If you have a sweet tooth that craves rich, gooey, and utterly delightful treats, then this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine layers of creamy peanut butter, chunks of peanut butter cups, and luscious chocolate cake mix all coming together in one effortless bake that tastes like a decadent candy bar brought to life as a dessert. This recipe combines the ease of “dump-and-bake” method with flavors that are deeply indulgent, turning simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece that’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in. Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that feels fancy but comes together with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the creamy peanut butter adding luscious richness, to the chocolate cake mix delivering that soft, crumbly texture. Quality and balance are key here, so having these essentials on hand makes all the difference in building layers of flavor and texture.
- Chocolate cake mix: This forms the base and adds a moist, chocolaty crumb that ties everything together.
- Creamy peanut butter: Spread evenly to create a velvety, nutty layer beneath the cake mix.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Acts as a rich, caramel-like binder that keeps the dessert indulgently moist.
- Chopped peanut butter cups: These little pockets of chocolate and peanut butter bring bursts of sweet, nutty crunch throughout.
- Melted butter: Poured on top to help crisp the cake’s surface while adding buttery flavor.
- Milk chocolate chips: Sprinkled for melty chocolate bits that add extra gooeyness and sweetness.
- Optional: Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream: Perfect for serving to add creaminess and contrast the warm cake.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first—set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Greasing ensures the cake won’t stick and makes clean-up a breeze. This step lays the groundwork for your layers to bake beautifully without any worry.
Step 2: Create the Peanut Butter and Candy Base
Gently spread the creamy peanut butter evenly over the bottom of your prepared pan. This thick blanket not only adds incredible flavor but also keeps the dessert moist. Next, sprinkle half of the chopped peanut butter cups all over the peanut butter, sending waves of sweet, chocolatey, nutty goodness throughout the cake.
Step 3: Pour in the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the peanut butter and candy layer. This luxurious milk creates a sticky, luscious layer that holds everything together and adds a lovely caramel-like sweetness.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Cake Mix
Now sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the sweetened condensed milk. This creates the signature “dump cake” texture, where the dry mix bakes on top and softens just enough from the moisture beneath.
Step 5: Dot with Butter and Chocolate Chips
Drizzle the melted butter all over the cake mix to help it crisp up and develop a golden brown top while baking. After that, sprinkle the remaining chopped peanut butter cups along with the chocolate chips on top for an extra layer of texture and melting chocolate pleasure.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your dish into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Look for the top to become bubbly and lightly crisped, signaling that all those layers have melded together into one irresistible dessert.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the cake to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting time helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve generous, gooey slices. For an added touch of indulgence, serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling extra chopped peanut butter cups on top just before serving adds a delightful crunch and a visually tempting finish. A fresh dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce would also elevate this dessert into something truly special.
Side Dishes
This dump cake pairs wonderfully with light sides like fresh fruit, especially berries or sliced bananas, which balance the dessert’s richness. If you want to embrace decadence fully, a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of cool whipped cream on the side never goes wrong.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, consider serving individual portions in clear glass cups to showcase the gooey layers. Alternatively, add some crushed pretzels or toasted pecans on top for added texture and a salty twist. Personalizing presentation adds an extra bit of wow to this simple dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers even tastier the next day. Just bring pieces to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.
Freezing
If you have extra cake, freeze it in portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently in the oven to restore that freshly baked texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a microwave-safe plate for 30 to 45 seconds, or keep them warm in a 300°F oven covered with foil for 10–15 minutes to soften up and bring back that gooey magic.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture to your dump cake, giving it a little more bite. Just spread it as evenly as you can for the best results.
Is it possible to make this recipe nut-free?
This recipe relies heavily on peanut butter and peanut butter cups, so it’s tricky to make it nut-free without losing the signature flavor. However, you could experiment with sun butter and nut-free chocolate candies but expect a different taste.
Can I use homemade cake mix or flour instead?
While you can try substituting homemade cake mix or a flour mixture, the convenience and precise leavening of boxed cake mix work best to achieve that perfect texture for this dump cake.
What other candies could I use in place of peanut butter cups?
Feel free to get creative! Pieces of Reese’s Pieces, chocolate-covered pretzels, or even chopped Snickers bars could add unique twists to the flavor and texture.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The top should be bubbly and slightly crisp to the touch, with a golden brown color. You can also gently poke with a toothpick; a few moist crumbs are okay, as the cake is meant to be gooey.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite as joyful as sharing a dessert that brings smiles and satisfied sighs, and this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe does exactly that with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just dipping your toes into the dessert world, this recipe’s combination of ease, indulgence, and crowd-pleasing flavor makes it a must-try. So grab those simple ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to wow everyone with a dessert that feels like a hug in every bite. Happy baking!
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 decadent and easy-to-make dessert combining rich chocolate cake mix, creamy peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, and chopped peanut butter cups. It’s baked to bubbly perfection with a buttery, chocolatey topping and is perfect served warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Main 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 Garnishes
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
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 baking dish. Next, sprinkle half of the chopped peanut butter cups over the peanut butter layer. Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the candy cups.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix uniformly over the condensed milk layer, covering it completely.
- Add Butter and Chocolate Chips: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the chocolate cake mix. Then sprinkle the remaining chopped peanut butter cups and the milk chocolate chips evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top layer is bubbly and develops a slightly crisp texture.
- Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes. Serve warm, optionally topping with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Notes
- You can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture if preferred.
- Make sure to evenly spread all layers to ensure a balanced flavor throughout the cake.
- If you don’t have milk chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips can be used as an alternative.
- Allowing the cake to cool slightly helps it to set and makes serving easier.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
