If you are craving a dessert that is as comforting as it is indulgent, this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. With the luscious blend of chocolate cake and creamy peanut butter cups baked into a moist, rich cake, every bite feels like a little celebration of flavors. It’s a simple, quick-to-make crowd-pleaser that delivers that perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter, making it delightfully addictive and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients that come together to create a stunningly rich and satisfying dessert. Each component plays a crucial role: the chocolate cake mix forms a fudgy foundation, the instant pudding mix adds extra creaminess, eggs and milk bind everything together, while butter ensures moistness and a golden crust. The star ingredient, chopped peanut butter cups, lends bursts of peanut buttery goodness throughout.
- Chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz): Provides a rich, chocolaty base with minimal effort.
- Instant chocolate pudding mix (3.9 oz): Adds a creamy texture and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
- Large eggs (2): Help bind the ingredients and give structure to the cake.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Adds moisture making the cake tender and soft.
- Unsalted butter, melted (½ cup or 1 stick): Ensures a luscious, buttery crumb and helps with browning.
- Creamy peanut butter cups, chopped (1 cup): The magical surprise chunks that bring peanut butter richness to every bite.
- Chocolate chips (1 cup, optional): For an extra boost of melty chocolate if you’re feeling adventurous.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Kick off this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish well to ensure your cake doesn’t stick and comes out with those gorgeous golden edges we all love.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix and instant chocolate pudding mix—these create the rich chocolatey foundation. Add the eggs, whole milk, and melted butter, whisking everything together until your batter is smooth and velvety. You’ll notice how the pudding adds a luxurious thickness that makes this cake so special.
Step 3: Add the Peanut Butter Cups
Now, gently fold in the chopped peanut butter cups. This step is where the magic happens as those creamy peanut butter bits get evenly distributed, promising pockets of gooey peanut buttery yum in every slice.
Step 4: Pour and Spread the Batter
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. This ensures the cake bakes uniformly and each piece has that perfect crust-to-soft-center ratio.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Watching this bake fill your kitchen with irresistible chocolate aromas makes the wait worth every second.
Step 6: Cool and Get Ready to Indulge
Once baked, let the cake cool slightly before slicing. This waiting time allows the peanut butter cups to set beautifully inside the cake, making each bite a gooey delight.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe, try dusting the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle some melted chocolate or peanut butter on top. Fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the warm cake that is simply irresistible.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a fresh berry salad or a bright fruit compote, which cuts through the richness and balances the intense flavors with their natural tang. A cold glass of milk or a cup of strong coffee also complements the peanut butter and chocolate combination perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this cake in charming ramekins for individual portions or as a decadent trifle layered with whipped cream and crushed peanut butter cups for a show-stopping presentation. You could also turn leftovers into ice cream sandwiches or dessert parfaits for fun, new twists.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake covered tightly at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate it for up to five days to maintain freshness and texture. Just make sure to cover it well to keep it from drying out.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and freeze for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake warm, reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds or place the whole cake in a preheated oven at 300°F for 10 to 15 minutes. Warmed peanut butter cups will melt slightly, making each bite extra luscious.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter cups instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter cups will add a delightful textural crunch to your cake, giving each bite an extra layer of interest. Feel free to experiment to find your favorite combination.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure your instant pudding mix is gluten-free as well. Always double-check labels to keep the cake safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I substitute peanut butter cups with another candy?
While peanut butter cups are the star of this recipe, you can definitely swap them for other candies like chopped Snickers or even Reese’s Pieces for a different spin on this indulgent dessert.
What should I do if my cake is too dense?
If your cake turns out dense, try mixing the batter just until combined without overmixing. Also, make sure your baking powder or cake mix is fresh, and avoid packing ingredients too tightly in your pan.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can make this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe dairy-free by using dairy-free butter and milk alternatives like almond or oat milk. Some dairy-free chocolate pudding mixes are available, or you can omit the pudding mix altogether.
Final Thoughts
Your kitchen will feel like it’s been kissed by chocolate and peanut butter magic once you try this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe. It is an effortless dessert that guarantees smiles, whether for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up. Give it a try, and I promise this gem will become one of your favorite treats to bake and share!
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a deliciously easy dessert that combines rich chocolate cake mix with instant pudding, creamy peanut butter cups, and optional chocolate chips. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it bakes into a moist, indulgent treat perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Add-ins
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter cups, chopped
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Batter: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, instant pudding mix, eggs, whole milk, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Peanut Butter Cups: Gently fold in the chopped peanut butter cups to evenly distribute the flavor throughout the batter.
- Pour Batter: Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool slightly before cutting and serving to allow it to set and enhance the flavors.
Notes
- You can add chocolate chips into the batter for extra chocolate flavor or sprinkle them on top before baking.
- Use room temperature eggs and melted butter to help the batter mix smoothly.
- For a richer peanut butter flavor, use chunky peanut butter cups or increase their quantity slightly.
- Make sure not to overbake to keep the cake moist.
