Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix

Name: Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 ripe peaches; 2 eating apples; 150g frozen raspberries; 1 tbsp caster sugar; 200g vanilla cake mix; 2 tbsp butter; 100g crumble mix; Ice cream

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This might sound like a bit of an unusual recipe from me as I am not known for using boxed cake mixes. However, I saw the ‘Cobbler with Cake Mix’ trend going around and knew I had to give it a try as a Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix. And do you know what, I was impressed!

Based on the concept of an American ‘dump cake’ (terrible name, I know!) mixed with a classic cobbler, it requires just 10 minutes prep, then the oven does the hard work. This has to be one of the easiest puddings you will ever make… The fruit turns warm and soft, with crispy crumble/cobbler topping that works perfectly together. Vanilla ice cream to serve is not mandatory but I almost think it should be. The combination of the cold ice cream with warm cobbler is delicious.

Why you'll love this Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix:

It requires just 10 minutes prep, then the oven does the hard work.
It's super customisable - you can add a range of fruits alongside the peaches, I've gone for apples and raspberries.
It's absolutely delicious, super comforting and a classic for all year round.

You will need the following ingredients:

peach cobbler with cake mix labelled ingredients

Peaches - this is the perfect recipe to make when peaches are in season, but you can use tinned peaches if you can’t find them fresh. Nectarines and apricots also work well.

Apples - opt for eating apples. Although they don’t break down light cooking apples, they have a sweeter flavour which is perfect for this recipe.

Frozen raspberries - I always have a couple of bags of frozen fruit in my freezer as they are so versatile for adding to all sorts of bakes and puddings - or whipping up a quick fruit coulis. You could swap for frozen cherries or blueberries, if you prefer.

Caster sugar - I like to use caster sugar, but you could use granulated sugar if that is what you have. You could also use soft light brown sugar for a more molasses type flavour.

Vanilla cake mix - I must admit that I had never used a vanilla cake mix before seeing this trend. However, it works surprisingly well in this cobbler. I recommend Betty Crocker.

Butter - opt for unsalted so you can control the salt level.

Crumble mix - since this is a cheat’s version, you can use a readymade one but it is so simple to make your own using your favourite crumble recipe (any leftover crumble mix can be frozen). I have a recipe below.

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix in a white bowl

Substitutions and Variations

Raspberries: You could swap these for frozen blueberries, cherries or blackberries.

Apples: Swap for firm pears.

Peaches: This will work with any soft stone fruit - try with apricots, nectarines or plums. You can use tinned peaches when fresh ones aren’t in season. Just make sure you drain them thoroughly.

Crumble Mix: You can make your own if you like. I like oats in my crumble topping - 200g plain flour, 140g soft brown sugar (or caster sugar would do just as well), 200g cold unsalted butter, 20g oats and a tiny pinch of sea salt. You can make changes by adding ground almonds or chopped nuts for a bit more texture.

Here's How To Make Peach Cobbler With Cake Mix

The full recipe with more detailed instructions is below but here is a step by step guide to help you piece it together. It's super easy, it hardly requires any steps at all!

ONE: Slice the peaches and apples and add to a medium-sized oven-proof baking dish.

TWO: Sprinkle over the raspberries and caster sugar.

Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix in mixing bowl

THREE: In a large mixing bowl add the cake mix and 1 tablespoon butter. Using your fingers, combine to make breadcrumbs, then press the mixture together in clumps.

Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix before baking

FOUR: Arrange on top of the fruit then sprinkle over the crumble mix. Melt the rest of the butter and drizzle over the top.

FIVE: Bake for 35-40 minutes - or until the top is golden and the fruit is bubbling up.

SIX: Serve warm with the ice cream.

Cooking Tips

Preparing in advance: If you have leftovers, leave to cool completely before covering and chilling in the fridge for 4 days. To reheat, scoop portions into a microwave-proof bowl, add a drizzle of cream or splash of fruit juice for moisture (to stop it drying out) and heat in 30 second blasts until hot. Serve with ice cream and dive in!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cobbler?

A cobbler (in the food sense!) is America’s answer to the crumble. It consists of a fruit layer covered in a batter mix (a bit like dumplings) which is then baked. There are lots of different interpretations; in some areas, like the American South, they are more like a deep-dish pie with the fruit encased in a top and bottom crust.

What is the best accompaniment to serve with a cobbler?

I love serving this warm with a scoop of good-quality vanilla ice cream. It is also delicious with fresh cream, vanilla custard or even a scoop of clotted clotted cream. Yoghurt also works really well if you want something a bit lighter.

More FAQs: flavours and substitutions

Can I flavour the crumble topping?

You can definitely add your own flavours to the crumble topping. A pinch of ground cinnamon, mixed spice or ginger adds a subtle spiced warmth (and is delicious in autumnal versions using apples, plums and blackberries).

Can I use different flavours of cake mix?

Once you have got the hang of this recipe, you can unleash your inner chef and get creative with a whole host of different cake mixes. I can’t wait to try a cherry version with a chocolate cake mix for full on Black Forest Gateau vibes…

Other recipes you might enjoy

I love using fruits in desserts and have a whole host of recipes for that. My Upside Down Caramelised Banana Cake is a go-to for an impressive but simple bake (like this one) or my Banana Tiramisu is so good and doesn't require any cooking. A classic crumble recipe that's been on the blog for years is my Rhubarb and Ginger Crumble - not a crumble filling you see often - it's so good but very underrated! If you want something more cake-like, these Banana Choc Chip Muffins are divine, as is this White Chocolate and Raspberry Cake.

Made this recipe and loved it?

I would love love LOVE if you could leave a review in the comments… I love hearing what you thought, any changes you made, the stories behind what made you try my recipes. Also, if you share a photo on Instagram, please tag me @desertislanddishes, it makes my day to see you making my creations!