Copycat Half Baked Harvest Peach Dump Cake Recipe

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Tieghan Gerard, the baking maestro behind Half Baked Harvest, has once again managed to elevate the humble dump cake into something spectacular. The genius of this recipe lies in its uncomplicated elegance—no stirring required, just a harmonious layering of ingredients that magically transform in the oven. As someone who values both taste and time, discovering this peach dump cake was akin to finding a treasure trove of summer flavors.

So, let me take you through the joys of creating the Half Baked Harvest Peach Dump Cake, a recipe that will undoubtedly become a cherished addition to your summer dessert repertoire.

How to make Half Baked Harvest Peach Dump Cake

Half Baked Harvest Peach Dump Cake is a recipe from the popular food blog Half Baked Harvest, known for its delicious and approachable dishes. This particular cake is a simplified dessert that combines fresh or canned peaches with a cake mix for a fuss-free, yet tasty treat.

Ingredients:

For the Peach Base:

• 4-5 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced (no need to peel unless you prefer)
• 1/3 cup of maple syrup or honey for a natural sweetness
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for an aromatic depth
• A pinch of kosher salt to balance the flavors

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour for the cake structure
• 2/3 cup of granulated sugar to sweeten
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder to help the cake rise
• 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt for flavor enhancement
• 1 large egg, at room temperature, to bind the ingredients
• 1/2 cup of whole milk to moisten the batter
• 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted for richness

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, cut into pieces for a flavorful topping
• 1/3 cup of granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for a sweet and spicy sprinkle

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Peaches: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish (roughly 9×13 inches), toss the sliced peaches with maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Spread them out evenly.
2. Mix the Cake Batter: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another small bowl, beat the egg with the milk and melted butter. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed, being careful not to overmix.
3. Assemble the Cake: Gently pour the batter over the peach mixture in the baking dish. Do not stir; the beauty of a dump cake is in its simplicity and distinct layers.
4. Add the Topping: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the batter. Distribute the pieces of butter across the top.
5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a tester inserted into the cake part comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. This cake is exceptionally delicious when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for Perfecting Your Peach Dump Cake:

• Peach Perfection: When selecting peaches, opt for those that are just ripe for the perfect sweetness and texture. Overripe peaches may turn mushy when baked.
• Alternative Sweeteners: Feel free to adjust the sweetness by experimenting with different natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup based on your preference.
• Serving Suggestions: For an extra decadent treat, serve your Peach Dump Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream.
• Storage: This cake can be covered and stored at room temperature for a day or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed slightly warm.

What to serve with

Serving the Half Baked Harvest Peach Dump Cake opens up a world of delightful possibilities. This cake, bursting with the flavors of summer, is a versatile dessert that can be paired with various accompaniments to enhance its taste and appeal.

Cold Accompaniments:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice, the creaminess and coolness of vanilla ice cream complement the warm and fruity flavors of the peach dump cake beautifully.
• Whipped Cream: Whether you opt for homemade or store-bought, a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a cloud-like softness that pairs wonderfully with the cake’s texture.
• Greek Yogurt: For a tangier, less sweet option, try a spoonful of Greek yogurt. It adds a creamy texture and a nice contrast to the sweet and fruity cake.

Warm Accompaniments:

• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over your peach dump cake for an added layer of decadent sweetness and a touch of elegance.
• Toasted Nuts: A sprinkle of toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts not only adds a delightful crunch but also a nutty flavor that complements the peaches.

Beverage Pairings:

• Coffee: A freshly brewed cup of coffee pairs exceptionally well with the sweetness of the peach dump cake, making for a comforting dessert option perfect for any time of day.
• Tea: A light, fragrant tea such as Earl Grey or chamomile can complement the cake’s fruity and sweet notes without overpowering them.
• Dessert Wines: Choose a dessert wine such as a Riesling or Moscato that complements the cake’s sweetness and enhances the peach flavors.

Seasonal Fruit:

• Fresh Berries: Serve the cake with a side of fresh berries for added freshness, acidity, and a burst of color. Berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries make great choices.
• Peach Slices: Additional fresh peach slices can heighten the peach flavor and add a pleasing textural contrast to the baked cake.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a Half Baked Harvest Peach Dump Cake can be a delightful baking endeavor, but sometimes, you may find yourself short on certain ingredients or need substitutes due to dietary restrictions or personal preferences.

For Peaches:

• Fresh Peaches: If the recipe calls for canned peaches and you prefer something fresher, or it’s peach season, fresh peaches are a perfect substitute. Make sure they are ripe but firm and peel and slice them. You might need to adjust the sweetness, as canned peaches often come in syrup.
• Frozen Peaches: A convenient substitute, especially out of season. There’s no need to thaw them; you can use them directly, though the baking time might increase slightly.
• Other Fruits: Feel like experimenting? Try substituting peaches with apricots, nectarines, or even mixed berries for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.

Sweeteners:

• Sugar Alternatives: If the recipe calls for a specific type of sugar and you don’t have it on hand or wish to use an alternative, consider brown sugar for a deeper flavor, maple syrup or honey for a natural option (adjust liquids in the recipe accordingly), or a sugar replacement like stevia or erythritol for a lower-calorie cake.

Cake Mix:

• Homemade Cake Mix Substitute: If you’re out of boxed cake mix or prefer a homemade option, you can easily create your own by mixing 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Feel free to add dry spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to complement the peaches.
• Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix combined with baking powder. Ensure any added thickeners or binders are included, as gluten-free mixes often require xanthan gum or similar.

Butter:

• Dairy-Free/Vegan Alternates: If you are catering to dairy-free or vegan dietary needs, you can substitute the butter with an equal amount of coconut oil, vegan butter, or margarine. These will still give the cake a rich flavor and moist texture.

Final Thoughts

This Half Baked Harvest Peach Dump Cake is not just a recipe; it’s a delightful journey into the heart of summer. It’s perfect for casual family dinners, backyard barbecues, or even as a comforting treat just for yourself.

More Dump Cake Recipes:

• The Best 10 Dump Cake Recipes
• Berry Dump Cake with Frozen Berries
• Lemon Dump Cake With Lemon Pie Filling
• Dump Cake (With Frozen Fruit)
• Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe