Craving a dessert that’s effortless yet unforgettable? This Peach Bourbon Dump Cake is your summer go-to! Juicy peaches melt into a buttery, golden topping with a hint of bourbon warmth, creating a treat that’s pure comfort. I threw this together one balmy evening when I wanted something sweet without the fuss, and it’s been a favorite ever since. Ideal for BBQs, picnics, or cozy nights, this dish brings Summer Desserts to life with minimal effort. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Fuss Magic: Just layer and bake for a stunning dessert with zero stress.
- Bourbon Glow: A splash of bourbon adds a toasty depth to these Summer Desserts.
- Peachy Sweetness: Fresh or canned peaches deliver juicy flavor in every bite.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, from casual to festive.
- Pantry Staples: Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
Ingredients
This recipe serves 8-10, great for sharing at your next summer gathering.
For the Peach Base
- Fresh Peaches (6 cups, peeled and sliced, about 6-8 peaches) or Canned Peaches (2 15-oz cans, drained): Fresh for texture, canned for ease.
- Light Brown Sugar (½ cup): For caramelized sweetness.
- Bourbon (¼ cup): Adds a warm, rich note (substitute with apple juice if desired).
- Lemon Juice (1 tbsp, optional): Brightens underripe fresh peaches.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp): Brings cozy warmth.
- Ground Nutmeg (¼ tsp, optional): For a touch of spice.
For the Topping
- Yellow Cake Mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): Forms the cakey layer.
- Unsalted Butter (¾ cup, cold and thinly sliced): Creates a crisp, golden top.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances flavors.
- Chopped Pecans (½ cup, optional): For extra crunch.
Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl (for peaches)
- Sharp knife (for slicing peaches)
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Peach Bourbon Dump Cake
This dessert is as simple as it gets, delivering a warm, peachy treat that’s perfect for summer. Here’s how to do it!
Prepare the Peach Base
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- If using fresh peaches, peel and slice them. If using canned, drain thoroughly. Spread peaches evenly in the baking dish.
- For underripe fresh peaches, toss with lemon juice and 2 tbsp brown sugar, then cook in a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened. Let cool slightly before adding to the dish.
- Sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using) over the peaches. Drizzle with bourbon. Stir gently once to coat, keeping peach slices whole.
Add the Topping
- Evenly sprinkle dry cake mix over the peaches. Don’t stir—it’s key to the texture!
- Lay thin slices of cold butter over the cake mix, covering the surface completely. Sprinkle with salt and pecans (if using).
Bake Peach Bourbon Dump Cake
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the edges bubble and the top is golden brown.
- Cool for 15 minutes to set the filling before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8-10
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
Tips for Perfect Peach Bourbon Dump Cake
- Drain Canned Peaches Well: Prevents a soggy base for your Summer Desserts.
- Butter Evenly: Thin slices ensure a crispy, golden topping.
- Keep Cake Mix Dry: Don’t mix it in to maintain the cakey-crisp texture.
- Soften Underripe Peaches: A quick skillet cook helps them shine.
- Watch the Oven: Pull it out when the top is deeply golden, not pale.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate this dessert with these fun ideas:
- Classic Pairing: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a melty Summer Desserts treat.
- Morning Spin: Spoon over yogurt for a decadent breakfast twist.
- Party Hit: Dish up at picnics with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Southern Charm: Pair with iced tea or a bourbon-infused coffee.
- Pretty Touch: Garnish with fresh peach slices or a dusting of cinnamon.
Storing Your Peach Bourbon Dump Cake
Keep this dessert fresh for your next craving:
- Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
- Freeze: Freeze portions in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat.
- Pro Tip: Avoid storing with creamy toppings to keep it from getting soggy.
Variations to Try
Mix things up with these creative twists:
- Mixed Berries: Add 1 cup raspberries or blueberries for a fruity Summer Desserts blend.
- Nut-Free: Skip pecans for a softer, gooier texture.
- Spice It Up: Swap nutmeg for cardamom for a unique flavor.
- Kid-Friendly: Use apple juice instead of bourbon for a family-friendly treat.
- Flavor Twist: Try spice cake mix for a cozy, autumnal vibe.
FAQs About Peach Bourbon Dump Cake
Can I use canned peaches?
Yes, just drain them well to avoid excess liquid in your dessert.
What if I skip the bourbon?
Apple or orange juice works great for a non-alcoholic version of this Summer Desserts treat.
Why is my topping patchy?
Cover the cake mix evenly with butter slices to ensure a golden crust.
Can I prep this ahead?
Layer the peach base and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add cake mix and butter before baking.
Fresh or canned peaches—which is best?
Fresh peaches keep their shape for a lighter texture, while canned are jammier. Both are delicious!
More Cake Ideas You’ll Love
- Chocolate Mousse Cake
- Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
- Strawberry Shortcake Cake (with sponge cake)
- Moist Cinnamon Apple Cake: A Sweet, Simple Deligh
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes
Conclusion
This Peach Bourbon Dump Cake is a game-changer for Summer Desserts, blending juicy peaches, a buttery topping, and a hint of bourbon into an easy, crowd-pleasing treat. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or craving a quick dessert, this recipe delivers big flavor with little effort. Pin it to your Summer Desserts board and let me know how it turns out in the comments! Visit LaylaCooks.com for more tasty ideas!
Happy baking!
Peach Bourbon Dump Cake: A Perfect Summer Dessert!
Ingredients
FOR THE PEACH BASE (CHOOSE ONE OPTION)
- Option 1 Canned:
- 2 15 oz cans sliced peaches in juice, drained
- Option 2 Fresh:
- 4 cups peeled and sliced fresh peaches about 6–7 medium peaches
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
FOR THE FLAVOR & TOPPING:
- 1/4 cup bourbon or use apple juice for a non-alcoholic version
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3/4 cup 1.5 sticks cold unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- PREHEAT THE OVEN: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- PREPARE THE PEACHES: If using canned peaches, drain them well and spread evenly in the baking dish. If using fresh peaches, toss them with sugar and lemon juice, then add to the dish. If fresh peaches are underripe, sauté them for 5 minutes with the sugar and lemon juice to soften slightly.
- ADD FLAVOR: Drizzle the bourbon over the peaches. Sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg evenly on top. Gently stir the peach layer to distribute the flavors without breaking up the fruit too much.
- ADD THE CAKE MIX: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the peach mixture. Do not stir; it should remain as a dry layer on top.
- TOP WITH BUTTER: Lay the thin butter slices evenly over the surface of the cake mix, covering as much of the top as possible to help the cake bake evenly and brown well.
- FINISH WITH TOPPINGS: Sprinkle the salt over the top. Add chopped pecans or walnuts if using.
- BAKE: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling at the edges.
- COOL BEFORE SERVING: Let the dump cake cool for 10–15 minutes to allow the filling to set slightly before serving.
Notes
- If using fresh peaches, choose ripe ones for best flavor. If substituting bourbon, apple juice offers a mild sweetness that pairs well. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated before serving.
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