Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth and love the nostalgic flavors of peanut butter and chocolate, you are going to adore this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake. This dessert is a brilliant blend of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate chips, and the irresistible crunch of chopped peanut butter candies all layered beneath a golden, buttery cake topping. It’s a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing treat that comes together quickly yet tastes like a decadent, bakery-worthy indulgence. Once you try this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake, it’s bound to become a favorite recipe you reach for again and again whenever you want to impress without the hassle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the secret to this cake’s magic. Each component plays a crucial role: the cake mix forms the fluffy, tender top; peanut butter adds luscious richness; and the assortment of peanut butter candies and chocolate chips guarantees bursts of sweet, melty goodness in every bite.
- Yellow cake mix: Provides a light, golden cake base that crisps perfectly on top.
- Creamy peanut butter: Adds smoothness and deep nutty flavor that balances the sweet elements.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Brings richness and a subtle caramel note while keeping the filling moist.
- Mini peanut butter cups, chopped: Adds melty pockets of peanut butter and chocolate throughout the dessert.
- Chocolate chips: Ensure every slice has bursts of melty chocolate goodness.
- Melted butter: Helps the cake mix bake into a buttery, crisp topping.
- Chopped peanut butter candies: Offer textural contrast and extra sweetness on top.
- Chocolate syrup (optional): Perfect for drizzling to amp up the chocolate flavor and add a beautiful finish.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This step sets the stage for an even bake and perfect texture.
Step 2: Layer the Candy and Chocolate
Scatter the chopped mini peanut butter cups and chocolate chips evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. This creates the first, delicious layer that will melt into the cake, delivering surprise bursts of gooeyness.
Step 3: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk
Drizzle the entire can of sweetened condensed milk right over the candy layer. This rich, velvety ingredient infuses the dessert with sweetness and moisture, marrying the peanut butter and chocolate flavors together.
Step 4: Dollop the Peanut Butter
Drop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter evenly across the dish. These dollops will melt during baking, creating luscious pockets of nutty richness.
Step 5: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Next, sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over your layers. Resist the urge to stir; letting it sit on top will form that signature crisp, cakey crust once baked.
Step 6: Pour the Melted Butter
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. This butter ensures your topping bakes up golden, rich, and perfectly textured.
Step 7: Bake to Delicious Perfection
Bake the cake in your preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is beautifully golden brown and bubbles up with sweet, chocolatey goodness peeking through.
Step 8: Cool and Add Final Touches
Allow your peanut butter cup dump cake to cool slightly before topping it with extra chopped peanut butter candies. A drizzle of chocolate syrup here is optional but highly recommended for that wow-factor finish.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Garnishes
Garnishes can elevate this dessert from delicious to show-stopping. Sprinkle on some extra chopped peanut butter candies or mini peanut butter cups for texture and eye appeal. A dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of chocolate syrup adds elegance without masking the rich peanut butter flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve this dessert alongside a cool scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creaminess balances the dense, rich texture of the cake. Fresh berries can add a pop of brightness and contrast to the luscious peanut butter and chocolate layers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake in individual ramekins or mason jars for cute, portable indulgences. Layer it with whipped cream and crushed peanut butter cups for a parfait style treat that’s perfect for parties and potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify overnight.
Freezing
This dump cake freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in an airtight freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth. If reheating a larger portion, cover with foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a nice texture variation, making each bite a fun mix of smooth and crunchy. Just be sure to dollop it evenly for the best melt.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free version. Just ensure the mix you choose is suitable for cakes and follow the same layering process for equally delicious results.
Can I add other types of candy to the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake?
Definitely! While the chopped peanut butter cups and Reese’s candies are the stars, feel free to experiment with butterscotch chips, chopped nuts, or even pretzels for a salty-sweet twist.
Does this cake need to be refrigerated?
Not immediately, but because it contains sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter layers, refrigerating leftovers is best to keep it fresh and prevent spoilage.
How long does the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake take to prepare?
Preparation is a breeze and usually takes about 10-15 minutes. The baking time is 40-45 minutes, so you can quickly assemble the layers and let the oven do the rest of the work.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is your new go-to dessert for fast, fabulous, and totally crave-worthy treats. Its gooey peanut butter and chocolate layers combined with a crisp, buttery cake topping make every forkful pure joy. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, I promise it will steal the spotlight and leave everyone asking for seconds. Give this recipe a whirl—you’ll be hooked for life!
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Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a decadent and easy-to-make dessert featuring layers of creamy peanut butter, chocolate chips, and chopped peanut butter cups baked under a golden yellow cake mix topping. Rich, gooey, and irresistibly sweet, it’s perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers looking for a quick, no-fuss treat.
Ingredients
Cake Mix
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Peanut Butter Layer
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped
- 1 cup chopped Reese’s or other peanut butter candies
Other Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- Chocolate syrup (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer Candy Base: Evenly scatter the chopped peanut butter cups and chocolate chips across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a rich chocolate and peanut butter base.
- Pour Sweetened Condensed Milk: Drizzle the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the candy layer to add sweetness and moisture.
- Add Peanut Butter Dollops: Using a spoon, dollop the creamy peanut butter randomly throughout the dish to ensure pockets of rich flavor.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the peanut butter and candy layers; do not stir to maintain distinct layers.
- Pour Melted Butter: Drizzle the melted butter consistently over the cake mix to help it bake into a golden crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the cake to cool slightly before topping with the extra chopped peanut butter candies and an optional drizzle of chocolate syrup for added decadence.
Notes
- Use a good quality yellow cake mix for best flavor.
- Do not stir after adding the cake mix on top to maintain the ‘dump cake’ layered texture.
- Letting the cake cool slightly helps it set better for easier serving.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips.
- This cake is very rich—small servings work well.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake, easy peanut butter dessert, chocolate peanut butter cake, dump cake recipe, no-fuss dessert
