If you love the irresistible combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, you are going to adore this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe. It’s a delightfully easy dessert that layers chopped peanut butter cups, chocolate cake mix, and peanut butter chips, all brought together by sweetened condensed milk and melted butter. The result? A gooey, decadent cake with a golden, slightly crisp top that’s perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself after a long day. Whether you’re new to baking or simply want a no-fuss sweet that guarantees smiles, this recipe is a total winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these few, simple ingredients is all it takes to whip up a delicious Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe. Each one plays a key role in the flavor profile and texture, from the melt-in-your-mouth cake base to the pockets of peanut butter surprise.
- Chocolate cake mix: Acts as the foundation, giving that classic chocolatey depth and structure.
- Mini peanut butter cups, chopped: Small bursts of peanut butter and chocolate that distribute flavor evenly throughout.
- Peanut butter chips: Add a creamy texture and highlight the peanut butter flavor even more.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Brings a luscious sweetness and moistness that melds everything together beautifully.
- Butter, melted: Creates a crisp, golden crust and enriches the overall buttery notes.
- Optional – Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream: Perfect finishing touches that make this dessert extra luxurious when served.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well to prevent sticking and set you up for a smooth baking experience. This prep step ensures your dump cake slides out easily and retains its beautiful shape.
Step 2: Layer the Peanut Butter Cups
Spread the chopped mini peanut butter cups evenly across the bottom of the greased dish. This layer is where the magic begins because each bite will have luscious bits of peanut butter and chocolate that blend wonderfully with the cake mix.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Chocolate Cake Mix
Next, sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the peanut butter cups. Make sure to cover the entire surface so the peanut butter cups are nestled just right underneath and every bite has a perfect balance between chocolate and peanut butter.
Step 4: Add the Peanut Butter Chips
Scatter the peanut butter chips across the dry cake mix for extra bursts of peanut butter flavor. These chips will melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of creamy goodness throughout the cake.
Step 5: Drizzle with Sweetened Condensed Milk and Butter
Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top of the dry ingredients. This step is crucial for moisture and that sticky, gooey texture we all love in a dump cake. Follow with melted butter poured evenly across the entire surface to help form that beautiful golden crust as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. You are looking for a top that is set and slightly golden but with a gooey center. The contrast between this crispy topping and the molten middle is what makes this recipe stand out.
Step 7: Cool and Prepare to Enjoy
Once baked, allow the cake to cool slightly — this lets the gooey center set just enough while keeping it warm and comforting. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat that’s hard to beat.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Want to elevate your serving game? Sprinkle some extra chopped peanut butter cups or a handful of peanut butter chips on top just before serving. Freshly whipped cream with a light dusting of cocoa powder adds a touch of elegance while enhancing the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
This dump cake pairs wonderfully with light and fresh sides to balance the richness. Try a crisp fruit salad, perhaps with berries or sliced apples, which provides a refreshing contrast to the cake’s indulgence. A simple cup of black coffee or milk complements the dessert wonderfully as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the dump cake in individual ramekins or glass jars. Layering with additional peanut butter cups or chocolate sauce between spoonfuls will wow your guests. You can also turn it into a trifle by alternating layers of the cake with whipped cream and crushed peanuts for a beautiful, impressive dessert parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, cover the dump cake tightly and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. The flavors meld beautifully as it rests, making it just as delicious – if not better – the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe for up to 2 months. Wrap it securely with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ll still enjoy that delightful gooey texture.
Reheating
Warm up individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 15 minutes. Add a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream after reheating for a pitch-perfect serving experience.
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 could try devil’s food for a richer chocolate experience, or even a yellow cake mix for a lighter contrast with the peanut butter. Each variation offers a unique twist on the flavor combination.
Are there peanut-free alternatives?
You can swap peanut butter cups and chips with candy that suits your dietary needs, like chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks with sunbutter cups. Just be mindful that the signature peanut flavor is a highlight in this recipe.
Is this cake gluten-free?
This recipe is not naturally gluten-free due to the cake mix, but you can definitely use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix to accommodate. Just be sure all other ingredients (like chips) are also gluten-free certified.
Can this dessert be made vegan?
Making a vegan version would require some ingredient substitutions such as dairy-free butter, sweetened condensed coconut milk, vegan chocolate cake mix, and vegan peanut butter cups. It’s doable but will slightly change the classic taste and texture.
How gooey should the center be when baking is done?
The center should be soft and slightly gooey but not liquidy. This delightful contrast between the firm golden top and gooey middle is what makes this dump cake so special and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe. It’s quick, simple, and packs an incredible punch of flavor that will satisfy any sweet tooth craving. Next time you want a dessert that feels indulgent but doesn’t require hours of prep, give this a try and watch it become a new family favorite.
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
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is an indulgent, easy-to-make dessert combining rich chocolate cake mix with chopped peanut butter cups, peanut butter chips, sweetened condensed milk, and melted butter. It bakes to a gooey, decadent treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with minimal effort. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special touch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (approximately 15.25 oz)
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped
- 1/2 cup peanut butter chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Optional Toppings
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
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: Spread the chopped mini peanut butter cups evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the peanut butter cups, ensuring full coverage. Then scatter the peanut butter chips over the cake mix layer.
- Add the Liquids: Drizzle the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the dry ingredients, followed by pouring the melted butter evenly across the top to saturate the mix.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the top is set and slightly golden. The center should remain gooey and moist, creating a luscious texture contrast.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the dump cake to cool slightly before serving. For extra indulgence, top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream and enjoy warm.
Notes
- You can substitute regular peanut butter cups with dark or white chocolate varieties for a twist.
- For a crunchier texture, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking.
- Make sure not to overbake to keep the gooey center.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- The cake can be reheated in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds before serving.
