If you have a sweet tooth and love the irresistible combo of chocolate and peanut butter, you simply must try this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe. It’s one of those magical desserts that feels elegantly indulgent but couldn’t be easier to put together. With layers of chopped peanut butter cups, peanut butter chips, and chocolate cake mix all soaked in sweetened condensed milk and butter, it bakes into a gooey, dreamy treat that’s perfect for sharing. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dessert or a festive gathering, this cake delivers a rich, comforting flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe is in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients that come together to create extraordinary flavor and texture. Each element plays a key role: the chocolate cake mix provides an easy base, peanut butter cups add pockets of buttery sweetness, and the condensed milk with butter makes the cake decadently moist and rich.
- Chocolate cake mix: The dry mix forms the sweet, chocolatey structure and absorbs all the gooey goodness.
- Mini peanut butter cups, chopped: These create melty bursts of peanut butter and chocolate throughout the cake.
- Peanut butter chips: Adding a little extra peanut flavor and texture on top.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This thick, creamy milk brings sweetness and moisture that bonds all the layers together.
- Butter, melted: Butter adds richness and helps crisp the surface to a nice golden finish.
- Optional – vanilla ice cream or whipped cream: Perfect for serving, these add a cool, creamy contrast to warm cake.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. This prep ensures the cake bakes evenly and won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze afterward.
Step 2: Create a Peanut Butter Cup Base
Evenly spread your chopped mini peanut butter cups across the bottom of the dish. These little nuggets will melt into pockets of dreamy, peanut buttery sweetness, creating the cake’s signature surprise.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix and Peanut Butter Chips
Next, sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix over the peanut butter cups, making sure it’s distributed well. Scatter the peanut butter chips on top for some delightful bites of nutty flavor as the cake bakes.
Step 4: Pour on Sweetened Condensed Milk and Butter
Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the dry ingredients. Then, pour the melted butter slowly across the top—this step is crucial for achieving that luscious, gooey texture and a slightly crisp golden crust.
Step 5: Bake and Cool Slightly
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top looks set and golden but the center remains deliciously gooey. Let it cool just a bit; this helps the cake set while keeping that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this cake even more, serve it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. The cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm, melty cake, creating a perfect flavor balance that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
This rich dessert pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a handful of raspberries. Their tartness cuts through the cake’s sweetness and adds a refreshing note to each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve this dump cake in individual ramekins for a personal touch or layer it with crushed peanuts and chocolate shavings on top for a stylish finish. Another fun idea is to drizzle peanut butter or chocolate sauce over each serving to amp up the decadence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe keeps beautifully covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep the edges from drying out while maintaining that gooey center.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cake in a tightly wrapped container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds to revive the warm, gooey magic. Avoid over-heating or it may become too firm. A quick warm-up with some ice cream on top makes it taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cake mix in this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! While chocolate cake mix is classic here, you can experiment with yellow or spice cake mixes for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the chocolate and peanut butter combo is what makes this cake truly special.
Do I have to chop the peanut butter cups?
Chopping helps distribute the peanut butter cups evenly throughout the cake, ensuring you get delightful bites in every portion. Whole cups may melt unpredictably and create uneven pockets.
Is there a way to make this recipe nut-free?
The star of this recipe is peanut butter cups, so nut-free substitutes would change its character completely. However, you could try using chocolate chips and a sunflower seed butter alternative, but it won’t be quite the same.
Can I prepare this dump cake in smaller portions?
Yes, you can halve the recipe and bake it in a smaller dish, adjusting the baking time accordingly. Just watch for the center to stay gooey and the edges to turn golden.
Why is it called a dump cake?
Dump cakes get their name because you literally “dump” all the ingredients into one pan with minimal mixing. It’s a fuss-free, quick way to make impressive desserts without the usual complicated steps.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe is a delightful crowd-pleaser that anyone can master with just a few pantry staples. The rich peanut butter and chocolate layers make every bite feel like a warm hug, perfect for sharing or treating yourself. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover why it quickly became one of my favorite go-to desserts to impress without stress.
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a simple, indulgent dessert combining rich chocolate cake mix, chopped peanut butter cups, and sweetened condensed milk. With minimal prep and a gooey center topped with a golden crust, it’s perfect served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (approximately 15.25 oz)
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped
- 1/2 cup peanut butter chips
Wet Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional Toppings
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
- Whipped cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Ingredients: Evenly spread the chopped mini peanut butter cups across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Next, sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the peanut butter cups, ensuring full coverage. Then, scatter the peanut butter chips evenly on top of the cake mix for added flavor and texture.
- Add the Liquids: Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the layered dry ingredients to moisten the mixture. Afterward, pour the melted butter evenly across the top to ensure the cake will bake with a golden crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the top is set and slightly golden brown. The cake’s center should remain gooey and moist to preserve the dump cake’s signature texture.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 10 minutes. Serve warm, topped with optional vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use a greased or parchment-lined baking dish to make cleanup easier.
- The cake is best served warm to enjoy the gooey center fully.
- You can substitute mini peanut butter cups with chopped full-size peanut butter cups if desired.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated before serving.
- For a nut-free version, omit peanut butter cups and chips and use safe alternatives.
