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If you’re hunting for a dessert that’s as effortless as it is indulgent, this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe is guaranteed to become your new go-to. Imagine layers of creamy peanut butter, rich sweetened condensed milk, chunks of peanut butter cups, and moist chocolate cake coming together in one glorious, gooey bake. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this is the kind of cake that feels like a warm, sweet hug that anyone can make. Whether it’s for a casual family dessert or a last-minute gathering, this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe will wow everyone without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is all it takes for this delightfully rich cake. Each one plays a role in delivering luscious textures and deep chocolate-peanut butter harmony that melts in your mouth.
- Chocolate cake mix: A base that bakes into a tender, chocolaty layer adding bulk and structure without fuss.
- Creamy peanut butter: Spreads smoothly to give that iconic nutty flavor and luscious creaminess right at the bottom.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Brings a rich, caramel-like sweetness that binds everything together beautifully.
- Chopped peanut butter cups: Adds delightful chunks of melty chocolate and peanut butter in every bite—plus some fun texture contrast.
- Melted butter: Ensures the cake mix toppings crisp just enough on the edges while keeping it moist inside.
- Milk chocolate chips: Sprinkle on top for extra melty pockets of sweetness and a lovely shiny finish.
- Optional whipped cream or vanilla ice cream: Classic cool companions that add creaminess and balance the cake’s richness perfectly.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go once your layers are assembled. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly—this ensures your cake won’t stick and will come out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Layer the Peanut Butter and Candy
Spread the creamy peanut butter evenly across the bottom of your prepared dish. This creates a rich, nutty foundation. Next, sprinkle half of the chopped peanut butter cups over the peanut butter layer to infuse the cake with gooey chocolate and peanut butter pockets. Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk right over the candy pieces—its sweetness and stickiness will help unite the layers during baking.
Step 3: Add the Dry Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly on top of the condensed milk layer. Don’t worry about mixing—this “dump” style lets the layers bake into a fudgy, textured delight that’s simply irresistible.
Step 4: Drizzle Butter and Scatter Chocolate
Drizzle the melted butter evenly across the cake mix, helping it crisp up and bake evenly. Next, sprinkle the remaining chopped peanut butter cups and milk chocolate chips across the top, adding juicy pockets of chocolate that will melt and elevate every bite.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Bake the dump cake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and starts turning slightly crisp and golden brown. This visual cue lets you know it’s reached the perfect texture balance between gooey and cakey.
Step 6: Cool and Get Ready to Serve
Let the cake cool for 10 to 15 minutes to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. While it’s best warm, allowing it a few minutes enhances the flavors and improves the eating experience.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a garnish turns this cake from simply delicious to visually irresistible. Extra chopped peanut butter cups on top add crunch and color, while a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates that dreamy, creamy contrast we all crave with rich desserts.
Side Dishes
This cake is rich enough to be a dessert star on its own, but pairing it with fresh fruit like sliced bananas or strawberries can lift the flavor profile and add a refreshing balance to the sweetness. A cup of bold coffee or creamy milk also works like a charm to complement its decadence.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or family gathering, serve your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe in individual mason jars layered with whipped cream, or make it as cupcakes for portable bites. You can also drizzle warm caramel or chocolate sauce on top to take it over the edge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your cake has cooled completely, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps the peanut butter moist, the chocolate melty, and the cake perfectly soft.
Freezing
This dump cake freezes surprisingly well! Portion it into an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked warmth and gooey texture. If reheating the whole dish, cover with foil and bake at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes, until heated through but not dried out.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add even more texture contrast to the cake, giving you delightful little bites of peanut pieces throughout.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, greasing your dish is important to prevent sticking, especially with this type of dense, gooey cake. A generous layer of butter or nonstick spray does the trick perfectly.
Can I substitute the chocolate cake mix with another flavor?
While chocolate pairs best to highlight the peanut butter cups, a devil’s food cake mix or even a chocolate fudge brownie mix could work nicely for a fudgier outcome.
Is this dump cake gluten-free?
To make this gluten-free, look for a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure your peanut butter cups and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. That way, everyone can enjoy it safely.
Can I make this recipe smaller or larger?
Yes! This recipe is flexible. Just maintain the ratio of ingredients and adjust the baking time slightly if using smaller or larger pans—keep an eye on the bubbling and golden edges as a guide.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe brings together two beloved flavors in a simple, no-fuss bake that’s perfect for every occasion. It’s one of those desserts that feels homemade and special while being incredibly easy to pull off. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of this rich, melty cake—you’ll be hearing requests to make it again in no time!
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Print
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is an irresistibly easy and decadent dessert combining rich chocolate cake mix, creamy peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, and chopped peanut butter cups all layered and baked to perfection. This no-fuss recipe yields a luscious, gooey cake with a crisp top, perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers looking for a quick and satisfying treat.
Ingredients
Base Layer
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
Candy Layer
- 1 ½ cups chopped peanut butter cups (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
Cake Layer
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream for serving
- Vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread the creamy peanut butter evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Next, sprinkle half of the chopped peanut butter cups uniformly over the peanut butter layer. Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk over the peanut butter cups, creating a moist candy layer.
- Add Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix over the sweetened condensed milk layer, covering it completely to build the cake base.
- Add Butter and Chocolate Chips: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the chocolate cake mix to enable moist baking. Then, sprinkle the remaining chopped peanut butter cups and all the milk chocolate chips on top to add texture and extra chocolate flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top becomes bubbly and slightly crisp, indicating the cake is cooked through and ready.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Serve warm for best flavor and texture. For an indulgent touch, top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream before serving.
Notes
- You can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer added texture.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter cups with a nut-free chocolate candy.
- Make sure to evenly distribute the layers to ensure the cake bakes uniformly.
- Allowing the cake to cool slightly helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
- This cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
