Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
If you’re dreaming of rich, chocolatey decadence layered with gooey pockets of peanut butter bliss, this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is about to sweep you off your feet. This easy, crowd-pleasing dessert transforms classic pantry staples into a show-stopping treat studded with real peanut butter cups. It’s the ultimate comfort bake for anyone — no mixer, no fuss, just pure peanut butter-chocolate magic in every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, letting each ingredient shine to create the best Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake ever. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips and reasons why every item on the list matters!
- Chocolate Cake Mix: The base of our dump cake—quick, reliable, and intensely chocolaty.
- Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix: Adds moisture and fudge-like richness, making the cake extra decadent.
- Milk: Helps bind the cake and pudding, ensuring a creamy, tender crumb.
- Peanut Butter Chips: Little bursts of peanutty sweetness that melt into the batter for pockets of flavor.
- Chopped Peanut Butter Cups: The star ingredient—folded into the batter and sprinkled on top for a double dose of indulgence.
- Whipped Cream (optional): The perfect creamy, cool topping for serving, balancing all that rich chocolate and peanut butter.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Dish
First things first—set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give your 9×13-inch baking dish a light mist of nonstick spray or a swipe of butter. This keeps cleanup easy and ensures every corner of your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake comes out perfectly.
Step 2: Mix the Chocolatey Cake Batter
Grab a large bowl and whisk together the chocolate cake mix, chocolate instant pudding mix, and milk. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and a little thick—like a luscious cake batter that already smells fantastic. There’s no need for a stand mixer here; a whisk or sturdy spoon gets the job done.
Step 3: Add the Peanut Butter Goodness
Now for the fun: gently fold in the peanut butter chips and all those chopped peanut butter cups. Each addition promises pops of creamy peanut butter throughout your dump cake, so don’t skimp or overmix—a few gentle folds is all you need.
Step 4: Bake to Gooey Perfection
Pour your loaded batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top just a bit. Slide it into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center looks just set and the edges start pulling gently away from the pan. Your kitchen will smell like a peanut butter-chocolate dream!
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake cool for a few minutes so it sets and those peanut butter cups on top stay temptingly melty. Sprinkle on a few more chopped peanut butter cups for good measure and, if you’re feeling extra, add a dollop of whipped cream before serving. Pure joy in every bite!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Garnishes
For a bakery-worthy finish, pile on extra chopped peanut butter cups and a swirl of whipped cream. Try adding a drizzle of warm chocolate or caramel sauce, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake absolutely irresistible.
Side Dishes
While this cake really doesn’t need much to make it a star, a glass of cold milk is a classic pairing to cut through its richness. For special occasions, offer alongside bowls of fresh strawberries or sliced bananas for a fruity contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake by serving it in clear dessert cups for easy grab-and-go treats at parties, or layer chunks with ice cream and whipped cream for decadent parfaits. You can even cut the cooled cake into squares and wrap them individually for bake sale magic!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake covered right in the baking dish or in an airtight container. It keeps well at room temperature for 1 day, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—if you can resist eating it all before then!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this cake! Wrap cooled bars tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw slices overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for easy, anytime indulgence.
Reheating
To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds to restore its warm, gooey texture. If reheating a larger portion, cover with foil and warm in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 to 15 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While chocolate is classic for this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake, you can swap in a yellow or devil’s food cake mix for a unique twist. Just keep an eye on bake time as some mixes may vary.
Do I have to use instant pudding mix?
The instant pudding is what gives this cake that ooey-gooey, fudgy texture. If you skip it, your cake may end up a bit drier, so it’s best not to leave it out.
Can I use mini peanut butter cups instead of chopping regular ones?
Definitely! Mini peanut butter cups work beautifully—just toss them in whole for big pockets of peanut butter goodness in every bite.
Is this recipe suitable for kids to help with?
Yes! It’s perfect for little hands to help with stirring, sprinkling, and, of course, taste-testing peanut butter cups along the way.
What makes a dump cake different from a regular cake?
A dump cake is all about simplicity—no layering, no creaming, just tossing (or dumping!) your ingredients into a single dish for an outrageously delicious and fuss-free dessert.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is everything you want in a party dessert: fast, fun to make, and always the first thing to disappear from the table. Dive into this gooey treat and share it with your favorite people—you won’t believe how easy it is to turn peanut butter and chocolate into pure magic!
