Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake: An Easy, Decadent Dessert

If you’re a fan of peanut butter and chocolate, this dessert is about to become your new favorite. The Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is an indulgent, foolproof treat that combines the creamy richness of peanut butter with the decadent sweetness of chocolate, all baked into a simple, layered cake that requires minimal effort. True to its name, a “dump cake” is designed to be easy—you literally “dump” the ingredients into a pan, bake, and enjoy a show-stopping dessert that tastes far more complicated than it actually is.

This dessert is perfect for last-minute gatherings, potlucks, or even a quiet night at home when you crave something rich and comforting. With layers of yellow cake, creamy peanut butter, chocolate chips, and peanut butter candies, it delivers a delightful mix of textures and flavors in every bite. Top it with chocolate syrup for an extra touch of indulgence, and you’ve got a dessert that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

Before diving into the recipe, let’s highlight why this cake is so irresistible:

• Super Easy: No mixers, no complicated steps—perfect for beginners or busy bakers.
• Decadent Flavor: Combines classic peanut butter and chocolate flavors into a rich, indulgent dessert.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for parties, family gatherings, or a sweet treat any day of the week.
• Customizable: You can add extra candies, chocolate chips, or drizzle with syrup to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a closer look at the ingredients that make this cake so irresistible:

Cake Base & Peanut Butter Layer

• 1 box yellow cake mix – The foundation of the dessert, providing a sweet, tender crumb.
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter – Adds richness and a smooth, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk – Creates a gooey, rich texture that keeps the cake moist.

Chocolate & Candy Layers

• 1 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped – Provides bursts of peanut butter and chocolate throughout the cake.
• 1 cup chocolate chips – Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds melty goodness.
• ½ cup butter, melted – Poured over the cake mix to help it bake evenly and form a slightly crispy, buttery top.
• 1 cup chopped Reese’s or other peanut butter candies – Adds texture and extra peanut butter flavor.
• Chocolate syrup (optional, for drizzling) – A finishing touch for extra indulgence and presentation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

• Spread the chopped peanut butter cups evenly on the bottom of the prepared pan.
• Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the candies, creating a gooey layer.
• Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the top. Do not mix—the layers should remain distinct.

Step 3: Add Peanut Butter & Butter

• Dollop the creamy peanut butter over the cake mix in small spoonfuls, spreading slightly.
• Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top. This ensures the cake bakes with a golden, buttery crust.

Step 4: Top with Chocolate & Candies

• Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the cake.
• Add the chopped Reese’s or other peanut butter candies on top for extra texture and flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the chocolate chips are melted. A toothpick inserted in the center may come out slightly gooey due to the condensed milk layer—this is normal.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with chocolate syrup, if desired, for an extra decadent touch. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that will wow everyone.

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures the peanut butter spreads easily and the condensed milk layers evenly.
• Don’t Overmix: Unlike traditional cakes, a dump cake should retain its layered structure for the gooey texture.
• Customize Your Candy: Add more or less chocolate, peanut butter cups, or even nuts to suit your taste.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve warm for a gooey, melty experience, or let it cool for a more sliceable version.

Variations

While this cake is perfect as-is, you can easily customize it:

• Peanut Butter & White Chocolate: Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
• Nutty Version: Add chopped peanuts or pecans on top for crunch.
• Chocolate Lovers: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow for an extra chocolatey twist.
• Mini Dump Cakes: Make individual servings in ramekins for portion control and presentation.

Serving Suggestions

• With Ice Cream: Vanilla, chocolate, or even peanut butter ice cream pairs perfectly.
• Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for a light, airy contrast to the dense, gooey cake.
• Coffee or Milk: Pair with a hot beverage to balance the sweetness.
• Party Dessert: Cut into squares and serve on a platter for easy sharing.

Make-Ahead and Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Warm slightly before serving.
• Freezing: You can freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven or microwave.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving, 12 Servings)

• Calories: 380
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Sugars: 30g
• Protein: 7g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on specific brands and ingredient variations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a dump cake?
A dump cake is a type of easy dessert where ingredients are “dumped” into a baking dish without extensive mixing. The layers bake together into a gooey, flavorful dessert.

Q2: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly chunkier. Creamy peanut butter spreads more easily and blends better with the condensed milk layer.

Q3: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure all candies and chocolate chips are gluten-free.

Q4: Can I use homemade peanut butter cups?
Absolutely! Homemade or store-bought peanut butter cups work perfectly. Chop them into small pieces before layering.

Q5: Can I make this dairy-free?
You can substitute sweetened condensed coconut milk, dairy-free chocolate chips, and plant-based butter to make a dairy-free version.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger baking dish and adjust baking time slightly. Check for doneness by looking for golden edges and melted chocolate.

Q7: How do I get the top crispy?
Drizzling melted butter evenly over the top before baking helps create a slightly crisp, golden crust.

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Final Thoughts

The Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a decadent dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. Its combination of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and tender yellow cake creates a flavor explosion in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a birthday celebration, or just because, this dessert is sure to impress both kids and adults alike.

With minimal prep, maximum flavor, and the flexibility to customize ingredients, it’s the perfect go-to recipe for any peanut butter and chocolate lover. Serve warm, drizzle with chocolate syrup, and maybe even add a scoop of ice cream—you deserve it.