This is one of those throw-it-together, forget-about-it, and let-the-crockpot-do-all-the-work kind of desserts. It’s sweet, buttery, warm, and comforting — like summer in a bowl.
I’ve been making this for years, especially when I want something cozy without turning on the oven. No mixing bowls, no beating anything. Just dump, set, and wait for magic.
Why I Love This Recipe
This dessert is my go-to when I want something warm and comforting but don’t want to put in a lot of effort. It’s been on repeat at potlucks, weekend dinners, and lazy Sundays at home.
- Just 3 main ingredients (plus cinnamon if you’re feeling fancy)
- No need to mix anything — literally dump and go
- It smells amazing while cooking — your whole house will smell like peaches and butter
- You get that buttery cake top with syrupy peaches underneath
- You can serve it straight from the crockpot
What You’ll Need
- 2 (15.25 oz) cans of sliced peaches in heavy syrup (don’t drain)
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Pro Tips
- Use the syrup: Don’t drain the peaches — the syrup makes the cobbler saucy and delicious.
- Cut the butter thin: Thin pats of butter melt more evenly and help the cake mix bake properly.
- Line the crockpot: Use a liner or lightly spray it so clean-up is easy.
- Don’t stir: Resist the urge! Layer it and leave it alone.
- Let it rest: After it finishes cooking, let it sit uncovered for 10–15 minutes so it thickens up.
Tools You’ll Need
- 6-quart crockpot
- Crockpot liner (optional but helpful)
- Silicone spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Small knife or butter cutter
Substitutions and Variations
- Peaches: Use canned peach pie filling or frozen peaches + sugar and a bit of cornstarch.
- Cake mix: Try spice cake or white cake mix for a twist.
- Add-ins: Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top for crunch.
- Butter: Salted butter works fine if that’s what you have.
Make Ahead Tips
You can layer everything in the crockpot insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Add the butter on top right before turning it on to cook.
How to Make Crockpot Peach Cobbler Dump Cake
Step 1: Dump the Peaches Into the Crockpot
Pour both cans of sliced peaches with syrup directly into the bottom of a lined crockpot. Spread evenly.
Step 2: Sprinkle Cake Mix Evenly on Top
Sprinkle the entire box of dry yellow cake mix evenly over the peaches. Do not stir.
Step 3: Add Butter Pats and Cinnamon
Place ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats, across the top of the cake mix, covering as evenly as possible. Sprinkle 1 tsp of ground cinnamon over everything.
Step 4: Cover and Cook
Place the lid on the crockpot. Cook on HIGH for 2½ to 3 hours or on LOW for 4 hours. Don’t lift the lid while it cooks. It’s done when the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
Step 5: Serve Warm
After cooking, let the cobbler rest for 10–15 minutes uncovered. Scoop into bowls and serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals. You can also freeze portions for up to 1 month — just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Makes
6–8 servings
Cook Time
3 hours on HIGH
or
4 hours on LOW
Macros (Per Serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 50g
- Fat: 12g
- Sugar: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Dump cakes work because the butter melts down into the dry cake mix, mixing just enough to create a soft, crumbly topping. The fruit underneath releases steam and syrup, which thickens as it cooks, turning into a gooey filling. The crockpot traps moisture while cooking low and slow, making everything tender without drying out.
Common Mistakes
- Stirring the layers: This ruins the layered structure and makes it mushy.
- Using drained peaches: You need the syrup to make the cobbler saucy and not dry.
- Not covering the top with butter: Dry spots can form if butter isn’t evenly spaced.
- Taking the lid off too soon: This lets heat escape and messes with the cook time.
What to Serve With
- A big scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- A drizzle of caramel sauce
- Toasted pecans or walnuts
- Hot coffee or iced tea
FAQ
Can I make this in the oven instead?
Yes! Layer everything in a 9×13 baking dish and bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes.
Do I have to use canned peaches?
No, you can use frozen peaches with ½ cup sugar and 1 tbsp cornstarch to thicken it.
Can I use a different cake mix?
Definitely! White cake mix or spice cake mix both taste great.
What if I don’t have cinnamon?
You can skip it or use nutmeg for a different flavor twist.
Wrap-Up
This crockpot peach cobbler dump cake is the ultimate lazy dessert with maximum reward. It’s gooey, golden, and bursting with peachy goodness — all without turning on your oven. I hope you try it and love it as much as I do! If you make it, leave a comment and tell me how it went or if you tried any fun twists.