Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
If you adore the irresistible combo of peanut butter and chocolate, prepare to fall hard for this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake. Imagine layers of gooey melted chocolate and peanut butter candies all bundled under a buttery, soft cake topping with barely any fuss. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser—quick enough for weeknights, impressive enough for parties, and downright addictive for late-night cravings. Whether you’re new to dump cakes or a seasoned dessert lover, Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake will totally steal your heart (and possibly your spoon).
Ingredients You’ll Need
This is one of those magical recipes where every ingredient shines and does double-duty. Each simple component brings bold flavor or essential gooey texture, creating a dessert that’s more than the sum of its parts. Here’s what you’ll need for Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake:
- Yellow cake mix: The classic base that bakes up to a golden, tender topping with almost no effort.
- Creamy peanut butter: For deep nutty notes and melt-in-your-mouth richness.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Provides signature ooey-gooey texture and extra sweetness in every bite.
- Mini peanut butter cups, chopped: These create little pockets of melty peanut butter-chocolate heaven throughout the cake.
- Chocolate chips: For an extra layer of chocolate—the more, the merrier!
- Butter, melted: Helps the cake mix bake into a rich, decadent crust while adding buttery flavor.
- Chopped Reese’s or other peanut butter candies: Adds a burst of color and crunch on top (and let’s be honest, you can never have too much peanut butter candy!).
- Chocolate syrup (optional): Drizzle over the finished cake for a gorgeous, glossy final touch.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give a 9×13-inch baking dish a light greasing with butter or nonstick spray. This simple step will keep all those gooey bits from sticking and make serving a breeze.
Step 2: Scatter the Candy and Chocolate Chips
Evenly scatter your chopped mini peanut butter cups and chocolate chips across the bottom of the baking dish. This ensures that every scoop of Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake gets a gooey, chocolatey surprise.
Step 3: Drizzle with Condensed Milk
Next, pour your can of sweetened condensed milk over the chocolate and candy layer. It will seep around and bind the candies together, giving that luscious, sticky bite everyone loves.
Step 4: Add Creamy Peanut Butter Dollops
Drop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter throughout the dish. No need to be precise—rustic (and extra peanut buttery) is perfect here!
Step 5: Sprinkle on the Cake Mix
Now for the “dump” part: generously and evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over everything. Resist the urge to stir; the magic happens in the oven!
Step 6: Pour Over the Melted Butter
Finally, drizzle melted butter all over the cake mix, making sure to cover as much of the surface as possible. This helps the topping become perfectly golden and crisp as it bakes.
Step 7: Bake and Top
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The top should be golden brown and bubbling. Allow it to cool slightly, then finish by adding extra chopped candies and a decadent drizzle of chocolate syrup if you like. Serve warm, and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Garnishes
Dress up your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake with a shower of extra chopped peanut butter candies, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Whipped cream or a dusting of cocoa powder add an elegant touch—anything that plays up the rich, gooey layers is a winner.
Side Dishes
This dessert is rich and bold, so it pairs beautifully with lighter accompaniments. Fresh strawberries or sliced bananas add a fruity note, and a strong cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk helps balance every decadent bite. For parties, set up a little toppings bar for friends to create their own perfect serving.
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping warm Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake into individual bowls or pretty mason jars for a party-ready look. For more elegance, cut cooled pieces into bars and serve on a platter, or layer spoonfuls with ice cream in parfait glasses for a show-stopping finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake keeps well for up to four days stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors meld and become even richer, making those next-day slices irresistible!
Freezing
You can freeze this dump cake, though the candy bits may lose a little crunch. Simply wrap cooled pieces in plastic, place in a zip-top bag or airtight container, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before serving or reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or place larger portions in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until gooey and warm. Add fresh toppings after reheating for that just-baked taste.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! Chocolate or even devil’s food cake mix turns this into an even bigger celebration for chocolate lovers. Just keep the rest of the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake ingredients the same and prepare for extra richness.
What’s the best peanut butter to use?
Creamy peanut butter works best for smooth layers, but chunky adds a little extra crunch if that’s your style. Avoid natural peanut butter, which can make the cake oily or separate during baking.
Can I make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free brand that you love. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it an easy switch for allergies or sensitivities.
Can I add other toppings to the dump cake?
Definitely. Crushed pretzels, chopped nuts, or even marshmallows can make each batch unique. Have fun experimenting until you find your favorite combo!
Do I need to melt the butter before pouring it over the cake mix?
Yes—melted butter spreads more evenly and helps the cake mix bake into a perfect golden crust. It’s a small step that makes a big, yummy difference.
Final Thoughts
If you love desserts that are big on flavor but light on fuss, give Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake a try. It’s a true treat for peanut butter and chocolate fans alike, and just the thing to make any occasion a little sweeter. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new signature dessert—your friends and family will be requesting it again and again!
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a decadent, no-fuss dessert loaded with layers of chocolate, peanut butter, and gooey richness. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or whenever a sweet treat craving strikes!
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
Sweetened Condensed Milk Layer:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
Candy Layer:
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped Reese’s or other peanut butter candies
Additional:
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- Chocolate syrup (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Scatter chopped peanut butter cups and chocolate chips evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the candy layer.
- Dollop creamy peanut butter throughout the dish.
- Sprinkle yellow cake mix evenly on top without stirring.
- Pour melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Let cool slightly, then top with extra chopped candy and drizzle with chocolate syrup if desired.
Notes
- You can add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake, dessert, peanut butter, chocolate, easy recipe
