If you are ready to indulge in a dessert that combines rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and irresistible textures, you have to try this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and decadence, bringing together beloved flavors in one effortless dish. This dump cake is wonderfully moist, loaded with peanut butter cups and chocolate chips, and topped with a crunchy peanut layer that makes every bite a delight. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you deserve a treat, this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe will quickly become your go-to dessert craving solution.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to create a perfect harmony of flavor, creaminess, and texture. Each element plays a starring role—from the rich chocolate cake mix to the creamy peanut butter and the magical crunch of chopped peanuts. Getting these basics together ensures your cake will turn out irresistible every time.
- Chocolate cake mix: The foundation of the cake, providing a moist and chocolatey base.
- Instant chocolate pudding mix: Adds extra chocolate flavor and makes the cake irresistibly moist and tender.
- Whole milk: Helps blend everything smoothly and keeps the batter creamy.
- Creamy peanut butter: Infuses richness and that classic peanut butter taste into the cake.
- Butter, melted: Adds moisture and a luscious mouthfeel that complements the cake mix perfectly.
- Mini peanut butter cups, chopped: Sprinkles of peanut butter pockets throughout the cake for gooey bites.
- Milk chocolate chips: Melt into the cake for extra chocolate goodness.
- Chopped peanuts (optional): Adds a satisfying crunch to contrast the soft cake layers.
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream: The perfect finishing touch to cool and balance the warm dessert.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so that it reaches the perfect baking temperature while you’re preparing your batter. This ensures an even bake and a delightfully tender crumb.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the chocolate cake mix and instant chocolate pudding mix. Stir them together to get a consistent chocolate base that’s bursting with flavor. Mixing these two dry ingredients first distributes the chocolate flavor evenly throughout your cake.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, pour in the whole milk, creamy peanut butter, and melted butter to your dry chocolate mixture. Stir vigorously until you have a smooth, creamy batter. The peanut butter melds seamlessly with the mix, giving the cake a velvety richness that’s simply unforgettable.
Step 4: Fold in the Peanut Butter Cups and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in chopped mini peanut butter cups and milk chocolate chips so they are evenly dispersed. These add bursts of delightful texture and flavor throughout every slice, making each bite a treasure trove of peanut butter and chocolate pieces.
Step 5: Pour Into a Prepared Dish
Grease your baking dish to prevent sticking, then pour the luscious batter right in, spreading it evenly. This sets the stage for even baking and a beautifully golden crust.
Step 6: Add Crunchy Topping
Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top if you want an extra crunch. This optional step adds a wonderful nutty texture that contrasts perfectly with the soft, gooey cake beneath.
Step 7: Bake Until Perfect
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging. This signals that your cake has set perfectly without drying out.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to settle and the cake to firm up just enough for easy slicing. Top it off with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream is a divine way to elevate your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe. You can also sprinkle a few extra mini peanut butter cups or chopped peanuts on top for added visual appeal and texture. A drizzle of chocolate syrup can make it feel like a decadent celebration, even on an ordinary day.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with light accompaniments that won’t overpower it. Consider serving it alongside fresh berries or a fruit salad to complement the rich peanut butter and chocolate flavors with a refreshing, slightly tart contrast. A simple cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk also makes a classic, comforting beverage pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the cake in individual ramekins, topped with whipped cream and a mini peanut butter cup for a personalized treat. Alternatively, turn it into a parfait by layering chunks of the cake with whipped cream and chocolate sauce in a tall glass. This will impress guests and add a special touch to your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. It stays moist and delicious for up to 4 days, making it a perfect dessert to prepare ahead for a party or to enjoy over a few indulgent days.
Freezing
You can freeze this dump cake either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover the prepared dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. If freezing leftovers, portion the cake into airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for the same amount of time. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or warm a larger portion in an oven set to 325°F (165°C) covered with foil to avoid drying out. Adding a small scoop of ice cream or whipped cream after reheating brings the dessert back to its full glory.
FAQs
Can I use peanut butter powder instead of creamy peanut butter?
While peanut butter powder can provide flavor with less fat, it won’t add the same creamy texture that the melted creamy peanut butter gives this cake. For the best moist and rich result, stick to creamy peanut butter in this recipe.
Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?
You can make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and pudding mix. Just ensure your other ingredients like peanut butter cups and chocolate chips are certified gluten-free as well. This way, you’ll still enjoy all the delicious flavors safely.
Can I substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative?
Absolutely! Feel free to use almond milk, oat milk, or any non-dairy milk substitute of your choice. Just choose a variety with a neutral flavor to keep the rich peanut butter and chocolate notes front and center in your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe.
Why is it called a “dump cake”?
The name “dump cake” comes from the simplicity of the process: you literally dump all the ingredients into the baking dish with minimal mixing, making it one of the easiest and fastest cakes to prepare without compromising on flavor or texture.
Can I add more peanut butter cups or chocolate chips?
Definitely! This recipe is quite flexible. Adding more peanut butter cups or chocolate chips will make the cake even more indulgent. Just be mindful not to overload the batter to ensure it bakes evenly and maintains a good texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a dessert that’s both effortless and outrageously delicious, you need to make this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe. It’s a perfect match of silky peanut butter, rich chocolate, and delightful crunch that feels like pure comfort in every bite. Invite your loved ones, warm up the oven, and get ready to fall in love with this simple yet show-stopping dessert. Trust me, once you try it, it will become a forever favorite in your recipe collection.
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a rich, decadent dessert combining the intense flavors of chocolate cake mix and instant chocolate pudding with creamy peanut butter and chopped peanut butter cups. It’s a simple, no-fuss recipe that delivers a moist, peanut buttery chocolate cake, topped with crunchy peanuts for texture and served best with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 (3.9 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Mix-ins and Toppings
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (optional for crunch)
Serving
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cake.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the chocolate cake mix and instant chocolate pudding mix until evenly combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the whole milk, creamy peanut butter, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Incorporate Mix-ins: Fold in the chopped mini peanut butter cups and milk chocolate chips carefully, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish and pour the batter into it, spreading it evenly.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the chopped peanuts over the top of the batter for added crunch, if using.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. For the best experience, serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- You can substitute creamy peanut butter with natural peanut butter, but the texture may vary.
- Using mini peanut butter cups enhances the peanut flavor throughout the cake.
- Chopped peanuts on top are optional but add a delightful crunch.
- Ensure the toothpick comes out clean to avoid underbaking.
- This cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat slightly before serving.
- For a nuttier twist, you can add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.
