This slow cooker peach upside-down cake is sweet, simple, and totally hands-off. With buttery peaches and a fluffy cake topping, it delivers classic comfort without heating up your kitchen. In this article, you’ll get the full how-to, answers to common slow cooker questions, and tips to make it perfect—whether you use fresh or canned peaches.
Slow Cooker Peach Upside-Down Cake That’s Sweet, Easy & Moist
This slow cooker peach upside-down cake is buttery, fruity, and incredibly easy—perfect for summer or any time you want a hands-off dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hrs
- Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 can (15 oz) sliced peaches in juice, drained
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 box yellow cake mix
3 large eggs
1/2 cup oil
1 cup water or peach juice
Instructions
1. Grease the slow cooker insert and turn to LOW.
2. Melt butter and brown sugar directly in the insert.
3. Layer drained peaches over the caramel base.
4. In a separate bowl, mix cake mix, eggs, oil, and water.
5. Pour batter gently over the peach layer. Do not stir.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 2½–3 hours or HIGH for 1½–2 hours.
7. Let cool for 15 minutes before flipping onto a plate.
8. Serve warm or cold with whipped cream or ice cream.
Notes
For fresh peaches, peel and slice 2–3 medium fruits.
Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra flavor.
Use spice cake mix for a twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: slow cooker peach upside-down cake, cake mix desserts
The Story Behind This Lazy-Day Favorite
When It’s Too Hot to Bake—Use the Slow Cooker
One summer, it was just too hot to turn on the oven. I had ripe peaches and a cake mix sitting on the counter, so I grabbed my slow cooker. A few hours later, the smell of caramelized fruit filled the kitchen. That first slice? Soft, golden, and full of peach flavor.
Now, this slow cooker peach upside-down cake is my go-to when I want something sweet with zero stress. It’s easy, reliable, and perfect for warm days or lazy weekends.
Want more set-it-and-forget-it recipes? Try my cherry yogurt pie or a batch of no-bake peanut butter bars—great for hot kitchens.
What You Need – Peaches, Cake Mix & the Right Setup
Fresh or Canned Peaches? Both Work Great
The beauty of a slow cooker peach upside-down cake is how flexible it is. Fresh peaches are perfect in summer—juicy and full of flavor. But canned peaches (in juice, not syrup) work just as well year-round. Just make sure to drain them so the cake doesn’t turn soggy.
If you’re using frozen peaches, thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding to the slow cooker. No need to peel fresh ones unless you want to—they soften during cooking.
Love fruity, flexible recipes? Try this easy apple pie or this peach cobbler cheesecake for more peachy ideas.
Which Cake Mix Works Best?
Yellow cake mix is the classic choice. It’s sweet, moist, and pairs beautifully with peaches. Spice cake mix also works if you want warm cinnamon vibes. If you prefer homemade, you can make a quick batter with flour, sugar, eggs, and baking powder.
For this version of slow cooker peach upside-down cake, I usually grab a standard yellow box mix, prepare it as directed, then pour it right over the peach and sugar base in the slow cooker.
How to Make It – Step-by-Step in the Slow Cooker
Layer It Right, Then Let It Cook Low and Slow
Making a slow cooker peach upside-down cake is all about layering smart. Start by melting butter directly in the slow cooker insert. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the melted butter, then add your peaches in a single layer. Pour the cake mix batter right on top—no need to mix it in.
Set the slow cooker to low for 2½ to 3 hours or high for 1½ to 2 hours. The magic of this slow cooker peach upside-down cake is how it cooks gently from the bottom up. You’ll know it’s done when the top is set, fluffy, and golden around the edges.
If you like hands-off meals, my slow cooker vegetarian pot pie and this cozy loaded baked potato soup are easy wins too.
When and How to Flip It
Once your slow cooker peach upside-down cake is done, let it cool for 10–15 minutes. Run a rubber spatula along the sides, cover with a large plate, and flip it fast but carefully. Tap the insert if needed—the cake should slide out with the caramelized peaches on top.
Serve warm for a spoonable dessert or chilled for a firmer slice. Either way, this slow cooker peach upside-down cake delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.
Customize It & Serve It Right
Add-Ins That Make It Extra Special
This slow cooker peach upside-down cake is amazing as-is, but there’s room to make it your own. Want more depth? Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake mix. Chopped pecans sprinkled over the peaches add a little crunch and toasty flavor. You could even mix in a handful of raspberries or blueberries for color and contrast.
Got a sweet tooth? A drizzle of maple syrup or a spoonful of vanilla glaze makes this dessert feel even more indulgent. Just keep the balance—you don’t want to overpower the natural peach flavor.
For another twist on easy desserts, you’ll love my cottage cheese chocolate pudding or these sweet kolache cookies that pair perfectly with fruit-forward cakes.
Serving Tips That Hit the Spot
The best part of this slow cooker peach upside-down cake? It’s just as good warm as it is chilled. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt if you want to lighten it up.
For neat slices, refrigerate the cake for an hour before cutting. The syrup thickens, and you’ll get clean layers of soft cake and glazed fruit. Planning to serve guests? Garnish with a mint leaf or a few fresh peach slices for a picture-perfect finish.
FAQs
How do you cook peaches in a slow cooker with cake mix?
Start with a layer of melted butter and brown sugar, then add your peaches. Pour the cake mix (prepared as directed on the box) right on top. Cover and cook your slow cooker peach upside-down cake on low for 2½ to 3 hours or high for 1½ to 2 hours. The slow heat gently caramelizes the peaches and cooks the cake through.
Can you put cake mix in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. It cooks up soft, moist, and fluffy. The key is layering it over your fruit and not stirring. The slow cooker’s steam and even heat make cake mix ideal for desserts like slow cooker peach upside-down cake.
When should you flip an upside down cake?
Wait 10 to 15 minutes after cooking. That’s the sweet spot—cool enough to firm up but still warm enough to release easily. Use a plate that fully covers the slow cooker insert, flip, and let gravity do the rest.
Can you substitute fresh peaches for canned peaches?
Yes! Fresh peaches are amazing in summer. Just slice them thin and skip peeling if the skins are soft. Canned peaches in juice (not syrup) work beautifully year-round, and frozen slices are fine too—just thaw and pat dry first.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re trying to keep the kitchen cool or just want an easy treat, this slow cooker peach upside-down cake is a winner. It’s hands-off, always tender, and packed with sweet, golden flavor. Make it once, and you’ll come back to it again and again.
Craving more sweet shortcuts? Save my nutella cottage cheese pudding for next time or treat yourself to a nostalgic bite of kolache cookies.
And for more slow-cooked comfort, don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for new recipes every week!
