Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth and a soft spot for all things peanut butter and chocolate, the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is about to become your new obsession. This dessert takes the classic “dump cake” concept and elevates it with a rich, luscious combo of creamy peanut butter, mini peanut butter cups, and melty chocolate chips layered under a moist, golden cake crust. It’s irresistibly gooey and crunchy in all the right places, making it a perfect go-to treat when you want something indulgent but fuss-free. Trust me, once you try this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake, it will be your favorite quick dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake starts with a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each item plays a specific role—whether it’s the yellow cake mix that bakes into a tender crust or the peanut butter candies adding bursts of sweetness and crunch.
- Yellow cake mix: This forms the golden, fluffy crust that beautifully balances the rich peanut butter layer.
- Creamy peanut butter: Adds a luscious, smooth richness that melts into the cake as it bakes.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can): Pours a sweet, milky layer that helps bind everything together while keeping it moist.
- Mini peanut butter cups, chopped: Provides melty pockets of peanut butter and chocolate flavor throughout the dessert.
- Chocolate chips: Sprinkle in for extra chocolate bursts that ooze delightful fudginess.
- Butter, melted (1/2 cup): Poured over the dry cake mix, it ensures a crisp, buttery top with a perfect golden finish.
- Chopped Reese’s or peanut butter candies (1 cup): A crunchy topping that adds contrasting texture and richness.
- Chocolate syrup (optional for drizzling): To add a decorative, extra indulgent touch before serving.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly to keep that gooey goodness from sticking, which also makes cleanup so much easier. Prep your chopped peanut butter cups and candies, and measure out all your ingredients to keep the process smooth and fun!
Step 2: Layer the Candies
Scatter the chopped mini peanut butter cups and chocolate chips evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. This layer becomes the melty, chocolatey foundation that makes every bite heavenly. The candies will soften and meld into the cake mixture as it bakes.
Step 3: Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Drizzle the entire can of sweetened condensed milk over the candy layer. This thick, creamy milk adds sweetness, moisture, and a slight tang that balances the richness of peanut butter and chocolate perfectly.
Step 4: Dot the Peanut Butter
Use a spoon to add dollops of creamy peanut butter across the dish. Instead of mixing it in, letting it sit in pockets throughout the cake results in delightful bursts of peanut butter flavor that blend beautifully as the cake bakes.
Step 5: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the dish. This dry layer might look strange at first, but don’t stir it in! The cake mix will soak up the wet ingredients underneath, transforming into a delicate, tender crumb once baked.
Step 6: Pour Melted Butter on Top
Slowly pour the melted butter over the cake mix, making sure to cover it thoroughly. This step is crucial as the butter melts down during baking, creating a crispy, golden crust that complements the gooey middle.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Pop your dish into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Your kitchen will fill with a mouthwatering aroma as the edges turn golden and the filling bubbles up enticingly. Let it cool slightly before serving to let the layers set beautifully.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
After cooling for a few minutes, sprinkle extra chopped Reese’s candies on top and, if you like, drizzle generously with chocolate syrup. These finishing touches add another layer of texture and an inviting look that makes everyone eager to dig in.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Garnishes
Sprinkling chopped peanut butter candies or additional mini peanut butter cups on top adds crunch and visual appeal. A drizzle of warm chocolate syrup brings a glossy finish that feels extra special. For a fresh contrast, a dollop of whipped cream can lighten each bite.
Side Dishes
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is rich enough to stand on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with simple vanilla ice cream or a scoop of coffee-flavored gelato. Fresh berries on the side or a small glass of cold milk can also brighten the experience and balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, serve this cake in individual ramekins or mini glass jars topped with chopped candies and a drizzle of syrup. You can also layer it with whipped cream and crushed peanut butter cups for a parfait-style presentation that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually intensify and meld overnight, making leftovers a delicious treat.
Freezing
This cake freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying. To freshen up, warm it slightly in the oven or microwave and add fresh toppings.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm the whole dish in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes. This restores the gooey texture and brings back the cake’s freshly baked warmth.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
You certainly can! Using crunchy peanut butter will add some extra texture pockets to your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake, but creamy peanut butter tends to blend more smoothly for that classic gooey feel.
Is it necessary to use yellow cake mix, or can I try other flavors?
Yellow cake mix is perfect for balancing the rich peanut butter, but you can experiment with devil’s food or chocolate cake mix for a deeper flavor if you like. Just expect a more chocolate-forward twist rather than the traditional peanut butter highlight.
Can I substitute Reese’s candies with other peanut butter candies?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite peanut butter candies or even chopped peanut butter-filled chocolates. Just make sure they melt well without becoming too oily in the bake.
Does this cake need to be refrigerated?
The cake can safely sit at room temperature for a few hours, but because it contains creamy peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk, refrigeration will keep it fresh and prevent spoilage, especially in warmer climates.
Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?
It’s tricky to make this exact cake vegan or dairy-free without sacrificing texture and flavor since it relies heavily on butter, sweetened condensed milk, and candies. However, with specialty vegan substitutes, you could experiment, but the traditional Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake shines best as is.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting about the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake that makes it an instant crowd-pleaser and a go-to for last-minute indulgence. If you love the cozy combination of peanut butter and chocolate with minimal effort, I encourage you to try this recipe soon—it’s a guaranteed winner that will fill your kitchen with warmth and your heart with joy!
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Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert combining the creamy flavors of peanut butter with the sweetness of chocolate and yellow cake mix. This easy-to-make, no-mixer-needed cake features layers of peanut butter cups, chocolate chips, and sweetened condensed milk, all topped with buttery cake mix and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for peanut butter lovers seeking a decadent, crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Base Layer
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Wet Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
Toppings
- 1 cup chopped Reese’s or other peanut butter candies
- Chocolate syrup (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Layer Candy and Chocolate: Scatter the chopped mini peanut butter cups and chocolate chips evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish for a rich, chocolaty base.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Drizzle the entire can of sweetened condensed milk over the candy and chocolate layer to add moisture and creamy sweetness.
- Distribute Peanut Butter: Dollop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter evenly throughout the dish, creating pockets of peanut butter flavor.
- Top with Cake Mix: Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the peanut butter layer. Do not stir or mix; this will remain a layered dump cake.
- Pour Melted Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix to help it bake into a crispy, golden crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated 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 extra chopped peanut butter candies. Drizzle with chocolate syrup if desired to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute peanut butter cups with your favorite peanut butter candy if preferred.
- Ensure the peanut butter is creamy for easy dolloping and even distribution.
- Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes before serving to let it set and simplify slicing.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- This dessert is rich; a small serving size is recommended.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: peanut butter cup dump cake, dump cake, peanut butter dessert, easy peanut butter cake, chocolate peanut butter dessert, no mixer cake
