If you have a sweet tooth and an appreciation for easy-to-make desserts, the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This no-fuss cake delivers the perfect blend of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, layered with luscious cream cheese and topped with whipped cream and more peanut butter cups that create a dessert experience you’ll want to savor bite after bite. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels indulgent but couldn’t be simpler to pull together, making it ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it relies on straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a vital role in building the cake’s impeccable flavor and texture. From the moist chocolate cake base to the dreamy peanut butter cream layer, every component contributes a layer of deliciousness.
- Chocolate cake mix: Using two boxes ensures a rich chocolate foundation that’s both moist and flavorful.
- Instant chocolate pudding mix: Adds an extra fudgy texture to the cake batter, taking it beyond ordinary boxed cake.
- Milk: Helps blend the pudding and cake mix into a smooth batter for that perfect consistency.
- Reese’s peanut butter cups minis: Folded into the batter and used as a topping, these bring bursts of peanut butter and chocolate throughout.
- Cream cheese: Softened and whipped for a creamy, tangy peanut butter layer that balances the sweetness.
- Creamy peanut butter: Mixed with cream cheese for a luscious, nutty layer that’s smooth and decadent.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the peanut butter cream layer just perfectly without being grainy.
- Heavy whipping cream: Adds richness and lightness to the peanut butter cream filling.
- Butter: Melted and drizzled over the dry cake mix for a golden, crisp topping.
- Cool Whip: Provides a light and fluffy finish to complement the cake’s richness.
- Chocolate syrup: Drizzled on top for extra indulgence and an elegant look.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 13″x9″ baking pan with non-stick spray. This step ensures your cake slides out easily and bakes evenly, setting the stage for all the delicious layers to come.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine one box of chocolate cake mix with the instant chocolate pudding mix and milk. Stir everything until smooth and the batter is thick but spreadable. Then gently fold in the mini Reese’s peanut butter cups—they melt slightly into the batter during baking, infusing chocolate and peanut butter surprise pockets throughout the cake.
Step 3: Spread the Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Layer
Next, in another bowl, whip the softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and silky. Spread this heavenly peanut butter cream cheese mixture evenly over your chocolate cake batter layer. This step is where the magic of the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe really begins to take shape.
Step 4: Top with Dry Cake Mix and Butter
Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix from the second box evenly over the peanut butter cream layer, then drizzle melted butter on top in a generous, even fashion. This trick creates a golden, crisp topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft layers beneath.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the assembled cake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool completely in the pan—this resting time allows the layers to set perfectly and makes it easier to add the finishing touches.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
When the cake is fully cooled, spread an even layer of Cool Whip over the top for lightness and creaminess. Then sprinkle more chopped Reese’s mini peanut butter cups, and drizzle generously with chocolate syrup. This final flourish takes the dessert to a show-stopping level of indulgence.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice into this layered delight and watch as guests smile with each bite. The combination of textures and flavors is a guaranteed hit every single time.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance presentation and flavor with some fresh garnishes like a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or a small dollop of extra peanut butter on the side. This adds a bit of crunch and a burst of nutty flavor that partners wonderfully with the cake’s softness.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with simple side options that don’t compete with its richness. Try serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk—both are classic accompaniments that elevate the overall dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive twist, serve the dump cake in individual glasses layered with additional Cool Whip and chopped peanut butter cups, transforming it into an elegant dessert parfait. Alternatively, you can freeze slices and cut into bite-sized squares for easy dessert bites at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld and deepen after a day or two, making for an even more delightful treat. Just be sure to consume within 2 to 3 days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake either whole (wrapped tightly with foil and plastic wrap) or in individual portions. When ready to enjoy later, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Note that freezing may slightly alter the texture of the whipped topping, so you might want to add fresh Cool Whip before serving.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer a warm experience, gently warm a slice in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds, but avoid overheating to keep the cream layers intact. Served with a scoop of cold ice cream, the warm-cold contrast is absolute perfection.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of cake mix?
Absolutely! While chocolate cake mix adds a deep, rich flavor, you could experiment with devil’s food or even yellow cake mix. Just keep in mind the flavor balances significantly with the peanut butter and cream layers.
Is it necessary to use instant pudding mix?
The instant pudding mix adds extra moisture and richness, helping the chocolate cake layer stay fudgy. If you want a slightly lighter cake, you could leave it out, but the texture may change accordingly.
Can I substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream?
Yes! Homemade whipped cream can be a fantastic swap, offering a fresher taste and customizable sweetness. Just whip heavy cream with a touch of powdered sugar until soft peaks form and spread it over the cooled cake.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese for this recipe?
For smooth mixing, leave the cream cheese out at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before starting, or gently microwave it in short intervals of 10 seconds until pliable.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
To adapt this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe for gluten-free needs, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure all other ingredients, like pudding mix and peanut butter cups, are certified gluten-free. The cake will still be delicious and just as satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe is a joy to make and even more delightful to eat. If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing dessert that combines ease with incredible layers of flavor, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. From the moist chocolate base to the creamy peanut butter layer and those irresistible peanut butter cups on top, every bite promises happiness. So go ahead—grab your ingredients, whip it up, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a truly unforgettable dessert experience.
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
Description
This indulgent Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a rich and comforting dessert that combines chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter, and sweet cream cheese layers with mini Reese’s peanut butter cups. Featuring a simple assembly and baked to perfection, it’s topped with fluffy Cool Whip, chopped peanut butter cups, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a deliciously decadent treat perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Cake Layer:
- 2 boxes chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz/432g each)
- 1 package instant chocolate pudding mix (3.9 oz/110g)
- 1 ½ cups milk (375mL)
- 1 bag Reese’s peanut butter cups minis (8 oz/226g, unwrapped)
Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (227g)
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar (105g)
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream (57g)
Topping:
- 1 stick butter, melted (113g)
- Dry cake mix from the second box (remaining mix from one box)
Finishing Touches:
- 8 oz Cool Whip (225g)
- 1 bag Reese’s peanut butter cups miniatures (12 oz/340g, unwrapped and chopped)
- Chocolate syrup, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13″x9″ (33×23 cm) baking pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Make Cake Batter: In a large bowl, mix one box of chocolate cake mix, the instant chocolate pudding mix, and milk until smooth. Gently fold in the mini Reese’s peanut butter cups and pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and heavy whipping cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Spread this evenly over the cake batter in the pan.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the dry cake mix from the remaining cake mix box evenly over the cream cheese layer. Drizzle the melted butter over the top to create a rich crust.
- Bake: Bake the assembled cake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely inside the pan.
- Finish with Cool Whip and Garnish: Once cooled, spread the Cool Whip evenly over the top surface. Sprinkle the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups over the Cool Whip and drizzle with chocolate syrup for an extra indulgent finish.
- Serve and Store: Serve the cake immediately or store leftover portions in the refrigerator for 2-3 days to keep fresh and delicious.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing and smooth texture.
- Do not overbake the cake to keep it moist and tender.
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients where possible.
- Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- This cake works well as a party dessert due to its rich flavors and easy preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
