Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a dessert that brings together the irresistible combination of chocolate and peanut butter in a quick and fuss-free way, this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. Layers of creamy peanut butter, gooey sweetened condensed milk, and chopped peanut butter cups are topped with a dry chocolate cake mix and melted butter that bakes into a beautifully crisp yet tender cake. Every bite is a delightful balance of rich chocolate, nutty sweetness, and the chewy pockets of candy that make this dessert a showstopper for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. You’ll love how easy it is to put together without sacrificing any decadence or flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients work together like a dream to create the signature taste and texture of the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe. Each plays a crucial role—whether it’s the creamy base, the sweet crunchy candy, or the luscious chocolate topping that makes each bite feel special.

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Provides a smooth, rich layer that binds flavors and adds a nutty depth.
• 1.5 cups chopped peanut butter cups, plus extra for garnish: Adds delightful gooey chunks of chocolate and peanut butter throughout the cake.
• 1 can (400 g) sweetened condensed milk: Offers a luscious sweetness and creamy texture that keeps the cake moist.
• 1 box (432 g) chocolate cake mix, dry: The chocolate cake mix forms the crisp, cakey layer on top and contrasts beautifully with the creamy layers below.
• 115 g unsalted butter, melted: Drizzled over the cake mix, it helps the topping bake to a golden, crunchy finish.
• 175 g milk chocolate chips: Sprinkled on top for an extra burst of chocolate gooeyness and a lovely melty texture.
• Optional: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream: The perfect cool and creamy accompaniments to perfectly balance the rich cake.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Generously grease a 23×33 cm (9×13-inch) baking dish with butter or a non-stick spray so your cake won’t stick and will come out perfectly clean and lovely.

Step 2: Layer the Peanut Butter

Spread the creamy peanut butter evenly over the bottom of your prepared dish. This first layer forms the rich, nutty foundation your dessert is built on, ensuring every bite has indulgent flavor.

Step 3: Add the Candy Layer

Sprinkle half of the chopped peanut butter cups evenly over the peanut butter. These pockets of candy will melt slightly into the batter and create delightful sticky surprises with every forkful.

Step 4: Pour on the Sweetened Condensed Milk

Next, gently pour the sweetened condensed milk over the candy layer. This adds creaminess and natural sweetness that soaks into the peanut butter and candy, helping everything mesh beautifully.

Step 5: Sprinkle the Cake Mix

Evenly sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix over the entire surface without stirring or mixing. This dry layer will form the crispy, crunchy topping that complements the softer layers below.

Step 6: Drizzle Melted Butter

Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, trying to cover as much of the surface as possible. The butter is the magic ingredient that helps the cake mix bake into a deliciously golden and crunchy crust.

Step 7: Top with Chocolate Chips and Remaining Candy

Sprinkle the milk chocolate chips and the remaining chopped peanut butter cups evenly on top. These final touches ensure an ultra-decadent finish with a luscious chocolatey crunch on every slice.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and slightly crisp. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible, a wonderful sign your dessert is ready.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. Serve it warm to enjoy ooey gooey textures, ideally paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe

Garnishes

For a little visual flair and extra flavor boost, sprinkle additional chopped peanut butter cups or shaved chocolate on top after baking. Freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates the dessert to glorious new heights of decadence and balances the rich chocolate and peanut butter beautifully.

Side Dishes

This cake shines as a stand-alone dessert but pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a fruit compote to cut through the richness. A simple cup of coffee or a creamy latte is also a delightful companion and perfect for an afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the cake in rustic bowls for a cozy treat or cut it into neat squares and plate elegantly for impressing guests. For a party, bake the cake in mini ramekins or muffin tins for individual servings that look charming and make portion control easy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days. Make sure to keep it covered to retain moisture and prevent the chocolate chips from hardening too much.

Freezing

You can freeze this dump cake baked or unbaked. For baked cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven before serving. For an unbaked version, prepare the layers in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and bake directly from frozen—just add extra baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 10-12 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for 20-30 seconds, but baking helps the topping stay crisp and avoids sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can swap creamy for crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit more texture in your dump cake. Just be mindful that crunchy peanut butter adds extra crunch but may make spreading the base layer slightly more challenging.

Is it necessary to use sweetened condensed milk?

Sweetened condensed milk adds essential moisture, creamy sweetness, and thickness, which are key to this cake’s gooey texture. Substituting it is tricky, but you might try evaporated milk with sugar, though the final result may differ slightly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and verify that the chocolate chips and peanut butter cups are gluten-free as well. This swap doesn’t affect the method and still delivers delicious results.

How can I make this dessert less sweet?

You can reduce sweetness somewhat by choosing a darker chocolate cake mix or using semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate ones. Also, limiting additional candy toppings helps control sugar levels without losing the overall flavor.

What other candies or mix-ins work well in this cake?

Feel free to experiment by using Reese’s Pieces, chopped Snickers, or even adding chopped nuts like roasted peanuts or pecans. These additions complement the peanut butter and chocolate flavors and add exciting new textures to the cake.

Final Thoughts

If you love the combo of chocolate and peanut butter but want a dessert that’s effortless, quick, and downright delicious, the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s my go-to for busy nights or spontaneous dessert cravings since it requires minimal prep but offers maximum flavor and happiness in every bite. Give it a whirl—I promise it’ll become one of your favorites to share with friends and family!

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