Peach season would not be complete without this warm, bubbly peach cobbler that makes everyone feel right at home. My Crock Pot Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix is one of those recipes that is perfect for easy summer hosting, backyard barbecues, or Sunday potlucks at church. The slow cooker does all the work for you, and the flavors are sweet, spiced peaches with a golden, buttery cake topping that bring back memories of family gatherings and southern hospitality.
If you love desserts that taste homemade but do not require you to turn on the oven or watch the stove, you will enjoy this one.
Why You Will Want to Make My Crock Pot Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix
This peach cobbler is all about classic comfort with juicy, cinnamon-spiced peaches bubbling under a sweet, buttery cake mix topping. It is incredibly easy to make so you do not need any baking experience to make it turn out beautifully every time. I love how you can prep everything in just minutes and let your slow cooker do the rest with no heating up the kitchen. It is ready to serve when your guests arrive. This recipe is also budget friendly, using easy pantry staples and fresh or canned peaches. You can prep the peaches and spices ahead, which makes it a lifesaver when you are hosting a crowd. If you want to switch things up, you can use frozen peaches, add berries, or use a gluten free cake mix.
If you love desserts that taste homemade but do not require you to turn on the oven or watch the stove, you will enjoy this one. For another delicious peach dessert, try my Easy Peach Cobbler Recipe With Premade Pie Crust for a quick oven-baked option.
Quick Recipe Tips Before You Get Started
Important Prep Tips Before Starting the Recipe:
- If you are using fresh peaches, peel and slice them before you start anything else. Be sure to put them in the apple juice as you work to avoid browning.
- Canned or frozen peaches work too. Just drain canned peaches well and thaw frozen ones before using.
- You will need a six quart slow cooker for this recipe. If you are serving a big group, you can double the recipe in a larger crock pot. For more slow cooker tips, my Crock Pot Cooking Guide is a great resource for both beginners and seasoned cooks
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them:
- Do not stir the cake mix into the peaches. The butter needs to melt over the dry mix to create that crisp, cobbler topping.
- To avoid a doughy or gummy topping, turn the lid on the slow cooker slightly so the steam can vent the last hour of cooking.
- If your topping has some dry areas, add a few pats of butter on top of these areas the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
Ingredient Tips
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Peaches: Fresh, peeled and sliced, or substitute with canned (drained) or frozen (thawed and drained). Freestone peaches are the easiest to work with.
- Brown sugar: Light or dark works fine. You can substitute coconut sugar if you want to cut down on refined sugar.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy warmth. For a little extra spice, add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom.
- Nutmeg: Just a touch makes the cobbler taste bakery fresh.
- Apple juice: This helps keep the peaches juicy and adds a subtle tartness. It also keeps the peaches from browning while you peel and slice them.
- Corn starch: Thickens the peach filling so it is not watery.
- Yellow cake mix: Any brand will do. For gluten free, use your favorite GF cake mix.
- Butter: I like using real butter for the best flavor, but dairy free sticks work well for vegan or dairy free guests. Be sure it is very cold before slicing.
Yes. Just drain canned peaches and thaw and drain frozen peaches before using.
Let the cobbler cook uncovered for the last thirty minutes so the steam can escape.
Use a larger slow cooker (eight quart) and double all ingredients. I like to use an oval vs round crock pot also. The cook time stays about the same. Just check doneness at two hours.
How to Make Crock Pot Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix
Prepare the Peach Filling
I peel and slice the peaches and place them right into a bowl with apple juice to keep them from browning. Then I stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch until the peaches are evenly coated.
Layer in the Slow Cooker
Pour the peach mixture into the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top with no mixing required. Then, slice your butter into thin pats and lay them over the entire surface of the cake mix. Resist the urge to stir.
Add Topping and Cook
Slice your cold butter into 24 thin pats and lay them over the entire surface of the cake mix. Resist the urge to stir! Cover and cook on high for two hours. After that, I crack the lid open slightly and let it cook for another thirty minutes. This helps the topping set and get a little crisp around the edges.
Once it smells sweet and the top is golden, spoon the warm cobbler into bowls. My family loves it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It is just as good at room temperature if you need to serve it at a picnic or potluck.
Variations, Substitutions, and Recipe Tips
Dietary Modifications: For gluten free, use a GF yellow cake mix. Dairy free butter or coconut oil works if you need a vegan dessert.
Flavor Enhancements: Add a handful of raspberries or blueberries with the peaches for a twist. Stir in a splash of vanilla extract to the peaches for extra depth.
Add-In Options: Some readers love adding chopped pecans or walnuts on top for crunch. Swap half the peaches for nectarines or plums.
Simple Substitutions: No apple juice? Use pineapple juice or coconut water. Coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener can be swapped for brown sugar.
Tips for Recipe Success: Do not overcook. The cobbler is done when the topping is golden and the fruit is bubbly. For a crispier topping, let it cook uncovered for the last thirty minutes. If your crock pot runs hot, check after one and a half hours.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
- You can freeze portions for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or oven. If the cobbler seems dry, add a splash of milk or apple juice before reheating.
Hostessing Tips for Casual Dessert Gatherings
“A cup of coffee, a slice of something sweet, and a welcoming spirit. Sometimes this is all God asks of us to open our hearts and homes.”
– Intentional Hospitality
Peach cobbler is the ultimate comfort food dessert. It is warm, homey, and this recipe is easy enough for even a last minute invitation. Use this make ahead treat as the centerpiece of a casual dessert and coffee night. Invite a few friends or neighbors, and let your slow cooker do all the work. For even more dessert ideas that require minimal effort, check out my roundup of Effortless Cherry Dump Cake and other no-fuss treats like Layered No-Bake Banana Split Cake.
Biblical Hospitality Tips
- Hospitality as Ministry: Pray over your guest list as you prep the cobbler. Ask God to use your home as a place of encouragement and rest, even if it is just for dessert and coffee.
- Fellowship Over Perfection: Do not stress about having the right plates or serving dishes. Use what you have and let guests serve themselves. Even better, use disposable bowls and silverware. A relaxed table helps everyone feel at home.
- Prep Ahead Tip: Set up your coffee and dessert bar in the morning. Stack mugs, set out napkins, and have your toppings like whipped cream or ice cream ready to go in the freezer or fridge. When guests arrive, all you need to do is lift the slow cooker lid.
Hospitality in Action
This week, invite someone over for dessert. No fancy meal required.
Keep it simple. Pick a night, put the cobbler in the crock pot, and send a text to a friend or neighbor. Ask God to give you opportunities for real conversation and encouragement around your table. Watch how a warm dessert and genuine welcome can nurture friendships and faith.
Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help! If you loved this recipe, please consider sharing what you liked about it & give it a star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Star ratings help people discover my recipes online. Your support and time mean a lot to me!
Who would you share this cozy, crowd pleasing cobbler with? I would love to hear how your gathering turned out in the comments below. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to sign up for more simple, faith inspired hosting ideas delivered to your inbox.
Crowd-Pleasing Crock Pot Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix
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Ingredients
- 5 cups peaches, peeled, sliced; fresh
- 1 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 15.25 ounces yellow cake mix, boxed
- 1/2 cup butter, 1 stick, sliced into thin pats. Be sure your stick of butter is very cold.
Instructions
Prepare the Crock Pot
- Spray the inside of your crock pot with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare Peaches
- In a medium bowl, pour the apple juice.1/2 cup apple juice
- Peal and slice the peaches and place them in the apple juice as you work.5 cups peaches
- Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch with the peaches. Mix well so the peaches are evenly coated.1 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 tablespoon corn starch
Layer the Ingredients
- Place the peach mixture in the bottom of the crock pot.
- Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top of the peaches.15.25 ounces yellow cake mix
- Slice cold butter into 24 small slices and put the pats of butter over the entire surface of the cake mix.1/2 cup butter
- Do not stir or mix.
Cook the Cobbler
- Cover and cook on high for 2 hours. Then uncover slightly so the steam can escape and continue cooking for 30 minutes until the cake mix topping is cooked and golden.
- The cobbler is done when the top is set and the peaches are tender and bubbly.
Serve
- Spoon the warm peach cobbler into bowls and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Gina’s Notes and Tips
Quick Recipe Tips Before You Get Started
Important Prep Tips Before Starting the Recipe:- If you are using fresh peaches, peel and slice them before you start anything else. Be sure to put them in the apple juice as you work to avoid browning.
- Canned or frozen peaches work too. Just drain canned peaches well and thaw frozen ones before using.
- You will need a six quart slow cooker for this recipe. If you are serving a big group, you can double the recipe in a larger crock pot.
- Do not stir the cake mix into the peaches. The butter needs to melt over the dry mix to create that crisp, cobbler topping.
- To avoid a doughy or gummy topping, turn the lid on the slow cooker slightly so the steam can vent the last hour of cooking.
- If your topping has some dry areas, add a few pats of butter on top of these areas the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
