If you’re craving a dessert that’s rich, gooey, and bursting with chocolate and peanut butter goodness, look no further than this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on classic dump cakes, integrating luscious peanut butter cups right into a moist chocolate batter for a heavenly treat. This dessert is perfect for when you want something indulgent yet straightforward, combining simple ingredients with a flavor punch that feels like a special occasion every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but crucial for creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors in this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe. Each one plays a role in ensuring you get that moist crumb, that irresistible fudgy melt, and the unmistakable hint of peanut butter in every bite.
- Chocolate cake mix: The base of your cake, providing a rich chocolate flavor and a tender structure.
- Instant chocolate pudding mix: Adds moisture and an extra layer of chocolate depth that keeps the cake deliciously soft.
- Large eggs: Help bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s fluffy texture.
- Whole milk: Adds richness and helps to blend the dry ingredients smoothly.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Brings in a velvety richness and helps the cake bake up tender.
- Creamy peanut butter cups, chopped: The star ingredient that infuses every forkful with that classic peanut butter and chocolate harmony.
- Chocolate chips (optional): Sprinkle them in for extra pockets of melty chocolate fun.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a consistent temperature for baking, giving your cake that perfect rise and crumb. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish well so nothing sticks and you get clean slices when serving.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, instant chocolate pudding mix, eggs, whole milk, and melted butter. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated; this creates the rich, luscious batter that makes this cake so tender.
Step 3: Add the Peanut Butter Cups
Gently fold the chopped peanut butter cups into the batter. Taking care here keeps the chopped pieces distinct, ensuring they won’t all sink but instead create delightful, gooey pockets of peanut buttery bliss throughout the cake.
Step 4: Transfer and Smooth
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. This step guarantees uniform baking and prevents any lopsided spots, so every slice delivers that signature balance of chocolate cake and peanut butter cup chunks.
Step 5: Bake Until Done
Bake the cake for 30 to 35 minutes. Test by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached, confirming your cake is perfectly baked but still luxuriously moist.
Step 6: Let It Cool
Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing. Cooling lets the peanut butter cups set a bit, making the cake easier to cut and even more enjoyable to eat as the flavors meld together.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
While this cake shines on its own, a quick dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce elevates the presentation instantly. For an extra decadent touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream that melts over the warm cake beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this dessert with fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to cut through the richness with a refreshing contrast. For coffee lovers, a hot cup of espresso or a creamy latte perfectly complements the chocolatey peanut butter flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming personal dessert. Alternatively, layer it with whipped cream and chopped peanuts in a trifle bowl for a special gathering, turning a simple dump cake into an impressive centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover cake should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days to keep it fresh and moist. Just make sure to cover it well so it doesn’t dry out or absorb fridge odors.
Freezing
You can freeze slices of this cake by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 months—perfect for a future indulgence.
Reheating
To bring the cake back to life, warm individual servings in the microwave for about 20 seconds or until just heated through. Freshly warmed cake paired with a scoop of ice cream will make you feel like you just baked it.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter cups instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter cups will add an extra texture contrast, making your dump cake even more exciting with little bits of crunch in every bite.
Do I need to use instant pudding mix?
Yes, the instant pudding mix is key to keeping the cake moist and giving it that luscious fudgy texture. It’s what sets this dump cake apart from a regular chocolate cake.
Can I substitute almond milk or another milk alternative?
You can, though whole milk gives the best richness. Almond milk or other plant-based milks will work fine but might slightly alter the flavor and texture.
Is it okay to add chocolate chips? Will it affect baking time?
Adding chocolate chips is a fun way to boost chocolaty goodness. It won’t significantly change baking times; just keep an eye on the cake as it bakes to avoid overcooking.
Can I make this dump cake vegan?
For a vegan version, you’ll need to substitute eggs with flax eggs or other binders, use dairy-free milk and butter, and find a vegan-friendly chocolate cake mix and pudding mix. It takes a little tweaking but can be done for those with dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe is one of those magical desserts that feels fancy but comes together without fuss. It’s perfect for any occasion — whether you want a comforting treat for yourself or need a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress. Go ahead, give it a try, and get ready to fall in love with this rich, gooey crowd favorite!
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake, a luscious and easy-to-make dessert combining rich chocolate cake, creamy pudding, and chunks of peanut butter cups. Perfect for chocolate and peanut butter lovers looking for a quick treat without complicated steps.
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 and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Batter: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, instant chocolate pudding mix, eggs, whole milk, and melted butter. Stir the ingredients together until the batter is smooth and fully blended.
- Fold in Peanut Butter Cups: Gently fold the chopped creamy peanut butter cups into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overmixing.
- Pour Batter: Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly for consistent baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving, to enhance flavors and texture.
Notes
- You can add 1 cup of chocolate chips for extra chocolate flavor or omit them based on preference.
- Allow the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving to let it set properly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- For a richer flavor, use creamy peanut butter cups rather than crunchy or miniature types.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
