Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
If you’re a fan of the irresistible combination of chocolate and peanut butter, get ready to fall in love with this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake. Imagine layers of fudgy chocolate cake, pockets of creamy peanut butter, scattered bites of mini peanut butter cups, and a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk for a gooey finish—all coming together in one baking dish without any fuss. This easy dessert takes the classic dump cake approach (literally “dump and bake”) and cranks it up with over-the-top flavor, making every bite pure comfort. No fancy skills, no hard-to-find ingredients—just pure indulgence in every spoonful!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake plays a specific part in creating its lush, decadent flavor and signature gooey texture. These simple pantry staples get transformed into something spectacular, so make sure to use the best quality you can find for the most delicious result.
- Chocolate cake mix: Your shortcut to a rich, chocolaty base that stays moist and fluffy.
- Creamy peanut butter: Brings that luscious nutty flavor and a beautiful, velvety texture to every bite.
- Milk: Adds moisture to the batter for a cake that bakes up tender, not dry.
- Large eggs: Help bind the cake together and give structure to the final bake.
- Mini peanut butter cups, chopped: These little candies melt into gooey, chocolatey pockets throughout the cake.
- Chocolate chips: Add melty bursts of chocolate to the top layer for an extra touch of decadence.
- Crushed graham crackers (optional): Offer a sweet, rustic crunch that adds wonderful texture contrast.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Ensures ultra-moist, gooey pockets and gives the whole cake a caramelly finish.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Gives richness and a golden, buttery touch to the top and edges.
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving: The final flourish—cool, creamy toppings that pair perfectly with the warm cake.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to create that glorious rise and gooey center. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or nonstick spray—this ensures easy serving and cleanup, and helps prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chocolate cake mix, creamy peanut butter, milk, and eggs. You’re aiming for a silky-smooth batter that’s well-blended but not overmixed. This step is where all the base flavors come together and set the stage for those iconic peanut butter and chocolate notes.
Step 3: Layer the Toppings
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Scatter the chopped mini peanut butter cups and chocolate chips over the top, tucking some into little nooks and crannies for extra taste surprises. Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk across the surface—don’t stir!—and then pour the melted butter over everything. Finish with a generous sprinkle of crushed graham crackers, if using, for a delightful, toasty crunch.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling and Set
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is ready when the edges are bubbling, the top looks slightly crackly, and the center feels just set. It should look invitingly gooey—don’t overbake; you’re after that soft, molten texture.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool for about 10 to 15 minutes. This short rest lets everything settle just enough so you can scoop out servings without it completely falling apart. Serve up generous portions warm, topped with clouds of whipped cream or creamy vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Garnishes
This cake is pure joy by itself but adding finishing touches makes it even more special. Try a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a sprinkle of extra chopped peanut butter cups right before serving. If you want to wow guests, a light dusting of cocoa powder or drizzle of warm chocolate sauce just before digging in adds a bakery-style finish.
Side Dishes
Pairing is simple here: let the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake be the star. If you want a little variety, serve alongside a refreshing fruit salad or some sliced strawberries for a sweet-tart balance. A tall glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee also pairs beautifully with every rich bite.
Creative Ways to Present
To make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake look as impressive as it tastes, bake and serve it straight from a rustic cast iron skillet for dramatic flair. Spoon the cake into individual ramekins for mini-desserts at dinner parties, or layer scoops in parfait glasses with whipped cream and extra chocolate chips for an elegant twist. No matter how you present it, folks will be back for seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake can be covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and stored right in the baking dish in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days, making it perfect for sneaky spoonfuls throughout the week!
Freezing
Want to save some for later? No problem! Once completely cooled, slice the cake into portions and wrap tightly in plastic, then foil. Place in a zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To enjoy your cake warm, simply microwave individual portions in 20-second bursts until heated through, or cover and rewarm in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10 to 15 minutes. Add a scoop of ice cream to recreate that just-baked experience!
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix for Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake?
Absolutely! While chocolate cake mix provides that classic flavor, you can try using devil’s food, yellow, or even peanut butter cake mix for a twist. Each option offers its own unique take on this nostalgic dessert.
Are there any nut-free alternatives for this cake?
If you need a nut-free version, try using sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter and skip the peanut butter cups. You can sub in chocolate chunks or nut-free chocolate candies instead; the result will still be ultra-rich and satisfying.
Can I add extra mix-ins to make it my own?
Definitely! Chopped pretzels, caramel chips, or even swirls of marshmallow cream all work beautifully in Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake. Just remember not to overload the batter so it still bakes evenly.
Do I need to stir the sweetened condensed milk into the batter?
Nope! The magic of a dump cake is that you simply drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the top and let it work its gooey magic in the oven. Stirring it in can change the beloved texture of the finished dessert.
Can I make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake ahead for a party?
Yes! Bake up the cake the day before, let it cool, and store covered at room temperature or in the fridge. Warm before serving and top with ice cream or whipped cream right when you’re ready to impress your guests.
Final Thoughts
There’s just nothing quite like sharing a warm, gooey dish of Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake with someone you love. Give this one a try the next time you’re craving the ultimate chocolate-peanut butter fix—you’ll be amazed by how simple, fun, and gloriously delicious homemade dessert can be!
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Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent delight of Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake, a rich and gooey dessert that combines the irresistible flavors of chocolate and peanut butter in every bite. This easy-to-make cake is a perfect treat for any occasion, guaranteed to please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup milk
- 4 large eggs
Toppings:
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers (optional)
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Serving:
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix cake batter: In a large bowl, combine chocolate cake mix, peanut butter, milk, and eggs until smooth.
- Assemble the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups and chocolate chips on top. Drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the surface without stirring. Pour melted butter evenly over everything. Add crushed graham crackers if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until the cake is set and edges are bubbly.
- Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Enhance the peanut flavor with 1 teaspoon of peanut extract in the batter.
- Small portions are recommended due to the richness of the cake. Can also be baked in a cast iron skillet for a rustic touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
