Thursday, July 19, 2012

Donna's Fresh Peach Dump Cake

Freestone peaches are finally in at the farmer's market.  Hooray!!  I love the early cling peaches, but they are hard to slice since the pit does not come out easily and you lose some of the peach that clings to the pit.  Freestones get their name because you cut around the middle of the peach, pop it open and the pit comes right out.   That way, you do not loose any of the succulent, juicy peach flesh.  You get to eat and utilize every last bite of juicy, sweet, heavenly peach.

I brought home a big basket of peaches the other day and wanted to make something right away because the peaches were very ripe and would not last long in this heat.  I HATE to waste a peach.  I shared some with our daughter's because their boys love peaches and I used the rest to make my fresh peach dump cake.   This recipe is quick and easy and you really should try it.

Here is what you need:

8-10 large peaches, peeled, pitted and sliced.
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsps. cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 box yellow cake mix, dry
1 stick butter, melted

First, peel and slice the peaches and place in a large bowl.  Sprinkle peaches with 1/2 cup granulated sugar and the cinnamon and stir to help the peaches release their juices.  These peaches were so sweet, I didn't need more sugar.  Feel free to add a little more sugar if you think it's necessary, but remember you are going to add a can of sweetened condensed milk.  Place the peaches in a 9x13 pan.  Sprinkle the peaches with the chopped pecans and shredded coconut.  Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the peaches, pecans and coconut.  Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the peaches.  Pour the melted butter over the dry cake mix.  Bake in a 350 degree oven until the cake mix is brown on top.

Now let me tell you, the sweetened condensed milk caramelizes on the peaches, coconut, pecan goodness and wowza, it is delicious.  The buttery crunchy cake mix adds another  level of goodness.  If you don't like coconut or pecans, leave them out, but they do make the cake even MORE delicious.  Also, you can add a big dollop of whipped cream or ice cream and yum, yum, yum, you have one of the best desserts ever!

If you have a basket of fresh peaches and are wondering what to do with them, give this super easy dessert a try.  It's worth the time it takes to peel and slice the peaches and it's easier than making crust for a pie or cobbler.  As a matter of fact, I think I am going to go have a bowl full of goodness right now.  Wish you could join me.

Everyday Donna

Things to Remember:

I really think heaven must smell like peaches, or peaches smell like heaven.