted
These ingredients come together beautifully to create a rich, flavorful dessert with minimal effort. The canned peaches offer a juicy base, while the brown sugar and cake mix add sweetness and texture.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. It’s important to allow the oven to fully reach this temperature before baking, as this ensures that your peach cobbler will cook evenly, resulting in a perfect, golden crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Peaches
Take your drained canned peaches and pour them into a 9×13 baking dish. This size dish allows the peaches to spread out evenly, ensuring each bite of cobbler has a nice balance of fruit and topping. Spread the peaches across the bottom, making sure they are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Brown Sugar
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract over the peaches, infusing them with a warm, aromatic flavor. Then, sprinkle ¼ cup of brown sugar evenly over the top of the peaches. The brown sugar will melt during baking, adding a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the peaches.
Step 4: Combine Cake Mix and Brown Sugar
In a small mixing bowl, combine the dry yellow cake mix, ¼ cup of brown sugar, and the melted butter. Use a fork to mix them together until the mixture resembles a clumpy, dry batter. The butter helps bind the cake mix and brown sugar together, creating that crunchy, crumbly topping we all love in a cobbler.
Step 5: Crumble the Topping
Take the cake mix mixture and crumble it evenly over the peaches in the baking dish. Don’t worry about making it perfect – this recipe is forgiving, and part of the charm of cobbler is the rustic, uneven topping. Make sure the entire surface of the peaches is covered to ensure every bite has that golden cake mix crunch.
Step 6: Add More Brown Sugar
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of brown sugar over the top of the cake mix. This extra layer of brown sugar will caramelize as the cobbler bakes, giving the top a delightful crispness and added sweetness.
Step 7: Bake the Cobbler
Place the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know the cobbler is ready when the top is golden brown, and the peach juices are bubbling up around the edges. The baking time allows the cake mix to cook through and create a crispy, buttery topping while the peaches remain soft and juicy.
Step 8: Let it Cool
Once baked, remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes. The cobbler will be very hot straight out of the oven, especially the peaches, so this cooling time is essential. Allowing it to cool slightly also gives the flavors a chance to meld together, making for a more enjoyable eating experience.
Serving and Storage Tips
Peach Cobbler is best served warm, straight from the oven, but it’s equally delicious at room temperature or even cold from the fridge. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
For storing leftovers (if you have any!), cover the cobbler and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It can be reheated in the microwave or oven for a warm, comforting dessert anytime.
Substitutions and Variations
While this peach cobbler with cake mix is already simple and delicious, there are a few ways to switch things up and make it your own:
- White Cake Mix: If you don’t have yellow cake mix, you can easily swap it for white cake mix. The flavor will be slightly lighter, but still delicious.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg over the peaches before adding the cake mix. This adds warmth and depth to the flavor, perfect for fall or winter gatherings.
- Fresh or Frozen Peaches: If you prefer, you can use fresh or frozen peaches instead of canned. Just be sure to slice and peel fresh peaches, or thaw frozen ones before baking.
- Peach Pie Filling: For a more intensely sweet cobbler, you can use peach pie filling instead of canned peaches. This will result in a much sweeter dessert, so you may want to reduce the amount of added sugar.
Why Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix Is the Best Dessert
The combination of juicy peaches and buttery cake mix creates a delightful contrast in textures. The crisp topping balances the soft, luscious peaches, making every bite a mouthwatering experience. Plus, because this recipe uses canned peaches and boxed cake mix, it requires minimal preparation, making it an ideal dessert for busy nights or last-minute gatherings.
Not only is this cobbler incredibly easy to make, but it’s also versatile. It can be served during the summer when peaches are in season or in the cooler months when you need a comforting, warm dessert. This peach cobbler is sure to become a staple in your dessert rotation.
