When the garden is winding down and you want something sweet without a lot of fuss, this easy baked dessert is the kind of treat that feels like a little kitchen miracle. Using frozen shortcake cups, pie filling, and whipped topping, you can turn a few simple store-bought ingredients into a warm, cozy end-of-summer dessert that tastes a bit like cobbler and shortcake all at once. It is especially handy on busy evenings when you want a family-style dessert that looks homemade with very little effort.
This dessert is lovely served warm with extra whipped topping or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you are bringing it to the table after supper, it pairs nicely with grilled chicken dinners, simple pasta meals, or any late-summer meal with fresh corn, tomatoes, or green beans. For a little brightness, add a few fresh berries or peach slices on the side if you have them.
3-Ingredient Oven Baked End of Summer Dessert
Servings: 6
Ingredients
6 solid unwrapped frozen shortcake cups
1 can peach pie filling, about 21 ounces
1 1/2 cups whipped topping, thawed, plus more for serving if desired
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease an oven-safe ceramic casserole dish.
2. Arrange the frozen shortcake cups in the casserole dish in a single snug layer.
3. Spoon the peach pie filling evenly over and around the shortcake cups, letting some of the fruit fall into the spaces between them.
4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the filling is hot and bubbly and the tops of the shortcake cups are lightly golden.
5. Let the dessert cool for 5 to 10 minutes, then add dollops of whipped topping over the warm dessert or serve the whipped topping at the table for everyone to add their own.
Variations & Tips
Berry Version: Swap the peach pie filling for cherry or mixed berry pie filling if your family loves a brighter, tangier dessert. This is a great choice when you want a more colorful end-of-summer look.
For Picky Eaters: Serve the whipped topping on the side instead of adding it on top so everyone can build their own bowl. Little touches like this make dessert feel fun and keep complaints to a minimum at the table.
Make It Extra Cozy: A light sprinkle of cinnamon over the peach filling before baking adds a warm flavor that makes this taste even more comforting. It is not necessary, but it is a lovely little pantry trick if you want a bit more depth.
Best Texture Tip: Bake just until the filling is bubbling and the shortcake is warmed through. If it stays in the oven too long, the tops can become overly dry, so keep an eye on it during the last few minutes.
Serving Tip: This dessert is best warm the day it is made, when the fruit is saucy and the shortcake still has a tender bite. Leftovers can be covered and chilled, then gently reheated before serving.