Gluten-Free Naked Peach Cobbler Cake

Prep: 45 minCook: 1 hr1 cake (12 slices)medium
Naked Peach Cobbler Cake with Cinnamon Crumble Layers

A showstopping layered cake that combines warm spiced yellow cake with caramelized cinnamon peaches, fluffy marshmallow cheesecake filling, and buttery brown sugar crumbles. Perfect for summer gatherings or special occasions when fresh peaches are at their peak. The naked style showcases beautiful rustic layers while the combination of textures creates an irresistible dessert that captures all the flavors of traditional peach cobbler in elegant cake form.

Ingredients

Yield: 1 cake (12 slices)
  • 1 box Betty Crocker Super Moist Yellow Cake Mix
    homemade yellow cake1:1gluten-free

    use gluten-free flour blend

    Full guide →
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 10 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 10 peaches, peeled and sliced
    pears or apples1:1seasonal

    adjust cooking time for firmer fruits

    Full guide →
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 8-ounce blocks cream cheese, softened
    mascarpone1:1texture

    creates lighter, more delicate flavor

    Full guide →
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 7 ounces marshmallow fluff
    powdered sugar1/3 cupsweetener

    reduces fluffiness but still tasty

    Full guide →
  • 8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • cup brown sugar
  • ¾ cup cake crumbs, from cake layers above
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare two 8-inch round cake pans with baking spray and parchment paper

  2. 2

    Make cake mix according to package instructions and stir in cinnamon

  3. 3

    Divide batter equally between prepared pans and bake for 28-34 minutes until toothpick comes out clean

  4. 4

    Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes then unmold onto cooling rack to cool completely

  5. 5

    Heat butter in skillet over medium-high heat until melted

  6. 6

    Stir in both sugars and allow to dissolve

  7. 7

    Add peach slices, cinnamon and nutmeg and bring to a boil

  8. 8

    Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until peaches are tender, 10-16 minutes

  9. 9

    Remove from heat and cool completely

  10. 10

    Beat cream cheese until light and fluffy

  11. 11

    Add sugar and marshmallow fluff and beat until well incorporated

  12. 12

    Beat in whipped topping just until combined

  13. 13

    Cut domed portions off cakes and crumble into very small pieces

  14. 14

    Measure 3/4 cup crumbs and mix with brown sugar, cinnamon and melted butter

  15. 15

    Spread crumb mixture in thin layer on baking sheet and bake 10 minutes

  16. 16

    Remove and stir then bake additional 6-10 minutes until fragrant and deep golden brown

  17. 17

    Cool completely before using

  18. 18

    Cut each cake into 2 even layers for 4 total layers

  19. 19

    Place one layer on cake plate and spread 1/4 of cheesecake filling over top

  20. 20

    Spoon 1/4 of glazed peaches on top and sprinkle 1/4 of crumbles over peaches

  21. 21

    Repeat process with remaining 3 layers, filling, peaches and crumbles

  22. 22

    Refrigerate until ready to serve

Tips

Tip 1

Reserve extra cake crumbs for snacking or use in trifles - they keep well in an airtight container for up to a week.

Tip 2

Make the glazed peaches a day ahead to save time, as they actually improve in flavor when allowed to sit overnight.

Tip 3

Use a serrated knife to cut cake layers evenly and prevent crumbling when slicing through the tender crumb.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate covered up to 5 days. Best served chilled.

Make Ahead

Glazed peaches and crumbles can be made 1-2 days ahead. Assemble cake day of serving for best texture.

Serve With

Serve chilled directly from refrigerator. Cut with sharp knife, wiping clean between slices.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip cooling components completely to avoid melting the cheesecake filling.

Watch

Measure cake crumbs precisely to ensure proper crumble texture and binding.

Watch

Layer components evenly to prevent sliding and maintain structural integrity.

Substitutions

Gluten-Free Swaps

cake mix
homemade yellow cake1:1gluten-free

use gluten-free flour blend

Full guide →

General Alternatives

cream cheese
mascarpone1:1texture

creates lighter, more delicate flavor

Full guide →
peaches
pears or apples1:1seasonal

adjust cooking time for firmer fruits

Full guide →
marshmallow fluff
powdered sugar1/3 cupsweetener

reduces fluffiness but still tasty

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?

Yes, drain canned peaches well and reduce cooking time to 5-8 minutes since they're already tender. The flavor will be milder than fresh peaches.

How long does this cake keep in the refrigerator?

The assembled cake keeps well for up to 5 days when covered and refrigerated. The flavors actually meld and improve after the first day.

Can I freeze this cake for later?

While possible, freezing affects the texture of both the cheesecake filling and glazed peaches. Better to freeze components separately before assembly.