Easy Peach Cobbler Recipe with Cake Mix: A Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion

If you’re in search of a quick and crowd-pleasing dessert, look no further than this peach cobbler recipe with cake mix. With just a few simple ingredients like canned peaches, cake mix, and butter, you can create a sweet, buttery, and golden cobbler that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, looking for an easy weekend treat, or craving a nostalgic dessert, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

One of the best aspects of this cobbler recipe is its simplicity. The use of cake mix eliminates the need to prepare a batter or crust from scratch. All you need to do is sprinkle the mix over the peaches, drizzle with melted butter, and bake. It’s easy, fuss-free, and the result is a dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, the versatility of this recipe allows you to make creative variations by switching up the fruit or the type of cake mix.

Pair this sweet cobbler with a savory main course like a classic tomato sandwich with basil and mayo to create a balanced meal. Or, serve it after a summer BBQ or casual dinner for a delicious finish to the meal. For those who prefer bite-sized desserts, consider trying mini pecan pies, which offer the perfect complement to this peach cobbler.

Why Cake Mix Works So Well for Cobbler

The use of cake mix in a cobbler recipe is not just a time-saver; it also enhances the texture and flavor of the dish. The cake mix creates a buttery, slightly crisp topping that contrasts perfectly with the soft, juicy peaches below. Here’s why this shortcut method is so effective:

Quick and easy: No need to make a dough or batter from scratch. Simply sprinkle the cake mix over the fruit, drizzle with butter, and bake.
Versatile: You can experiment with different flavors of cake mix, such as spiced cake, white cake, or butter pecan, to match the season or your personal preferences.
Perfect texture: The cake mix forms a lightly crisp, golden crust that pairs beautifully with the tender peaches. This texture combination is what makes cobbler so satisfying.

By using a few pantry staples and minimal prep, you’ll have a dessert that looks and tastes impressive but requires little effort. The ease of preparation makes this recipe a go-to for last-minute get-togethers or unexpected guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the reasons this peach cobbler recipe is so popular is its simplicity. You don’t need any fancy or hard-to-find ingredients. In fact, you probably already have most of these items in your pantry:

Canned Peaches: The star of the dish! Canned peaches are used for convenience, and their syrup adds sweetness and moisture to the cobbler. Use two cans of peaches, but be sure to drain one can to prevent the cobbler from becoming too soggy.
Cake Mix: The key to this easy cobbler is the cake mix. A box of yellow cake mix works perfectly, but you can also use other flavors, like spice cake or butter pecan, to add a unique twist.
Butter: Melted butter helps create a rich, golden crust. Be sure to drizzle it evenly over the cake mix to achieve that perfect crisp topping.
Spices: Adding a little bit of cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the flavor of the peaches and gives the cobbler a warm, cozy feel. You can adjust the spices to your liking or substitute with allspice or pumpkin pie spice for a different flavor profile.
Cornstarch: A tablespoon of cornstarch is mixed with the peaches to help thicken the filling and create that luscious, gooey consistency we all love in a good cobbler.

With these simple ingredients, you’ll have everything you need to whip up a delicious peach cobbler in no time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s get into the step-by-step process of making this easy peach cobbler. It’s straightforward and doesn’t require any advanced baking skills, making it perfect for beginners or anyone short on time.

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 12-inch cast iron skillet or 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to ensure even baking and prevent the cobbler from sticking to the pan.

2. Prepare the Peach Filling

Drain one can of canned peaches, but keep the syrup from the second can.
Pour both the drained and undrained peaches into your greased baking dish. The combination of drained and undrained peaches will ensure the perfect balance of moisture without making the cobbler too runny.
Add ½ teaspoon nutmeg, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch to the peaches. Stir the mixture to coat the peaches evenly with the spices and cornstarch. The cornstarch will help thicken the syrup as the cobbler bakes, creating a deliciously gooey filling.

3. Add the Cake Mix

Open your box of yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz) and evenly sprinkle it over the peach mixture. Do not stir! You want the cake mix to sit on top of the peaches, creating the crispy crust as it bakes.
Use the back of a spoon to gently press the cake mix into the peaches, but don’t mix it in completely. This will help the topping brown evenly and give the cobbler a uniform texture.

4. Drizzle the Melted Butter

Melt 1 cup of butter (2 sticks) in the microwave or on the stove, and drizzle it evenly over the top of the cake mix. The butter is what will give the cake mix its golden, crispy crust, so make sure you cover as much of the surface as possible.
If you find that certain areas of the cake mix are still dry after drizzling the butter, you can add a few small pats of butter to those spots to ensure even browning.

5. Bake the Cobbler

Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The cobbler is done when the crust is crispy and golden, and the peach filling is bubbling around the edges.
If you notice the top browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the cobbler with aluminum foil halfway through baking to prevent it from burning.
Let the cobbler cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to set slightly and make it easier to serve.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the cobbler warm, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The combination of the warm cobbler and cold ice cream is absolutely irresistible and adds an extra layer of indulgence to the dessert.

Creative Variations of Peach Cobbler

While the basic peach cobbler recipe with cake mix is delicious on its own, there are countless ways to customize and make it your own. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Use Different Fruits: While peaches are the traditional choice, you can substitute them with other fruits like apples, berries, or pineapple. Just be sure to adjust the sugar level if you’re using a less sweet fruit. For example, if using fresh or frozen berries, you might want to add a bit more sugar to the filling.
Try Different Cake Mix Flavors: While yellow cake mix is a classic, you can experiment with flavors like spice cake, white cake, or butter pecan. Each type of cake mix will give the cobbler a unique twist. For a fall-themed cobbler, try using spice cake mix and adding a bit of pumpkin pie spice to the peaches.
Add Crunchy Toppings: To add some extra texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cake mix before baking. The nuts will toast as the cobbler bakes, adding a delicious crunch to each bite.
Use Fresh or Frozen Peaches: If you prefer to use fresh or frozen peaches instead of canned, simply peel and slice about 4-5 large peaches. You’ll need to add a bit of sugar and liquid (such as water or juice) to mimic the syrup from the canned peaches.

Serving Suggestions

This peach cobbler is perfect as a stand-alone dessert, but it can also be paired with other dishes for a complete meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:

Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: The contrast of the warm cobbler with cold vanilla ice cream or whipped cream makes for a truly indulgent treat. The creaminess of the ice cream pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the peaches and the buttery crust.
Pair with a Summer BBQ: This cobbler is the perfect dessert to serve after a summer BBQ. It’s light, fruity, and a great way to end a meal of grilled meats and veggies. Try serving it after a dinner of grilled chicken or ribs for a sweet, satisfying finish.
Complement with a Light Salad or Sandwich: If you’re serving the cobbler as part of a casual lunch or brunch, consider pairing it with a classic tomato sandwich with basil and mayo or a fresh salad. The sweet cobbler will complement the savory flavors of the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few common questions people have about making peach cobbler with cake mix:

Can I Use Fresh Peaches Instead of Canned?

Absolutely! Fresh peaches can be used in place of canned peaches, but you may need to add a bit of extra sugar and liquid (like peach juice or water) to compensate for the lack of syrup. You’ll want to peel and slice about 4-5 large peaches for this recipe. If the peaches are very ripe, you may not need to add much sugar at all.

How Do I Prevent the Cobbler from Getting Soggy?

To prevent a soggy cobbler, make sure you drain one can of peaches and avoid stirring the cake mix into the fruit. The cake mix should sit on top of the peaches and soak up the juices as it bakes, creating a crispy topping rather than a soggy one.

Can I Make Peach Cobbler in Advance?

Yes, you can prepare the cobbler ahead of time. After baking, allow the cobbler to cool completely and then store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it in a 300°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until it’s warmed through. You can also serve it cold, though it’s best enjoyed warm.

How Should I Store Leftover Peach Cobbler?

Store any leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place individual servings in the oven at 300°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave individual servings for about a minute, though the crust may not be as crispy.

Can I Freeze Peach Cobbler?

Yes, you can freeze peach cobbler for up to three months. To freeze, allow the cobbler to cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the cobbler in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.

Conclusion

This peach cobbler recipe with cake mix is the ultimate easy dessert, combining the sweetness of peaches with the buttery, crispy topping of cake mix. Whether you’re a novice baker or just short on time, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. It’s versatile, quick to prepare, and can be customized to suit your taste.

Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent experience. And don’t forget to try some of the creative variations, like using different fruits or cake mix flavors, to make this cobbler your own. After a hearty meal like Dutch Oven Pot Roast, this cobbler makes for the perfect sweet finish.

Happy baking!

Easy Peach Cobbler Recipe with Cake Mix | Quick and Delicious Dessert