Scatter cobbler topping over fresh sliced peaches, along with 2 basic ingredients, into slow cooker for a sweet springtime treat that disappears faster than anything else

This slow cooker 4-ingredient Amish peach cobbler is the kind of simple, from-the-pantry dessert I lean on when spring peaches start showing up and life is busy. It has that old-fashioned Amish-style comfort—fresh fruit, a humble cobbler topping, and just a couple of basic helpers to bring it all together. You simply slice your peaches, scatter the cobbler topping right over them in the slow cooker, add two basic ingredients for sweetness and richness, and let it bubble away while you go about your day. It’s the kind of sweet treat that somehow disappears faster than anything else on the table, especially when kids and neighbors catch a whiff of it.

Serve this warm Amish peach cobbler straight from the slow cooker with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream so it melts into all the peachy juices. It’s also lovely with a spoonful of vanilla yogurt for a not-too-sweet afternoon snack. If you’re serving a bigger family meal, pair it with simple comfort foods like roast chicken or a slow cooker pot roast, then bring the slow cooker right to the counter so everyone can scoop their own dessert. A cup of coffee or hot tea for the grown-ups and cold milk for the kids makes it feel like a cozy Sunday supper, even on a weeknight.

Servings: 6-8

6 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 6–8 medium peaches)

Lightly grease the inside of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with butter or nonstick spray so the cobbler doesn’t stick.

Spread the fresh sliced peaches evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker, making sure they cover the surface in a single, fairly even layer.

Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the peaches. This simple step helps draw out the peach juices and creates a sweet, syrupy base under the cobbler.

Open the box of yellow cake mix and, using clean dry hands, scatter the dry mix evenly over the sugared peaches. Aim for an even layer, but don’t worry if some peaches peek through—those little gaps give you juicy, bubbly spots.

Drizzle the melted butter slowly and evenly over the dry cake mix layer, trying to moisten as much of the topping as you can. It will look a bit patchy in places, and that’s okay—those bits turn into crispy, golden cobbler edges.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on HIGH for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, until the peaches are tender and the cobbler topping is set and mostly golden around the edges. Avoid lifting the lid during the first 90 minutes so the topping can properly steam and set.

Once done, turn off the slow cooker and let the cobbler rest, uncovered, for about 15 minutes. This helps the juices thicken slightly so it’s easier to scoop.

Spoon the warm cobbler into bowls, making sure each serving gets plenty of soft peaches and cobbler topping. Serve as-is or with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top.

For picky eaters who like things extra sweet, you can swap half of the fresh peaches for canned sliced peaches (drained) so the texture is very soft and familiar. If your family prefers less sweetness, cut the granulated sugar down to 1/4 cup or skip it when your peaches are very ripe. Add a cozy, Amish-style spice twist by sprinkling 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon over the peaches before you scatter on the cake mix. For a little crunch, toss 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the dry cake mix before scattering it over the fruit. If you need a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free cake mix and melt 1/2 cup coconut oil or a plant-based butter in place of regular butter. You can also swap in other fresh fruit when it’s in season—try half peaches and half berries, or sliced apples in the fall—keeping the same basic method of scattering the topping over the fresh fruit and using the same two basic ingredients of sugar and melted butter. Leftovers reheat nicely in the microwave; add a splash of milk or cream to each bowl before reheating if the cobbler seems a bit dry.