Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix: The Quickest Recipe!

Peach cobbler: is there anything more comforting? It’s a classic dessert for a reason, offering warm, gooey, peachy goodness in every bite.

While some cobbler recipes can be a little time-consuming, this one uses a simple shortcut: cake mix. That’s right, a humble box of cake mix is the secret to a perfectly sweet and golden topping.

This recipe for peach cobbler made with cake mix is quick, easy, and perfect for just about any occasion. Whether you’re heading to a summer barbecue, packing a picnic, or just craving a cozy treat on a chilly night, this cobbler is sure to hit the spot.

Why this recipe works

Think about it: what’s a cobbler topping made of? Usually, it’s a sweet biscuit or a batter that’s very similar to cake. So, in a way, using cake mix is a shortcut to the traditional method!

This recipe simplifies the process, while still giving you that same crunchy, delicious topping you expect. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you get a fantastic dessert. It’s a high-reward, low-effort situation, and who doesn’t love that?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what to gather to make this simple, delicious peach cobbler.

Core Ingredients

Canned Peaches: You’ll need three 15-ounce cans (or 32 ounces total). Canned peaches make this recipe super easy and give the cobbler a wonderfully gooey texture. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can use about 6 cups of fresh peaches instead.
Cake Mix: Grab a 15.25-ounce box of yellow cake mix (or a 13.25-ounce box of vanilla). This is the secret to the easy, cakey topping.
Butter: You’ll need 1 stick (or ½ cup). Melt the butter before you start assembling the cobbler.

Optional Ingredients

These ingredients are completely optional, but they add an extra layer of flavor to the cobbler.

Brown Sugar: About 1 cup (divided). Brown sugar adds a rich sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon. A little cinnamon adds warmth and spice.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract can enhance the overall flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is pretty flexible. Here’s how you can adapt it:

Fresh Peaches: If you don’t want to use canned peaches, you can peel and slice fresh ones. You’ll also need to add about ½ cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to the peaches before baking to thicken the juices.
Other Fruits: You can use almost any fruit in this recipe! Try canned or fresh apples, berries, or cherries. If you use apples, try swapping the cinnamon for apple pie spice.
Cake Mix Variations: Spice cake mix or butter pecan cake mix would also be delicious!
Add-ins: Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut would be great in the topping.

How to Make Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix: Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to get baking? Here’s the simple process for making a delicious peach cobbler using cake mix.

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F or 400°F, depending on your recipe and oven.
Grease your baking dish (usually an 8×8 or 9×13 inch pan) with butter or coat it with nonstick cooking spray. This keeps the cobbler from sticking and makes serving easier.
If you’re using fresh peaches, peel and slice them. Then, toss them with a little sugar and cornstarch to help thicken the juices as they bake. Canned peaches are already prepped and ready to go!

Assembly

Pour the canned peaches (don’t drain them!) into the prepared baking dish. You want all that sweet, peachy liquid.
If you like a deeper, more caramel-y flavor, sprinkle a little brown sugar evenly over the peaches.
In a separate bowl, combine your dry cake mix with a pinch of cinnamon, if you’re using it. This adds a nice warm spice to the topping.
Sprinkle the cake mix mixture evenly over the peaches, covering them completely.
Now for the butter! You can either drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix or grate cold butter on top using a cheese grater. The butter is what helps create that golden, crispy topping.
Gently press the cake mix into the peaches a little bit. This helps it absorb some of the juices and creates a more cohesive cobbler.

Baking

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peach juices are bubbly around the edges. Baking times can vary depending on your oven.
To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the topping. If it comes out clean, the cobbler is ready! If not, bake for a few more minutes.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Cake Mix Peach Cobbler

Want to make the most amazing cake mix peach cobbler ever? Here are my top tips:

Don’t overmix the cake mix topping. Gently layer the ingredients in the baking dish instead of stirring them together.
Use cold butter for a crispier topping. I like to grate cold butter over the cake mix before baking.
Don’t drain the canned peaches. The syrup from the can adds moisture and sweetness to the cobbler.
Distribute the cake mix and butter evenly. This helps the cobbler bake evenly.
Watch your oven. Every oven is different, so adjust the baking time as needed to prevent burning.

Serving and storage

After your cobbler comes out of the oven, let it cool for at least 15 minutes before digging in. It’s delicious served warm or at room temperature. For an extra-special treat, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some whipped cream.

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store them in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. Just make sure to cover the cobbler tightly with plastic wrap or pop it into an airtight container.

To freeze, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it out in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it.

How to reheat your peach cobbler

Oven: Reheat the cobbler in an oven preheated to 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes.
Microwave: Zap individual servings in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds.
Air Fryer: Reheat individual servings in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes.

Recipe FAQs

Got questions? Here are some common ones:

Can I use other types of fruit? Absolutely! Apples, berries, and cherries all taste amazing in this recipe.
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix? Go for it! Spice cake and butter pecan mixes are delicious substitutes.
Do I have to use canned peaches? Nope. Fresh or frozen peaches work great. You might need to adjust the amount of sugar you add, depending on how sweet they are.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the cobbler, cover it, and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.

Summary

This easy peach cobbler recipe is so simple, even beginning bakers can make it. And it’s so delicious, your family and friends will rave about it!

Go ahead and try the recipe as it’s written here, or feel free to experiment with your favorite variations. No matter how you make it, this peach cobbler is the perfect dessert for any occasion.