If you’ve ever wished for a dessert that feels like a warm hug and tastes like pure chocolate and peanut butter heaven, this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe is here to make your dreams come true. It’s one of those magical recipes that combines the rich creaminess of peanut butter, the gooey delight of sweetened condensed milk, and the melt-in-your-mouth decadence of chocolate cake mix and peanut butter cups. Best of all, it’s unbelievably simple to prepare, so you can impress your friends and family without breaking a sweat in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward components, each playing a crucial role to create the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color. From the creamy peanut butter that adds smoothness to the rich chocolate cake mix, every ingredient contributes to making this dessert irresistibly delicious.
- Chocolate cake mix: This forms the cakey base, offering ease and chocolatey flavor in one convenient box.
- Creamy peanut butter: A smooth spread that infuses the dish with nutty richness and binds flavors together.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds velvety sweetness and helps create that luscious, gooey texture.
- Chopped peanut butter cups: These candies bring bursts of peanut and chocolate in every bite, making the cake extra special.
- Melted butter: Drizzled on top to help create a golden, slightly crisp crust as it bakes.
- Milk chocolate chips: Scattered on the top layer to melt slightly and add extra chocolate goodness.
- Optional whipped cream or vanilla ice cream: Perfect accompaniments for serving, adding creaminess and balance to the sweetness.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to ensure the cake will lift out easily and avoid any sticking. This simple setup step is key to making cleanup a breeze and ensuring your cake looks as good as it tastes.
Step 2: Layer the Peanut Butter and Candy
Spread all of the creamy peanut butter evenly across the bottom of your prepared dish. This layer acts as a rich, flavorful base. Then, sprinkle half of the chopped peanut butter cups over the peanut butter, providing little pockets of sweet surprise. Pour the sweetened condensed milk gently over the candy to create a wonderfully gooey layer that binds everything together beautifully.
Step 3: Add the Chocolate Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly on top of the condensed milk layer. Don’t worry about mixing; this dump cake style lets the cake mix soak up all the tasty layers below as it bakes, turning into a perfectly tender, chocolaty topping.
Step 4: Top with Butter and Chocolate Chips
Next, pour the melted butter in drizzles all over the cake mix. These butter drizzles will help form a golden, crisp crust on the cake. Then, sprinkle the remaining chopped peanut butter cups and the milk chocolate chips on top. These final touches ensure lots of melty chocolate chunks in every slice.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the top layer is bubbly and lightly crisp. As it bakes, the magic happens—the cake mix absorbs moisture and the flavors meld into a decadent, fudge-like texture with crunchy chocolate and peanut butter pockets.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the cake cool for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting time helps the layers settle, making it easier to cut and serve. Then, get ready to enjoy one of the most satisfying desserts you’ve ever tasted. For an extra touch of indulgence, serve warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—it’s the perfect partner!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped peanut butter cups on top adds crunch and visual appeal, making every serving a feast for the eyes and taste buds. Lightly dusted cocoa powder or a drizzle of chocolate sauce could also elevate each slice to next-level decadence.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with light fruit salads or simple fresh berries, which cut through the richness with a burst of acidity and freshness. A cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk balances the sweetness perfectly for a complete treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve the cake in individual ramekins topped with whipped cream and a mini peanut butter cup. You can also spoon it over warm waffles or pancakes for a luxurious breakfast twist that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to five days. The flavors deepen over time, and just a quick warm-up brings back the fresh-baked magic.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen dump cake will maintain its deliciousness for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or gently warm in a preheated oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes. This way, you get that freshly baked softness and melty chocolate goodness restored with ease.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture to the cake base, making each bite a bit nuttier. Just be sure to spread it evenly to maintain the integrity of the layering.
Do I need to refrigerate the cake?
Since the cake contains sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter, it’s best stored at room temperature for up to two days and then refrigerated after that to keep it fresh and safe to eat.
Can I substitute the cake mix with homemade batter?
While using a boxed cake mix simplifies the process and creates the ideal texture, you can try your own chocolate cake batter if you prefer. Just be aware that you’ll lose some of the “dump cake” convenience and quick assembly charm.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe relies on boxed chocolate cake mix, which typically contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, look for a certified gluten-free chocolate cake mix and be sure the other ingredients are safe to use.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Sure! Chopped peanuts, walnuts, or even a handful of mini marshmallows can add fun textures and flavor variations. Just sprinkle them in during the layering steps for the best effect.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe is pure comfort in a baking dish, perfect for impressing loved ones or simply indulging yourself when you need a sweet pick-me-up. Its ooey-gooey layers, rich chocolate, and peanut butter harmony make it a must-try dessert that will keep you smiling long after the last bite. So, grab those ingredients and start dumping—deliciousness awaits!
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a rich, gooey, and incredibly easy dessert that combines the classic flavors of chocolate and peanut butter. This no-mixer cake uses a boxed chocolate cake mix layered with peanut butter, chopped peanut butter cups, sweetened condensed milk, and chocolate chips, baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for peanut butter lovers looking for a quick and indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ½ cups chopped peanut butter cups (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread the creamy peanut butter evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then sprinkle half of the chopped peanut butter cups evenly over the peanut butter layer. Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly on top of the candy layer to create a rich, sweet base.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the sweetened condensed milk layer, covering it completely to form the cake base.
- Add Butter and Chocolate Chips: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix to help it bake moist and create a crispy topping. Then sprinkle the remaining chopped peanut butter cups and the milk chocolate chips evenly over the top for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The top should become bubbly and slightly crisp, indicating the cake is cooked through.
- Serve: Allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. For extra indulgence, serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Notes
- Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture; crunchy peanut butter can add more texture if preferred.
- Chopped peanut butter cups can be substituted with chopped Reese’s Pieces or similar candy for variation.
- Ensure the baking dish is well greased to avoid sticking.
- Let the cake rest slightly before serving to allow it to set for easier slicing.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
