This easy midsummer dessert is the kind of pantry-and-freezer bake that earns a permanent place in your back pocket. Starting with a solid unthawed block of frozen sliced peaches keeps prep almost effortless, and as the fruit roasts it softens into a jammy, spoonable filling under a simple buttery topping. It has the spirit of a rustic peach cobbler or crisp, but with just five ingredients and very little hands-on work, making it ideal for busy weeknights, casual cookouts, or those evenings when you want something warm and sweet without making a full pie.
Serve this dessert warm, ideally with vanilla ice cream, softly whipped cream, or a spoonful of lightly sweetened Greek yogurt. If you want to dress it up for company, add a few fresh peach slices or berries on the side, and pair it with iced tea, coffee, or a late-summer dessert wine. It also works nicely after grilled chicken, burgers, or barbecue, since the fruit-forward sweetness is a pleasant finish to savory summer meals.
5-Ingredient Oven Baked Mid-Summer Peach Dessert
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 solid unthawed block frozen sliced peaches, about 32 ounces
1 box yellow cake mix, about 15.25 ounces
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease an oven-safe roasting pan large enough to hold the peach block in a single layer with a little room around it.
2. Place the solid unthawed block of frozen sliced peaches in the prepared roasting pan. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the top.
3. Scatter the dry cake mix evenly over the peaches, covering the fruit as uniformly as possible without stirring.
4. Drizzle the melted butter all over the cake mix, aiming to moisten as much of the surface as possible. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the peaches are bubbling and the top is golden brown. If you notice a few dry spots halfway through baking, drizzle those areas with a little extra melted butter or gently redistribute the moist topping with a spoon.
5. Let the dessert rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving so the juices thicken slightly. Spoon it warm into bowls and serve as is or with vanilla ice cream.
Variations & Tips
Nutty topping: If you do not need to keep it strictly to five ingredients, add a small handful of chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before baking for extra crunch and a flavor that pairs naturally with peaches.
Spice adjustment: A pinch of nutmeg or ginger can be added along with the cinnamon if you want a warmer, more cobbler-like flavor. Keep the seasoning light so the peach taste stays front and center.
Texture tip: Because frozen peaches release a lot of liquid as they bake, this dessert will be softer and more spoonable than a firm bar. Letting it rest after baking is important for the juices to settle and the topping to finish absorbing moisture.
Pan choice: A metal roasting pan will generally encourage better browning on top, while a ceramic baking dish may bake a little more gently. Either works, but choose a dish deep enough to catch the bubbling juices.
Serving idea: For a more polished presentation, spoon the warm peach dessert into ramekins and finish with vanilla ice cream or lightly whipped cream just before bringing it to the table.