Peach Kuchen (German Peach Cake)

Peach Kuchen Recipe – delicious peach slices basking in thick, creamy vanilla custard and encased in a golden, buttery cake mix crust sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. An easy dessert that’s sure to impress!

If you’re asking yourself “What can I make with peaches?” I’m glad you asked!! We love peaches! You might want to try our Peach Cobbler recipe, feta, peach, & prosciutto salad, roasted peach frozen custard, peach sherbet, or pour a sip of peach sangria, peach frosé, or ginger peach bourbon smash.

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What Is A Kuchen?

Kuchen is a German word loosely translated as cake. First, kuchen sounds like “cuuh-hen” when pronounced correctly in German, but the English version sounds more like coo-ken. No matter what the name sounds like coming out of your mouth, once this peach kuchen goes in it, all you’ll hear are contented sighs. 

Like everything in our global community, kuchen is defined by who or where it is made. I wonder if that sentence could be more vague? Kuchen can refer to a warm golden fruit/custard pie/cake, a coffee cake, or savory variations.

How Is Peach Kuchen With Cake Mix Different From Traditional Kuchen?

This peach kuchen recipe with cake mix is time-saving. It makes a sweeter, more flavorsome, buttery crust than a traditional kuchen recipe. Traditional kuchen is usually a plain pastry dough, although it can also be sweet. It requires yeast dough and a little “love labor” when prepared from scratch. So when trying to figure out what to do with peaches, kuchen with cake mix is an ideal go-to for peaches, either canned, frozen, or fresh!

Why You’ll Love Peach Kuchen Recipe

Whenever you wonder, “What can I do with peaches?” This inspiring peach kuchen with a cake mix will fit the bill! 

• Peach kuchen can be a dinner dessert or novel addition to afternoon tea.  
• Uses basic pantry staples to throw together last minute for unexpected company.
• Cake mix makes this peach kuchen recipe simple to prepare and an imaginative idea for what to do with peaches.
• Buttery and flavorful crust cradles sweet peaches and custard for a balanced and tender bite.
• Canned, fresh, or frozen peaches will make a delightful kuchen.
• Quickly adapted to a breakfast or coffee cake by adding a simple streusel topping.

Peach Kuchen Ingredients

This peach kuchen recipe with cake mix saves time and takes all the fuse out of a making kuchen recipe. Light, sweet golden buttery cake mix crust with fragrant toasted coconut is the perfect framework to encase luscious tender peaches and a custard-style filling. 

• Cake Mix – Boxed yellow cake mix (or a butter cake mix).
• Butter – soften (not melt) butter. When gently pressed should make a slight indentation but not warm enough to take on an oily sheen. 
• Shredded Sweetened Coconut – provides texture and added depth as some of the coconut toasts while the crust is pre-baking.
• Sugar – this recipe calls for white granulated sugar. If you prefer a more rustic kuchen, use ½ white and ½ brown sugar.
• Cinnamon – an aromatic woody spice that provides warm complexity.
• Sliced Peaches – canned peaches should be well-drained. To reduce the sugar hit, use peaches packed in juice, not heavy syrup. See the notes below if you want to use fresh or frozen peaches.
• Vanilla Greek Yogurt –  mixed with the egg, provide the custardy goodness of the kuchen. Use full-fat yogurt (sour cream or plain Greek yogurt) at room temperature for the best results! 
• Egg – you’ll also want the egg at room temp when preparing this kuchen recipe.
• Vanilla Extract – adds warmth, sweetness, and complexity to baked goods. It’s one of those ingredients that enhance exponentially, like salt, that you never think about until it is left out!

How To Make Peach Kuchen

(full printable recipe at the end of this post)

Step 1. Cut butter into dry cake mix until crumbly. 

Step 2. Stir in coconut, then pat into an ungreased 9×13 pan, building up the edges slightly. 

Step 3. Bake kuchen for 10 minutes, then arrange peach slices on the warm crust.

Step 4. Whisk yogurt, egg, and vanilla until smooth, and pour over the peaches.

Step 5. Bake peach kuchen until topping is set and edges are golden, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Do not overbake.

Step 6. Cool on a rack for 10 minutes and sprinkle with the mixed cinnamon and sugar.

Step 7. Serve kuchen warm with ice cream, cinnamon whipped cream (or just a fork).

Peach Kuchen Substitutions & Notes

Kuchens are very versatile and easily adapted to your personal preference or to the staples you have on hand. You can use almost any fruit you would typically use in a pie; even rhubarb is used in a kuchen.

Peach Kuchen Recipes With Cake Mix Substitutions

• Use sour cream or plain Greek yogurt in place of vanilla Greek yogurt.
• Swap vanilla extract for almond (or hazelnut) extract.
• Not a coconut fan? Try replacing it with oats for texture. Or chopped nuts such as macadamia, pistachios, or almonds.
• Substitute a white cake mix for the yellow or butter cake.
• If you try raspberries or strawberries, be creative and use a chocolate cake mix.
• What about a lemon cake mix with blueberries when you finally use up your summer peaches?

Notes For Peach Kuchen

• Feel free to omit shredded coconut but test out a couple of alternatives for texture and added flavor.
• Sprinkle crushed or toasted pecans over cinnamon and sugar.
• Serve as a breakfast cake or dessert after dinner.
• This kuchen can be made in a 9-inch round cake or springform pan but will require a longer oven time. I would bake the crust for 15 minutes, then the peaches and kuchen filling for 30 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness.

What To Do With Peaches: Canned, Frozen, Or Fresh For Kuchen

Canned: The peaches must be thoroughly drained; then dry on a paper towel-lined tray.

Frozen: Use one 16 oz. bag of frozen peaches, thawed and drained.

Fresh: You will need 3 cups of ½ in sliced fresh peaches. (peeled if you wish)

How to Store Peach Kuchen

Leftovers

You can store leftover kuchen covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How to Freeze

Freeze peach kuchen double-wrapped or in an air-tight container for up to 3 months. Thaw to serve.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with vanilla ice cream
• Serve with homemade whipped cream
• Serve peach kuchen warm or cold
• Serve alongside your favorite hot coffee or tea
• Enjoy for breakfast or dessert

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