If you are a fan of rich, indulgent desserts that are super simple to put together, the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine luscious layers of chocolate fudge cake mix combined with creamy peanut butter and pockets of mini peanut butter cups, all baked into a gooey, decadent treat that practically melts in your mouth. This delightful dessert blends the perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter flavor, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this delicious Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe is surprisingly easy thanks to a handful of pantry staples that each bring something unique to the party—texture, richness, and deep, comforting flavor. Let’s break down why each ingredient is essential to this dreamy dessert:
- Chocolate fudge cake mix: Provides a rich chocolate base with a wonderfully moist crumb once baked.
- Instant chocolate pudding mix: Adds creamy smoothness and helps keep the cake extra moist.
- Milk: Works with the pudding mix to create that velvety layer that binds the dessert together.
- Creamy peanut butter: Brings that nostalgic, silky peanut butter flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.
- Mini peanut butter cups, chopped: Adds delightful bursts of peanut buttery sweetness and chewy texture throughout the cake.
- Melted butter: Infuses the dry cake mix on top with richness and creates a golden, slightly crispy crust once baked.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Sprinkle these on top for extra melty chocolate goodness in every bite.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Pudding Layer
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and milk until the mixture thickens, about two minutes. This pudding layer ensures your cake stays moist and adds an irresistibly smooth texture. Pour it evenly into your prepared dish, making a luscious base layer.
Step 2: Add the Peanut Butter Dollops
Next, take your creamy peanut butter and drop spoonfuls evenly over the pudding layer. These pockets of peanut butter will melt into little creamy surprises that contrast beautifully with the denser pudding. This step guarantees every slice is bursting with that peanut buttery goodness.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix Layer
Carefully sprinkle the dry chocolate fudge cake mix evenly over the top of your pudding and peanut butter layers. Resist the urge to stir—you want the layers to stay intact so the cake bakes into delightful pockets of chocolatey crumb.
Step 4: Drizzle Melted Butter
Now drizzle the melted butter all over the dry cake mix layer. This butter is key for creating a golden, buttery crust that crisps up just right, adding a gorgeous texture contrast to the soft layers beneath.
Step 5: Top with Chopped Peanut Butter Cups and Chocolate Chips
Generously sprinkle the chopped mini peanut butter cups and semi-sweet chocolate chips across the top of the cake. These add bursts of melted chocolate and peanut butter that make each bite decadent and indulgent once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cake in your preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is set and bubbling around the edges. Once done, let it cool slightly so the layers settle and it becomes easier to serve without falling apart.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For an added touch of indulgence, serve your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A light drizzle of warm fudge or caramel sauce over the top can also elevate the dessert to new heights with extra sweetness and richness.
Side Dishes
This cake shines perfectly on its own but pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like strawberries or banana slices to cut through the richness and introduce a fresh finish to your dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this dump cake into an impressive dessert centerpiece by serving it in individual ramekins topped with crunchy chopped peanuts or crushed pretzels for texture. Alternatively, layering it in a trifle dish with whipped cream and additional peanut butter cups creates a stunning visual treat that’s sure to wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe keeps well when covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil and stored in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for enjoying several delicious days in a row or sharing with family and friends.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it securely with plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or serving chilled – the flavors only get better after resting.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds to restore that warm, gooey feel. If reheating a larger portion, cover with foil and warm it in the oven at 325°F until heated through, preserving the cake’s luscious texture and bubbling top.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful texture contrast which some people love. Just be sure to spread it in small dollops as it may not melt as smoothly.
Is it necessary to use the instant pudding mix?
The instant pudding mix adds a creamy layer that keeps the cake moist and rich. While you could skip it, your cake might be less gooey and a bit dryer overall.
Can I substitute the chocolate fudge cake mix with another flavor?
You can experiment with other cake mixes like devil’s food or even yellow cake, but chocolate fudge best complements the peanut butter and brings out the full flavor of the peanut butter cups.
What if I don’t have mini peanut butter cups?
No worries! Regular peanut butter cups chopped up will work just fine, or you could try peanut butter chips or chopped peanuts for a similar taste and texture.
Is this cake suitable for special occasions?
Definitely! This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe is both easy and impressive, making it a fantastic choice for birthdays, potlucks, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
If you love peanut butter and chocolate as much as I do, this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a luscious, easy dessert that feels like a lovingly made treat from your favorite bakery yet comes together in less than an hour with minimal fuss. Once you make it, I promise it will become your go-to recipe when you want something sweet, comforting, and absolutely delicious. So grab those ingredients and start baking—you’re in for a real taste sensation!
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a rich and gooey dessert combining the flavors of chocolate fudge cake, creamy peanut butter, and mini peanut butter cups. It’s a quick and easy no-mix dessert layered and baked in a single dish, perfect served warm with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate fudge cake mix
- 1 box (3.9 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups chopped mini peanut butter cups
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix Pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and milk until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. This creates the creamy pudding layer base.
- Layer Pudding: Pour the pudding mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out to cover the bottom.
- Add Peanut Butter: Drop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter evenly over the pudding layer. Try to distribute them for balanced peanut butter flavor throughout the cake.
- Top with Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry chocolate fudge cake mix evenly over the pudding and peanut butter layers. Do not stir; this allows the dump cake to form a delicious crust during baking.
- Drizzle Butter: Evenly drizzle the melted butter over the top of the cake mix layer. This helps moisten the cake and create a fudgy texture.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle chopped mini peanut butter cups and semi-sweet chocolate chips over the top of the cake.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is set, bubbly around the edges, and the cake is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. For extra indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with warm fudge or caramel sauce.
Notes
- The cake is rich and gooey, perfect when paired with vanilla ice cream.
- Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Add a drizzle of warm fudge or caramel sauce before serving for extra decadence.
