If you have a serious sweet tooth and a love for all things chocolate-peanut buttery, you absolutely must try this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe. It’s the perfect dessert that combines rich chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter cups in a wildly simple, dump-and-bake method. Imagine layers of moist cake with melty pockets of peanut butter cups throughout, creating a decadent flavor explosion without the fuss of complicated baking. Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual treat, this cake promises smiles and happy taste buds with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe is delightfully straightforward, using pantry staples that everyone loves. Each ingredient plays a key role in building the texture, flavor, and that irresistible gooey quality that makes this cake a showstopper.
- Chocolate cake mix: The base for a moist, chocolaty crumb that’s easy to work with and full of flavor.
- Instant chocolate pudding mix: Adds extra richness and keeps the cake wonderfully tender.
- Large eggs: They bind the ingredients and add structure while keeping the cake light.
- Whole milk: Moisturizes the batter and enhances the chocolate taste.
- Unsalted butter, melted: For that perfect buttery richness that makes every bite smooth and luscious.
- Creamy peanut butter cups, chopped: The star ingredient, giving bursts of peanut butter and chocolate in every forkful.
- Chocolate chips (optional): An extra touch of melty chocolate goodness for those who want to go all out.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish. This step ensures your cake won’t stick and will come out effortlessly when it’s time to dig in.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine your chocolate cake mix, instant chocolate pudding mix, eggs, whole milk, and melted unsalted butter. Stir everything until the batter is smooth and velvety. This blend of ingredients will give you a rich and moist cake that’s far from ordinary.
Step 3: Fold in the Peanut Butter Cups
Gently fold in the chopped creamy peanut butter cups, distributing these sweet chunks throughout the batter. This step is key to making sure every slice has those delightful pockets of nutty, chocolatey surprise that make this dump cake irresistibly special.
Step 4: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure uniform baking. Now pop it into the oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen, signaling that something amazing is happening in there.
Step 5: Cool Slightly and Enjoy
Allow your cake to cool for a bit before serving — this helps the flavors meld and the texture set, so each piece holds its shape perfectly while staying soft and tender.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe presentation, consider sprinkling a handful of chopped peanut butter cups on top or adding a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side will add a refreshing contrast to the cake’s richness.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with simple accompaniments like fresh berries or a light coffee or milk. These additions balance out the richness of the cake without competing with its bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dump cake in individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch at parties, or layer it with whipped topping and crushed peanut butter cups for a stunning trifle. You can even turn slices into decadent cake sandwiches with peanut butter frosting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days. Keeping it sealed helps maintain its moist texture and fresh flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover dump cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or placing it inside a freezer-safe container. It freezes well up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
To warm up your cake, heat individual servings in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or reheat the whole dish in a 300°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through. This refreshes the gooey peanut butter cups and melts the chocolate just right.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter cups instead of creamy ones?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter cups will add a fun texture contrast, giving each bite a little extra crunch alongside the gooey cake.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the chocolate cake mix and pudding mix with gluten-free versions, and confirm the peanut butter cups you use don’t contain gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the recipe?
For sure! Chopped peanuts or even a handful of mini pretzels can add a delightful crunch and twist to the classic Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe.
What’s the best way to serve this cake warm?
Serving slightly warm brings out the melty goodness of the peanut butter cups. Pair it with cold vanilla ice cream to create a heavenly hot-and-cold dessert experience.
Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
With some tweaks, yes. Use dairy-free butter alternatives and substitute milk with your favorite plant-based milk. Ensure your pudding mix and cake mix are dairy-free to keep this cake allergy-friendly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both fuss-free and incredibly decadent, the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe is your new best friend. It’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo, and offers a luscious blend of chocolate and peanut butter you just can’t resist. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple 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 delightful and easy-to-make dessert combining rich chocolate cake mix, instant pudding, and creamy peanut butter cups for a deliciously moist and flavorful treat. Perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers looking for a quick and satisfying baked dessert.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter cups, chopped
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Combine Cake and Pudding Mixes: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the chocolate cake mix, instant chocolate pudding mix, eggs, whole milk, and melted butter until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Add Peanut Butter Cups: Gently fold the chopped creamy peanut butter cups into the batter to evenly distribute throughout.
- Transfer Batter to Baking Dish: Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly for consistent baking.
- Bake the Cake: 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 the cake is done.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool slightly before slicing and serving to enhance its texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can add optional chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolate richness.
- Use creamy peanut butter cups for better melting and distribution.
- Ensure to grease the baking dish well to avoid sticking.
- The cake is best served warm but is also delicious at room temperature.
- Leftovers can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated up to 5 days.
