Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

If you’ve got a sweet tooth that craves a mix of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is about to become your new dessert obsession. This decadent, unbelievably easy-to-make treat combines the gooey melt of peanut butter cups with a luscious chocolate cake base, all brought together with a velvety blanket of melted butter and chocolate chips. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy night in or impressing guests at a casual gathering, this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake promises intense flavors and a warm, comforting texture that feels like a big indulgent hug in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake lies in its simplicity, using a handful of pantry staples that each play a starring role in creating a luscious, layered dessert. From the creamy peanut butter to the rich chocolate chips, every ingredient adds depth and contributes to the irresistible texture and taste.

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Smooth and flavorful, it brings that classic peanut butter richness that’s the soul of this dessert.
• 1.5 cups chopped peanut butter cups: These bites of chocolate and peanut butter add pockets of gooey, nutty goodness throughout the cake.
• 1 can (400 g) sweetened condensed milk: Its sweet, creamy texture binds everything together and adds a lovely caramel undertone.
• 1 box (432 g) chocolate cake mix, dry: Acts as the cake’s foundation, bringing sweetness and structure with minimal effort.
• 115 g unsalted butter, melted: Adds rich moisture and helps the cake bake up beautifully tender with a golden crust.
• 175 g milk chocolate chips: Sprinkle these over the top to introduce melty bursts of chocolate in every forkful.
• Optional: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream: Perfect finishing touches that boost richness and contrast the warm cake with cool creaminess.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

Step 1: Layer the Peanut Butter

Start by spreading the creamy peanut butter evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. This layer forms the rich, nutty base that will melt into every slice, creating a smooth, luscious backdrop for the other ingredients.

Step 2: Add the Chopped Peanut Butter Cups

Scatter the chopped peanut butter cups over the peanut butter layer. These delightful chunks add texture and bursts of sweet chocolate peanut flavor that elevate the cake from simple to spectacular.

Step 3: Pour the Sweetened Condensed Milk

Gently pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the peanut butter cups. This ingredient provides a creamy sweetness that caramelizes slightly during baking, tying all the flavors together beautifully.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Dry Chocolate Cake Mix

Without mixing, sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix over the layers in the baking dish. This “dump” method lets the flavors meld and bake into a moist, cakey topping with a delightfully tender crumb.

Step 5: Drizzle Melted Butter

Pour the melted unsalted butter evenly over the cake mix. This step ensures the cake cooks up moist while forming a crisp, golden crust that contrasts the soft layers beneath.

Step 6: Top with Milk Chocolate Chips

Finally, sprinkle the milk chocolate chips generously over the top. These melt into gooey pockets of richness, creating an irresistibly chocolatey finish.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake the cake in a preheated oven (usually 350°F or 175°C) for about 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top is golden. Allow it to cool slightly before serving to let the layers set and the flavors deepen.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

Garnishes

A dusting of chopped peanut butter cups on top instantly amps up the presentation and adds fresh texture with every bite. For an extra touch of indulgence, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream brings a creamy contrast that complements the warm, rich cake perfectly.

Side Dishes

This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a showstopper all on its own, but pairing it with fresh berries or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce can enhance the overall experience by adding brightness and a bit of tang to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual party, serve this cake in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets, making each portion feel special. You can also layer it in a trifle dish with whipped cream and chopped peanuts for an impressive layered dessert that dazzles both the eye and palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover the leftover Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well at room temperature for up to two days, or you can refrigerate it for up to five days to prolong freshness.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It will keep its decadent flavors and textures for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds until warm and gooey. For larger portions, reheat in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) covered with foil to prevent drying, until warmed through and melty.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a bit more texture and nutty crunch, which can be a pleasant contrast to the soft cake layers, though creamy tends to blend more uniformly.

Is it possible to use a different kind of cake mix?

Yes, while chocolate cake mix is classic here, you can experiment with devil’s food or even a chocolate fudge cake mix for a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that other flavors may alter the balance slightly.

Can I omit the peanut butter cups?

If you’re out of peanut butter cups, you can substitute chopped chocolate or even chopped candy bars that contain peanut butter. The iconic texture and flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Do I need to grease the baking dish?

Since there’s a generous amount of butter and peanut butter in the layers, greasing isn’t necessary, but a light spray can help with easier cleanup if you’re concerned.

What’s the best way to serve this for a crowd?

Prepare the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake in a large casserole dish and cut into squares. Serving with a scoop of ice cream and extra chopped peanut butter cups on top makes for an easy and crowd-pleasing dessert station.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake, you’ll never look at dessert the same way again. It’s simple, indulgent, and packed with nostalgic yet irresistible flavors that make it perfect for quick weeknight treats or special occasions. Don’t hesitate to dive in and share this gooey, chocolatey sensation with your loved ones — it’s a guaranteed crowd favorite that you’ll want to make again and again!

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