1 bowl peanut butter cup dump cake Recipe
If you’re craving a dessert that feels both indulgent and incredibly easy to make, let me introduce you to the 1 bowl peanut butter cup dump cake. This dessert is pure magic in a pan, combining rich chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter, and melty peanut butter cups all baked together in one glorious, no-fuss dish. It’s my go-to when I want something sweet, comforting, and ultra-satisfying without the hassle of fancy techniques or piling up dishes. Trust me, once you try this 1 bowl peanut butter cup dump cake, it will become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create this luscious dessert. Each one plays a crucial role, from the rich chocolate cake mix giving structure and depth, to the peanut butter creating a velvety layer, and the mini peanut butter cups adding pockets of gooey sweetness.
- Chocolate cake mix: Devil’s food is my pick for deep, intense chocolate flavor, but any chocolate cake mix works great.
- Peanut butter: Creamy spreads smoothly creating a luscious base layer, while crunchy adds a nice texture kick.
- Butter: Melted real butter adds richness and moisture—measure after melting for accuracy.
- Milk: Whole milk makes the batter silky and rich, but any milk will do.
- Mini peanut butter cups: These tiny treasures melt perfectly, delivering bursts of peanut butter and chocolate in every bite.
- Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet chips balance the sweetness and create delightful melty pockets.
How to Make 1 bowl peanut butter cup dump cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Peanut Butter Layer
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well with cooking spray or butter. Next, take your peanut butter, ideally at room temperature for easy spreading, and dollop it across the bottom of the pan. Don’t worry about perfection here; just spread so it covers the entire base. This layer is the secret to the cake’s gooey, fudgy heart once baked.
Step 2: Whip Up The Cake Batter
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and milk. Use a whisk to stir until smooth without overmixing—it’s okay if a few tiny lumps remain. The batter should be thick but pourable, like a perfect pancake batter consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk, or if too thin, a little flour will help firm it up.
Step 3: Combine and Top
Pour the chocolate batter evenly over your peanut butter layer in the baking dish, letting it spread naturally. Then sprinkle mini peanut butter cups and chocolate chips evenly on top. These little delights will soften and melt into the batter during baking, creating irresistible gooey pockets that make this cake unforgettable.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your cake in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges start to pull away from the pan slightly and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. Resist the urge to cut into it right away; let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes. This rest lets the layers set perfectly for clean slices and maximized flavor melding.
How to Serve 1 bowl peanut butter cup dump cake
Garnishes
For an extra touch of decadence, dust the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle some melted chocolate. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes this cake from delicious to downright irresistible, melting into every bite and complementing the chocolate-peanut butter flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cake is rich enough on its own, but you can serve it alongside fresh berries or a tangy berry compote to cut through the sweetness. A simple cup of strong coffee or creamy milk pairs wonderfully and balances the dessert’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow guests, consider serving the 1 bowl peanut butter cup dump cake in individual ramekins or mason jars topped with extra mini peanut butter cups and chocolate shavings. For celebrations, layer pieces with whipped cream and sliced bananas for a trifle-style dessert that’s both beautiful and indulgent.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover 1 bowl peanut butter cup dump cake keeps beautifully at room temperature when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. It stays delicious for up to three days, and the flavors even deepen as it rests.
Freezing
If you want to savor it later, you can freeze slices wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before serving to preserve that perfect fudgy texture.
Reheating
To enjoy warm cake magic, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This brief heat softens the chocolate chips and peanut butter cups again, giving you a gooey, soul-satisfying dessert in seconds.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While chocolate cake mix is classic here, feel free to try vanilla, yellow, or even funfetti for a playful twist. Just keep in mind the peanut butter flavor might stand out differently depending on your choice.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Look for the edges pulling away slightly from the pan and use a toothpick to check the center. It should come out with moist crumbs, never wet batter. The top should be set but slightly soft since it firms up as it cools.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This cake actually tastes fantastic the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Bake it the day before, cover well once cooled, and enjoy. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Is it okay to use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Definitely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a bit of texture and a nutty bite. I use creamy for a smooth, fudgy layer, but both versions are delicious.
What if I don’t have mini peanut butter cups?
If mini peanut butter cups are unavailable, chop regular-sized ones into smaller bits. Just keep in mind they might not melt as evenly, but you’ll still get lots of peanut butter-chocolate goodness!
Final Thoughts
Honestly, the 1 bowl peanut butter cup dump cake is one of those recipes that feels like a little celebration every time you bake it. It’s simple, satisfying, and seriously indulgent without any fancy effort. If you love that classic chocolate and peanut butter combo, this cake will become your new obsession. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy every luscious bite—you won’t regret it!
Print
1 bowl peanut butter cup dump cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy peanut butter cup dump cake that combines rich chocolate cake mix with creamy peanut butter, mini peanut butter cups, and chocolate chips for a fudgy, indulgent dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (preferably devil’s food)
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- 1/2 cup melted butter (real butter recommended)
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Spread Peanut Butter Layer: Let peanut butter sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then spread it evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish using a butter knife or offset spatula.
- Mix Batter: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and milk. Whisk until mostly smooth with a few tiny lumps remaining. Adjust consistency with extra milk or a tablespoon of flour if needed.
- Assemble Cake: Pour the chocolate batter evenly over the peanut butter layer in the baking dish. Sprinkle mini peanut butter cups and chocolate chips evenly on top.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until the edges start to pull away and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes to allow layers to set before slicing. Serve as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
Notes
- Let peanut butter come to room temperature for easier spreading.
- Check your oven temperature as bake times may vary; begin checking at 30 minutes.
- Mini peanut butter cups work best for even melting and distribution.
- Cooling the cake before slicing helps achieve clean slices and a fudgy texture.
- This cake tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Reheat slices in the microwave for 15 seconds to re-melt chocolate chips.
- Substitute almond butter for peanut butter for a nut variation.
- Dark or white chocolate chips can be used for different flavor profiles.
- Alternative milks like oat or almond milk work but may produce a slightly less rich cake.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: peanut butter cup dump cake, chocolate cake, easy dessert, peanut butter dessert, dump cake, quick cake recipe, chocolate peanut butter
