Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake 🍰 – A Gooey, Chocolatey Delight

There are desserts that make you smile, and then there are desserts that make you stop mid-bite and say, “Wow.” This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is firmly in the latter category. It’s the ultimate indulgent treat—perfect for a chilly evening curled up on the couch, a birthday celebration, or whenever you just want to satisfy a serious chocolate-peanut butter craving. Imagine the warm richness of chocolate cake, swirled with creamy peanut butter and studded with melty mini peanut butter cups and chocolate chips. It’s simple, decadent, and guaranteed to impress.

This recipe was inspired by two timeless favorites: the classic dump cake and the beloved peanut butter cup. It brings together the ease of a dump cake with the over-the-top richness of Reese’s candy bars. Whether you’re baking for a party or a solo sweet tooth moment, this dessert is a winner. Let’s dive in.

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

Before we get into the baking details, let’s talk about what makes this cake so irresistible. Here’s why you’re going to fall in love with it:

  • Super Easy to Make: No mixers, no layers—just dump, swirl, and bake.
  • Minimal Ingredients: You probably already have most of them in your pantry.
  • Next-Level Flavor: The combo of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter is unbeatable.
  • Perfect Texture: Crackly on top, gooey in the middle, with bits of melted chocolate and peanut butter cups throughout.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a potluck, family dinner, or a midnight snack attack, this dessert disappears fast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down the ingredients and why they matter:

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix – This is your base. It brings in all the chocolatey cake goodness with zero fuss.
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter – Adds richness and that signature peanut butter swirl.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – Fat equals flavor. It helps bind the mix and keeps the cake moist.
  • 1/2 cup whole milk – Adds moisture and makes the batter pourable without thinning it too much.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor and gives the dessert a warm, home-baked touch.

Toppings:

  • 1 cup mini peanut butter cups, halved – Melty, gooey, and totally craveable.
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – For extra chocolatey pockets of goodness.
  • 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional) – Adds a salty crunch to balance the sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This dessert may sound luxurious, but it’s surprisingly simple to make. Here’s how to create the magic:

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter. This ensures nothing sticks and your cake slices come out clean.

2. Make the Base Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

  • Chocolate cake mix
  • Melted butter
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Stir everything together until a thick, brownie-like batter forms. Don’t worry if it seems dense—that’s exactly what we want for a rich, fudgy texture.

Spread the batter evenly into your greased baking dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula.

3. Swirl in the Peanut Butter

Drop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter all over the surface of the batter. Using a knife or spatula, gently swirl the peanut butter into the chocolate base. Aim for a marbled effect rather than full incorporation—you want visible ribbons of peanut butter.

4. Add the Toppings

Now for the fun part! Sprinkle the top of the batter evenly with:

  • Halved mini peanut butter cups
  • Chocolate chips
  • Chopped peanuts (if using)

This not only adds texture and flavor but also makes the cake look stunning straight out of the oven.

5. Bake to Gooey Perfection

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes.

  • The edges should look set and slightly pulled away from the pan.
  • The center will still be soft, which is exactly what gives this dump cake its gooey, molten texture.
  • A slight crackly top is a sign you’ve nailed it.

6. Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool for about 10–15 minutes. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Warm with vanilla ice cream – A classic and indulgent pairing.
  • Drizzle with chocolate syrup or warm peanut butter.
  • Top with whipped cream and crushed peanut butter cups for an over-the-top presentation.

Pro Tips for Dump Cake Success

Want to make this dessert even better? Check out these quick tips:

  • Use high-quality peanut butter cups – The better the candy, the better the final flavor.
  • Don’t over-swirl – You want distinct peanut butter swirls, not a fully blended batter.
  • Slightly underbake for gooey centers – That soft, molten middle is the heart of this dessert.
  • Let it rest – It’s tempting to dig in right away, but giving it 10–15 minutes helps it set just right.

Variations and Add-Ons

The best part about dump cakes? You can customize them endlessly. Here are some creative spins to try:

1. Make It Nut-Free

Have a peanut allergy or serving someone who does? Swap the peanut butter for almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even cookie butter. Replace peanut butter cups with chocolate chunks or caramel bits.

2. Go Extra Chocolatey

Want a true chocoholic’s dream? Add:

  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the batter for extra depth
  • A layer of hot fudge sauce drizzled before baking

3. Salted Caramel Twist

Replace half the peanut butter with salted caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt flakes just before baking. The sweet-salty combo is divine.

4. Add Banana or Marshmallows

Swirl in mashed banana for a peanut butter-banana-chocolate vibe. Or toss in a handful of mini marshmallows on top before baking for a s’mores-like finish.

Storing and Reheating

Have leftovers? (Unlikely—but just in case…)

To Store:

  • Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
  • Store in an airtight container to retain freshness.

To Reheat:

  • Microwave individual slices for 15–20 seconds.
  • Oven: Reheat at 300°F for 10 minutes to restore that fresh-baked texture.

Pro tip: Add a splash of milk or a pat of butter before reheating to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! Try devil’s food, fudge marble, or even yellow cake for a new spin.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Bake it the day before and reheat just before serving. It’s still incredibly gooey and flavorful the next day.

What if I don’t have mini peanut butter cups?

Use regular-sized peanut butter cups chopped into quarters, or substitute with chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or crushed candy bars.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Definitely. Let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven for best results.

Perfect Occasions for Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

This isn’t just a casual dessert—it’s a star at any event. Here’s when to whip it up:

  • Birthday parties
  • Game nights
  • Holiday gatherings
  • Bake sales
  • Lazy Sunday baking with kids

It’s fuss-free, fun, and guaranteed to bring people back for seconds (or thirds).

Why This Dessert Will Become Your Go-To

This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake isn’t just a recipe—it’s a baking revelation. It combines the rich, deep flavor of chocolate cake with the luscious swirl of peanut butter and irresistible bursts of candy. Every forkful is layered with texture and flavor.

And the best part? You don’t need to be a professional baker to make it. In under an hour, you can serve a dessert that tastes like it came from a gourmet bakery. It’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or hoarding all to yourself—we won’t judge.

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