Pineapple and Peach Cobbler

9 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 30 m Total: 45 m Beginner
5.0/5 (2)
Pineapple and Peach Cobbler
So Good - So Easy - Easy as 1-2-3! This layered fruit cobbler combines crushed pineapple and spiced peaches topped with buttery cake mix for a no-fuss dessert that’s pure comfort. Mawmaw’s favorite shortcut to fruit cobbler heaven.

Ingredients

9 servings
  • Layer One
  • 1 tall can crushed pineapple
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp flour or cornstarch
  • Layer 2
  • 1 can 16 oz sliced peaches or 2 cups fresh peaches
  • 1/3 cup sugar (for syrup mixture)
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • Layer 3
  • 1/2 box yellow or white cake mix
  • 1 stick butter (8 tblsp)
  • 5 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Layer 1 - Combine pineapple, sugar, flour or cornstarch in a saucepan. Stirring constantly, cook over medium heat until just thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Pour into buttered 8x8 pan.
  2. Layer 2 - In a medium saucepan, combine the peaches with syrup, the 1/3 cup sugar, the cinnamon and nutmeg spices and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Pour on top of the pineapple layer.
  3. Layer 3 - In a bowl, combine the 5 tbsp sugar and 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional) with 1/2 of the box of the dried cake mix and spread evenly over the fruit filling. Melt the butter and pour evenly over the cake mix mixture.
  4. Bake at 350 degrees until golden brown, approximately 30 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my fruit layer too runny?

A: Make sure to cook each fruit layer until it's visibly thickened before pouring into the pan. The cornstarch or flour needs heat to activate and thicken the mixture. If you skip this step and just dump everything together, you'll end up with a soupy cobbler.

Q: Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?

A: Yes! For fresh peaches, use 2 cups sliced peaches and add 1/4 cup water or juice to create the syrup. For pineapple, you'll need about 2 cups crushed fresh pineapple with its juice. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly to release the fruit juices.

Tips and Techniques

Don’t skip the pre-cooking steps for the fruit layers - this is what makes the cobbler set properly instead of being soupy. Also, make sure to spread the dry cake mix evenly before pouring the butter over it, so you get nice golden patches across the top.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • yellow or white cake mix: spice cake mix or butter pecan cake mix
  • crushed pineapple: pineapple tidbits or chunks, chopped
  • canned peaches: canned pears or apricots
  • butter: margarine

Equipment Needed

  • 2 medium saucepans
  • 8x8 baking pan
  • mixing bowl