Get ready to meet your new favorite dessert: the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake! This heavenly creation is the ultimate combination of gooey chocolate and rich peanut butter, all made effortlessly in one baking dish. It’s the perfect treat when you crave something decadent but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.
A dump cake, by nature, is designed for simplicity. You literally 'dump' the ingredients into a pan, and the oven does the magic. But don't let its ease fool you – this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake delivers on flavor, offering a warm, fudgy cake base studded with melted peanut butter cups and chocolate chips. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in.
Imagine a warm slice of this irresistible dessert, with pools of melted peanut butter and chocolate, ready to be topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It's comfort food at its finest, with an indulgent twist that peanut butter lovers will adore.
Why This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Will Be Your Go-To
This recipe isn't just easy; it's a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular. Here’s why you’ll fall in love:
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Reward: True to its name, this is a dump-and-bake sensation. No complex techniques or fancy equipment needed.
- Unforgettable Flavor Combination: Chocolate and peanut butter are a match made in heaven, and this cake proves it with every bite.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Elegant enough for a party, yet comforting enough for a weeknight dessert.
- Customizable Fun: Easily adapt it with your favorite toppings or other candies.
Ingredients for Your Decadent Dump Cake
Gathering your ingredients is the quickest part! You'll need just a few pantry staples to bring this dream dessert to life:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup peanut butter cups (chopped, plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- Optional: Whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of Easy Homemade Brown Sugar Caramel Sauce for serving
For best results, make sure your peanut butter is at room temperature to mix easily. If you're a fan of the dump cake concept, you might also enjoy our Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake: The Ultimate No-Fuss Dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to bake? Let's get started on this simple yet sensational Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire box of chocolate cake mix, the cup of peanut butter, milk, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the batter is smooth. For tips on combining ingredients, refer to trusted baking resources like King Arthur Baking.
Step 3: Fold in the Goodies
Gently fold in the chopped peanut butter cups and chocolate chips. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the rich chocolate batter, so every bite has a delightful surprise.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the prepared batter into your greased baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake to cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period helps the flavors meld and the cake to set slightly. Cut into generous squares and serve warm. For an extra special touch, top with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or more chopped peanut butter cups.
Tips for Success & Variations
- Peanut Butter Choice: Creamy peanut butter yields a smoother texture, but crunchy peanut butter adds a fantastic textural contrast.
- Chocolate Boost: If you're a serious chocolate lover, increase the chocolate chips by another 1/2 cup.
- Make it a Trio: Add a layer of softened cream cheese (mixed with a little sugar and egg) before baking for a cheesecake-like layer.
- Holiday Twist: For a festive touch, swap out some of the chocolate chips for holiday-themed candies.
Storing Your Leftovers
This cake is so delicious, leftovers might be a myth! But just in case:
- Room Temperature: Store any leftover Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freeze: You can freeze individual slices, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat from frozen.
- Reheating: Individual slices can be warmed in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or you can reheat larger portions in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warm.
Conclusion
There you have it – the ultimate Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake recipe! It’s a simple, comforting, and absolutely irresistible dessert that brings together two of the most beloved flavors. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is foolproof and delivers pure joy with every bite.
We hope you love this easy and delicious dump cake as much as we do! Don't forget to share your creations and any variations you try in the comments below. Happy baking!
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this dump cake?
While you can, creamy processed peanut butter is generally recommended for dump cakes as its consistency blends better with the cake mix and results in a smoother, gooier texture. Natural peanut butter might separate or make the cake denser.
What are some fun variations for this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake?
Beyond peanut butter cups, consider adding chopped Snickers, M&M's, or even Rolo candies for different flavor profiles. You can also swirl in some caramel sauce or top with a sprinkle of sea salt before baking to enhance the flavors. For a seasonal twist, try adding a few drops of peppermint extract to the chocolate chips during holiday seasons.
How long does Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake last, and how should I store it?
This dump cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 350u00b0F (175u00b0C) until heated through.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Many brands now offer excellent gluten-free chocolate cake mixes. Simply substitute the regular chocolate cake mix with your favorite gluten-free version, and follow the rest of the recipe as written for a delicious gluten-free Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake.
Easy Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A deliciously simple, gooey dessert combining chocolate cake mix with peanut butter and an abundance of peanut butter cups and chocolate chips.
Ingredients
1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz)
1 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 cup peanut butter cups (chopped, plus extra for topping)
1 cup chocolate chips
Optional: Whipped cream or ice cream for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, peanut butter, milk, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until well combined and smooth.
Step 3: Gently fold in the chopped peanut butter cups and chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Allow the cake to cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This will help the flavors meld together.
Step 7: Cut into squares, and serve warm with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a scoop of ice cream on top. Garnish with additional chopped peanut butter cups if desired.
Notes
For an extra indulgent treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate fudge sauce. Feel free to experiment with other chopped candy bars like Snickers or M&M's for variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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