Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
If you’re searching for a decadent, crowd-pleasing treat that comes together in a snap, look no further than this outrageous Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake. Imagine layers of gooey chocolate, melty peanut butter, and little explosions of peanut butter cups, all baked to bubbly, fudgy perfection. With every spoonful, you get that irresistible sweet-and-salty duo that chocolate and peanut butter lovers crave—all without complicated steps or fussy clean-up. This is the kind of easy dessert that delivers big comfort (and serious nostalgia) whenever you need it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is how a handful of familiar pantry staples transform into something far more indulgent and crave-worthy. Each ingredient is chosen for maximum flavor and lush texture, so be sure to use the good stuff!
- Chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz): The base for our gooey, chocolatey cake, bringing structure and major cocoa flavor without the hassle of baking from scratch.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz): This rich, sticky liquid is the secret to an ultra-moist crumb and luscious, fudgy texture throughout the cake.
- Creamy peanut butter (3/4 cup): When swirled in, peanut butter adds unmistakable richness and a little salty contrast to all that sweet chocolate.
- Chopped peanut butter cups (1 1/2 cups): Bits of gooey, melty candy scattered in every bite for pure peanut butter cup bliss; chop them roughly for more texture.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup): Pouring this over the top helps the cake bake up crispy-edged and melt-in-your-mouth tender all at once.
- Milk chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): These are for the truly devoted chocolate lovers—sprinkle them on last for gooey pockets of chocolate and a glossy finish.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and giving a 9×13-inch baking dish a light swipe of nonstick spray or butter. This guarantees your cake comes out clean and makes serving those gooey first scoops a breeze. Don’t skip this step—nothing ruins a dessert party like half your cake sticking to the pan!
Step 2: Pour and Swirl
Pour the sweetened condensed milk directly into the base of your prepared pan, spreading it into an even layer. Dollop the creamy peanut butter across the top in generous spoonfuls, then gently swirl with a knife or skewer. This ensures you get delicious ribbons of peanut butter running throughout the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake.
Step 3: Candy Layer
Scatter the chopped peanut butter cups evenly over your swirled base. Don’t worry about perfection—just make sure there’s candy in every corner, so each serving is loaded with those signature bites of melty, gooey peanut butter cup.
Step 4: Top with Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix directly over the layered base, distributing it evenly without mixing or pressing it down. This is the “dump” part of our Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake—it couldn’t be easier, and results in a crumbly, irresistible topping after baking.
Step 5: Finish and Bake
Pour the melted butter over the cake mix as evenly as possible, aiming to moisten as much of the mix as you can. If using, toss the chocolate chips on top for an extra boost of chocolatey goodness. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is set, crackly, and bubbling at the edges. Let your creation cool for 15 minutes (if you can resist!), then get ready to dive in.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Garnishes
Take this gooey masterpiece over the top with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous cloud of whipped cream. For a special finishing touch, try a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of crushed peanut butter cups right before serving—the extra softness and crunch make every bite unforgettable.
Side Dishes
This rich dessert is happiest next to a cup of piping hot coffee or a glass of cold milk. If you’re serving a crowd, pair the cake with a fresh fruit salad on the side—the bright, tangy flavors help balance the indulgence of the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Portion the cake into cute ramekins for individual servings, or layer scoops into glass jars for an eye-catching parfait effect. For potlucks or parties, cut it into squares and serve on colorful platters, showcasing those tempting pockets of peanut butter cup in every slice. You can even add a sparkler or candle for a birthday treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (a rare event!), cover the cooled Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days—the fridge helps keep the candies firm and the layers distinct.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze this dessert in individual portions. Wrap each piece well with plastic wrap and then foil, or use a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Just remember, the candy pieces may get a bit softer after freezing, but the flavors remain just as dreamy.
Reheating
To restore the “fresh from the oven” feel, warm your leftovers in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds per serving. This reawakens the gooey chocolate and makes the peanut butter even more irresistible. For bigger amounts, pop the dish in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes, until everything is bubbly once again.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture and little bursts of peanut flavor throughout your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake. Use it exactly as you would the creamy version and enjoy a nuttier bite.
Is it possible to make this gluten free?
Yes, just swap in your favorite gluten-free chocolate cake mix and double-check that the peanut butter cups you use are gluten free, too. The rest of the ingredients are already naturally gluten free.
What if I can’t find peanut butter cups?
No problem! Chopped peanut butter chocolate candy bars or even chocolate chips mixed with dollops of peanut butter will work just fine. Get creative and use whatever combination brings that chocolate-peanut butter magic!
Do I have to use the optional chocolate chips on top?
Not at all—the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is plenty decadent without them. But if you’re a devoted chocoholic or simply love an extra gooey, melted chocolate finish, don’t skip this step!
Why shouldn’t I stir the layers together?
Resist the urge! The secret to this dessert’s amazing texture is keeping the layers loosely stacked—this creates delicious pockets of gooeyness and surprising pops of candy throughout your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake.
Final Thoughts
Let’s be real: once you try this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake, it’s bound to become your go-to dessert for every quick celebration, late-night craving, or potluck with friends. It’s pure comfort in a pan, wonderfully easy, and guaranteed to make you the hero of any gathering. Go ahead—give it a try and revel in every gloriously melty, chocolate-peanut butter bite!
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake. A simple yet irresistible dessert that combines the goodness of chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter, and chopped peanut butter cups, all topped with a buttery, crisp finish.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups chopped peanut butter cups
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer Ingredients: Pour sweetened condensed milk into the dish. Dollop peanut butter on top and swirl gently. Sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups over the peanut butter. Add the dry cake mix evenly on top.
- Add Butter: Pour melted butter over the cake mix. Sprinkle chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until bubbly and slightly crisp on top.
- Serve: Cool for 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- For a stronger peanut flavor, try using peanut butter cake mix instead of chocolate.
- Do not mix the layers together before baking to maintain the desired texture.
- Leftovers can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
