The peach dump cake is a classic dessert known for its ease of preparation and delicious results. This recipe takes that beloved simplicity and adapts it perfectly for your slow cooker, resulting in a warm, comforting treat with minimal effort. Forget slaving over a hot oven—this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Let's dive into the deliciousness!
What is a Peach Dump Cake?
A peach dump cake is a simple dessert made with a layer of canned peaches (or fresh, if you're feeling ambitious!), topped with a buttery, crumbly cake mix. The entire concoction is baked until golden brown and bubbly, resulting in a moist, comforting dessert that's perfect for any occasion. The "dump" part refers to the simple process – you literally dump the ingredients into the baking dish! This crock pot version streamlines the process even further.
How to Make Peach Dump Cake in a Crock Pot
This recipe uses a slow cooker for a hands-off approach. The gentle heat of the crock pot yields a wonderfully moist cake that’s less likely to dry out than its oven-baked counterpart.
Ingredients:
- 2 (21 ounce) cans of sliced peaches, drained (or about 6 cups fresh peaches, sliced)
- 1 box (15.25 ounce) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Instructions:
- Prepare the peaches: Drain the canned peaches well. If using fresh peaches, slice them and set aside.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the cake mix and optional nuts and cinnamon.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in the melted butter and mix until just combined. Don't overmix.
- Layer in the crock pot: Pour the drained peaches into the bottom of a greased 6-quart slow cooker.
- Top with crumb mixture: Evenly sprinkle the cake mix mixture over the peaches.
- Cook: Cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 1.5-2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool slightly in the crock pot before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
What are the Variations for a Crock Pot Peach Dump Cake?
The beauty of the dump cake lies in its adaptability. Let's explore some popular variations:
Can I use frozen peaches?
Yes! Thaw your frozen peaches completely before using them in this recipe. Make sure to drain any excess liquid thoroughly. This will prevent a watery cake.
Can I use different cake mix flavors?
Absolutely! Spice cake mix, lemon cake mix, or even a funfetti cake mix can all be used to create unique flavor profiles. Consider complementing the cake mix flavor with additional spices or extracts.
How can I make it healthier?
While it's not a health food, you can make some small adjustments for a slightly healthier version. Use a reduced-fat cake mix, whole wheat flour, and reduce the amount of butter. You can also add more fresh fruit to boost the nutritional value.
How do I store leftover peach dump cake?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What are the Benefits of Making Peach Dump Cake in a Crock Pot?
The crock pot method offers several advantages:
- Less mess: No need to grease and clean a baking dish.
- Hands-off cooking: Simply assemble and let the slow cooker do the work.
- Moist and tender cake: The slow cooker’s gentle heat helps create a beautifully moist cake.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make it ahead of time and reheat as needed.
With its simplicity, deliciousness, and versatility, the crock pot peach dump cake is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
