Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
If you’re a fan of effortless, decadent desserts that taste as impressive as they look, this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is about to become your go-to treat. Packed with gooey chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and those irresistibly melty mini peanut butter cups, this recipe delivers the nostalgic flavor of your favorite candy in every cozy bite—all with less than 10 minutes of hands-on prep. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake comes from a handful of staple ingredients that combine for maximum gooeyness and flavor. Each one brings its own flair, whether it’s chocolatey richness, nutty depth, or a decadent, buttery finish.
- Yellow cake mix: Forms the fluffy, sweet foundation that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- Creamy peanut butter: Swirled through for that classic peanut butter punch and creamy texture.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and turns gooey when baked, helping bind all the rich layers together.
- Mini peanut butter cups, chopped: Scatter these for pockets of melty, nostalgic chocolate-peanut butter goodness.
- Chocolate chips: Boosts the chocolate factor and helps every bite taste extra indulgent.
- Butter, melted: Essential for moistening the cake mix and giving the top its craveable golden crust.
- Chopped Reese’s or other peanut butter candies: For an explosion of color, crunch, and extra candy fun both inside and scattered on top.
- Chocolate syrup (optional): For finishing flair and one last hit of rich, glossy chocolate.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and then give your 9×13-inch baking dish a light coat of nonstick spray or butter. This simple step ensures that your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake slides out easily and keeps all that sticky goodness where it belongs: in your bowl and not stuck to the pan.
Step 2: Layer Chocolate Candy and Chips
Scatter your chopped mini peanut butter cups and chocolate chips evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This forms a chocolatey base, which will become wonderfully gooey and slightly molten beneath the cake after baking.
Step 3: Sweetened Condensed Milk Drizzle
Pour the can of sweetened condensed milk right over your candy layer. Don’t worry about spreading it perfectly—any crevices will fill in as it bakes, giving the finished cake those signature fudgy pockets.
Step 4: Dollop the Peanut Butter
Using a spoon, drop dollops of creamy peanut butter across the dish. Don’t stress about perfection—those uneven swirls are what make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake extra blissful, infusing each bite with creamy, nutty richness.
Step 5: Add the Cake Mix Layer
Open your yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the peanut butter and candies. Resist the urge to mix! You want to keep the layers distinct for that classic “dump cake” experience and dreamy texture contrast.
Step 6: Pour on the Butter
Evenly drizzle your melted butter across the top of the cake mix. It might look a little patchy, but that’s the secret to a golden, crispy crust that’s still tender underneath. The butter will seep through as it bakes, moistening any dry spots along the way.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden brown, bubbling at the edges, and your kitchen smells absolutely irresistible. Begin checking at the 40-minute mark so you don’t miss the sweet spot.
Step 8: Cool and Finish with Toppings
Let your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake cool for at least 15 minutes, so all those gooey layers have time to set just a bit. Then, sprinkle on a handful of extra chopped candy and, if you want to go all-out, finish with a generous drizzle of chocolate syrup for glossy, photo-ready appeal.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Garnishes
This cake loves a finishing touch! Scatter extra chopped peanut butter cups or candies on top while it’s still slightly warm, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a swirl of chocolate syrup for the ultimate confectionery crown.
Side Dishes
While Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake steals the show, pairings like cold milk, coffee, or even a scoop of simple vanilla or chocolate ice cream can balance all the rich, sweet flavors for a truly indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the cake in individual jars for cute, portable treats at parties, or layer pieces with whipped cream and more candies in parfait glasses for an eye-catching twist that transforms this easy recipe into a show-stopping finale.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have some leftover Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake? Simply cover the pan or transfer pieces to an airtight container. It’ll keep on the counter for up to 2 days, but the fridge will help preserve that gooey texture for up to 5 days. Enjoy it at room temp, or warm it up for peak gooeyness.
Freezing
This cake freezes better than you might expect. Once cooled, cut into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to three months, ready to satisfy any future peanut butter-chocolate cravings!
Reheating
To reheat, pop a piece in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, just until gently warmed. If you’re reheating a larger batch, cover loosely with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10–15 minutes, checking so it doesn’t dry out. A scoop of ice cream on top wouldn’t hurt, either!
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor in Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake?
Absolutely! Chocolate or devil’s food cake mix can take the chocolate factor up a notch, or try white cake mix for a slightly sweeter, more neutral profile. Just keep the rest of the ingredients the same for delicious results.
What’s the best peanut butter to use?
Creamy peanut butter creates the silkiest swirls and pairs perfectly with the candies, but crunchy peanut butter works if you love extra texture. Natural peanut butters can separate and be oily, so stick with homogenized varieties for best results.
Can I make this as cupcakes or in a smaller pan?
For smaller servings, halve the recipe and bake in an 8×8-inch pan, or try lining muffin tins for individual dump cake cupcakes—just reduce the baking time to about 18–22 minutes and keep an eye out for golden tops and bubbling edges.
How do I prevent dry spots in the cake mix?
Make sure the melted butter is poured as evenly as possible over the entire surface, and if you notice any dry patches after baking, you can always drizzle a bit of chocolate syrup or more sweetened condensed milk over the top for extra moistness.
Is Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake suitable for potlucks or parties?
It’s one of the best desserts for gatherings! Because it transports easily in the baking pan and can be served warm or at room temp, guests will be fighting for seconds. Just bring extra napkins—it’s ooey, gooey, and worth every bite.
Final Thoughts
Don’t wait for a special occasion to treat yourself or loved ones to the joys of Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake. It’s proof that unpretentious desserts can be the most crowd-pleasing, and with such buttery, chocolatey, peanut buttery bliss in every bite, this recipe is bound to have everyone asking for seconds. Dive in and let the gooey magic speak for itself!
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Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent goodness of Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake. This easy dessert combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a simple, yet irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
Sweetened Condensed Milk Layer:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
Candy Layer:
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped Reese’s or other peanut butter candies
Additional:
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- Chocolate syrup (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare layers: Scatter chopped peanut butter cups and chocolate chips at the bottom. Drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the candies. Dollop peanut butter over the dish.
- Add cake mix: Sprinkle yellow cake mix evenly on top without stirring.
- Top with butter: Pour melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
- Finish: Let cool slightly, then top with extra chopped candy and drizzle with chocolate syrup if desired.
Notes
- This cake is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake, Dessert, Peanut Butter, Chocolate, Easy Recipe
