When August finally shows up on the calendar, there’s nothing I want to bake more than my Nonnie’s peach dump. It’s always so loved and adored by everyone who gets the chance to eat it. Not only that, it’s one of those cozy, easy, no-effort recipes that Nonnie was a pro at. This is the second recipe this week inspired by my Nonnie. I’ve found that every year that goes by, I come back to her way of cooking, entertaining, and even shopping more and more. And this summer, I’m basically living with Nonnie’s mindset – simple everything! The one thing that Nonnie’s peach dump is missing is a sweet cake element. Her caramel peaches don’t need a cake topping, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t a little more delicious with a cake-like topping. With that thought in mind, I knew this was the summer to make a peach dump cake. Only my peach dump cake would have self-sauced caramel peaches under the soft and sweet vanilla cake. Yes, this is easy. But more importantly you all, this really is so delicious.
Now these are the details
Step 1: make the peaches Take your peaches and cut them into quarters. Then put them in a baking dish or use a cast iron skillet. Sprinkle over lots of brown sugar and add a good amount of butter. Bake the peaches for 30 minutes. As the peaches bake, the butter melts into the brown sugar, creating a buttery caramel-like sauce that bubbles up and caramelizes around them. It’s almost magical the way the sauce forms as the peaches soften and become even sweeter than before. Nonnie always left her peaches whole, but with this recipe, I felt it best to quarter each peach first.
Step 2: Optionally, you can brown some butter If you have time, brown one stick of butter on the stovetop. If you don’t feel like taking this extra step, that’s okay, too! It will add a little extra flavor, of course, but it’s not a necessary step by any means.
Step 3: make the batter This is all made in one bowl. You’ll mix the wet ingredients with the dry, and that’s it. I used maple syrup as the sweetener because I LOVE the warming flavor it adds to baked goods. You could also use honey, which would be great, too. The melted butter creates the perfect soft cake, and the vanilla adds flavor. Melt the butter with an egg. Add vanilla, maple or honey, and some milk. Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix it up until just combined.
Step 3: pour the batter over the peaches Next, pour the cake batter over the peaches. Sprinkle the top of the cake batter with cinnamon sugar. Now bake another 30 minutes. You want the edges of the cake to be caramelized. It’s going to smell so delicious. Sweet peaches with brown sugar and hints of cinnamon. Someone needs to make that into a candle.
Step 4: add ice cream and enjoy All that’s left to do now is add a few scoops of ice cream, let the ice cream get a little melty, and then enjoy the cake with a spoon. Make sure you scoop up all the yummy caramel sauce under the cake and peaches. It’s the best part! I’m so happy it’s finally peach season; let’s live it up while it lasts.
Looking for other summer peach desserts? Here are some favorites: Brown Sugar Peach Shortcakes 5 ingredient Raspberry Peach Sherbet Nonnie’s 5 Ingredient Peach Dump Cinnamon Maple Brown Butter Blackberry Peach Crisp Lastly, if you make this Caramel Peach Dump Cake. Be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And, of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
