If you are craving a dessert that combines rich chocolate with the irresistible gooeyness of peanut butter, the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This delightfully easy-to-make cake comes together quickly, delivering layers of deep chocolate flavor enhanced by chunks of creamy peanut butter cups, making every bite a celebration of sweet and nutty bliss. Whether you need a last-minute treat for a gathering or simply want to indulge your sweet tooth, this dump cake is a foolproof crowd-pleaser that feels indulgent without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients that pack a punch. Each component is essential, lending moisture, richness, or texture that elevates the final product from ordinary to extraordinary. From the boxed cake mix that forms the chocolaty base to the peanut butter cups that add those irresistible bursts of flavor, every ingredient plays its part perfectly.
- Chocolate cake mix: The foundation brings a moist, chocolaty crumb that’s easy and reliable.
- Instant chocolate pudding mix: Adds extra depth and a velvety texture to keep the cake wonderfully moist.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together for a perfect, cake-like structure.
- Whole milk: Enhances flavor and keeps the batter smooth and rich.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Brings a golden richness and tender crumb, essential for the cake’s texture.
- Creamy peanut butter cups (chopped): Deliver those signature pockets of peanut butter and chocolate that make this dessert unforgettable.
- Chocolate chips (optional): For extra chocolatey goodness and melty surprises throughout the cake.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This step ensures your cake won’t stick and will come out perfectly clean, ready for the next delicious phase.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, instant chocolate pudding mix, eggs, whole milk, and melted butter. Mix everything thoroughly until the batter is smooth and uniform, with no lumps. This rich, chocolaty batter is the heart of your dump cake and sets the stage for incredible flavor and texture.
Step 3: Fold in the Peanut Butter Cups
Carefully fold in the chopped creamy peanut butter cups, gently incorporating them so they don’t all sink to the bottom. These chunks will create melty, peanut buttery pockets throughout the cake, giving that iconic taste everyone loves in a peanut butter cup.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish and smooth out the top. Place it in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The cake’s aroma at this stage is simply irresistible.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe to cool slightly before slicing. This brief rest time lets the flavors meld and makes the cake easier to cut, unveiling the gooey peanut butter treasures hidden inside.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a thoughtful garnish takes this dessert from delicious to unforgettable. Try dusting the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra flair. You can also top your slices with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add a creamy, cool contrast to the warm cake.
Side Dishes
This rich cake pairs wonderfully with simple sides that won’t compete with its flavors. Fresh berries or a tangy raspberry sauce work especially well, cutting through the richness with a burst of brightness. For something cozy and classic, a glass of cold milk is always a perfect choice.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve the dump cake in individual ramekins or mason jars layered with extra chopped peanut butter cups and chocolate chips. You can even turn it into a parfait format by alternating cake pieces with whipped cream and chopped nuts for added texture and style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe fresh by storing any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and flavorful for up to four days, making it perfect for enjoying as a treat throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. This method preserves the cake for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.
Reheating
To revive that freshly baked taste, reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or warm the entire cake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes. This will bring back the gooey softness and warm peanut butter goodness.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter cups instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter cups will add an extra texture to your cake. Just chop them into smaller pieces so they distribute evenly and melt nicely without overpowering the softness of the cake.
Is it necessary to use instant pudding mix?
The instant pudding mix is key to the moist and rich texture that makes this dump cake special. You can experiment without it, but expect a slightly drier cake that might not have quite the same luscious consistency.
Can I substitute the butter with oil?
While melted butter gives the best flavor and richness to the cake, you can use a neutral oil like vegetable oil if needed. Keep in mind that butter adds a slight nuttiness that complements the peanut butter cups perfectly.
How many servings does this cake make?
This recipe yields about 12 generous servings, which makes it great for sharing at gatherings or family dinners. The rich flavors mean a little slice goes a long way!
Can I add other mix-ins to this dump cake?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even a swirl of marshmallow fluff before baking. Just be sure not to overload the batter so it bakes evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe is a life-saver for anyone who loves a decadent yet straightforward dessert. It combines the best of chocolate and peanut butter in a way that’s easy to prepare but delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. Give it a try, and you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a rich, decadent dessert that combines the moist texture of chocolate cake with the creamy indulgence of peanut butter cups. Easy to prepare and perfect for chocolate and peanut butter lovers, this 12-serving cake features a smooth chocolate pudding mix for extra fudginess and optional chocolate chips for added texture.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Add-ins
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter cups, chopped
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, instant chocolate pudding mix, eggs, whole milk, and melted unsalted butter. Whisk together until you achieve a smooth, consistent batter.
- Add Peanut Butter Cups: Gently fold in the chopped creamy peanut butter cups to distribute them evenly without overmixing, which helps retain their texture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the prepared batter into the greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Bake the Cake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving to let the flavors set and make cutting easier.
Notes
- For an extra chocolatey twist, sprinkle the optional chocolate chips on top before baking or mix them into the batter.
- You can substitute whole milk with any milk alternative, but this may slightly change the texture.
- Use fresh peanut butter cups to avoid a greasy batter.
- To store, cover the cake and keep it refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- This cake is perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
