Easy Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe: Sweet Bliss in a Pan

Crafting a delightful peanut butter cup dump cake can turn an ordinary afternoon into a sweet adventure.

Chocolate and peanut butter dance together in this ridiculously easy dessert.

Dessert enthusiasts will appreciate how minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness.

Simple ingredients blend seamlessly to create a heavenly treat that melts in your mouth.

Layers of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter combine with a tender cake base.

Comfort and indulgence merge in this effortless recipe that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Follow these steps, and you’ll become the dessert hero among your friends.

Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake – Gooey, Chocolaty Indulgence

• Quickly Craft a Decadent Dessert: This dump cake transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering treat with minimal effort.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Combine ingredients in one pan without complicated mixing or extensive baking skills, making it perfect for novice bakers or busy home cooks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Chocolate Peanut Butter Combination: The classic flavor pairing of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter creates an irresistible dessert that appeals to all ages, from kids to adults.
• Super Fast Weeknight Indulgence: From start to finish, this recipe takes less than an hour, allowing you to satisfy sweet cravings quickly without spending hours in the kitchen.

Items in Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

Main Ingredients:

• Chocolate Pudding Mix: The base that creates a rich, creamy foundation for the cake's texture and flavor. Choose instant pudding mix for quick preparation.
• Milk: Helps activate and thicken the pudding mix, providing moisture and smoothness.

• Chocolate Cake Mix: Quick and convenient base that forms the cake's structure. Look for a high-quality mix with deep chocolate flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a crispy, golden top layer. Melted butter ensures even distribution and moisture.

• Peanut Butter: Adds a creamy, nutty swirl throughout the dessert. Select smooth peanut butter for easy mixing.
• Mini Peanut Butter Cups: Provide bursts of chocolate and peanut butter flavor. Opt for name-brand or high-quality cups for best taste.

• Chocolate Chips: Extra chocolate morsels that melt into gooey pockets. Dark or milk chocolate varieties work well.
• Chopped Peanuts: Adds crunch and extra nutty texture to the dessert. Roasted and salted peanuts provide the best flavor.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy companion that complements the warm cake.
• Whipped Cream: Light topping that adds extra sweetness and richness.

How to Bake Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Turn your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Chocolatey Pudding Base

Whisk together pudding mix and milk in a bowl until it transforms into a smooth, thick mixture.

Pour this dreamy chocolate layer into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 3: Swirl in Peanut Butter Magic

Dollop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter across the pudding landscape.

Using a knife, gently drag and swirl the peanut butter, creating beautiful marbled patterns throughout the base.

Step 4: Blanket with Cake Mix

Shower the entire surface with dry chocolate cake mix, ensuring complete coverage.

Drizzle melted butter generously over the cake mix, helping it achieve a golden, crispy top.

Step 5: Sprinkle Decadent Toppings

• Mini peanut butter cups
• Chocolate chips
• Chopped peanuts

Step 6: Bake to Gooey Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes until edges bubble and the top looks mostly set.

The aroma will be absolutely mouthwatering.

Step 7: Serve with Delightful Companions

Let the cake cool slightly.

Serve warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Dump Cake Tips For Gooey Perfection

• Whisk pudding mix and milk thoroughly to avoid lumps, ensuring a smooth, creamy base for your dump cake.
• Use a light hand when swirling peanut butter to create beautiful marbled patterns without overmixing the layers.
• Melt butter completely and drizzle slowly to ensure even distribution across the cake mix for a perfectly moist texture.
• Swap mini peanut butter cups with crushed candy bars or additional nuts to match your taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Allow the cake to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier without losing its gooey texture.

Dump Cake With Peanut Butter That Reheats Like Fresh

• Store leftover dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Add a small splash of water to keep the cake moist and prevent hardening.
• Restore the cake's original texture by warming in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning.
• Enjoy chilled straight from the refrigerator for a refreshing dessert twist, especially delightful on warm days.

Indulgent Bites For Dump Cake

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Milkshake: Blend rich vanilla ice cream, whole milk, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a silky smooth companion that enhances the cake's decadent chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
• Complement with Bold Espresso Martini: Craft a sophisticated cocktail mixing vodka, espresso, and coffee liqueur to cut through the dessert's sweetness and provide a sophisticated adult counterpoint.
• Match with Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate: Create a warming drink featuring dark chocolate, caramel sauce, and a pinch of sea salt that echoes the cake's nutty and chocolate undertones, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
• Elevate with Peanut Butter Bourbon Cocktail: Shake bourbon, peanut butter liqueur, and maple syrup for a spirited drink that intensifies the dessert's rich, nutty profile and offers a luxurious tasting journey.

Peanut Butter Dump Cake Add-Ons

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake: Replace standard cake mix with gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure pudding mix is gluten-free for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake: Substitute dairy milk with almond milk, use vegan pudding mix, swap butter with coconut oil, and replace peanut butter cups with vegan chocolate chips and crushed peanuts.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake: Use sugar-free pudding mix, sugar-free cake mix, and replace peanut butter cups with sugar-free dark chocolate chunks for diabetic-friendly option.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake: Use coconut milk instead of dairy milk, dairy-free margarine in place of butter, and ensure all ingredients are dairy-free for those with lactose intolerance.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding mix?

Instant pudding mix is recommended for consistent texture and easy preparation. Homemade pudding might change the cake’s structure and baking time.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure your pudding mix is gluten-free. Check all ingredient labels carefully to avoid gluten.

• How do I know when the dump cake is fully baked?

Look for bubbly edges and a mostly set top. The center might still look slightly soft, but it will set as it cools. A golden-brown top is a good indicator of doneness.

• Can I prepare this dump cake in advance?

Prepare the cake up to the point of adding toppings, then cover and refrigerate. Add toppings and bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Chocolate and peanut butter lovers unite for this quick “peanut butter cup dump cake” that blends rich, creamy flavors with minimal effort. Simple ingredients cascade into a dessert so irresistible you’ll want to share every delightful bite with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 1 box (3.9 ounces / 110 grams) instant chocolate pudding mix
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) milk
• 1 cup (240 grams) creamy peanut butter

Chocolate and Nut Toppings:

• 1 cup (150 grams) mini peanut butter cups, halved
• 1 cup (170 grams) chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped roasted peanuts

Binding Ingredient:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) melted unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F and coating a 9×13-inch dish with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Create a luscious chocolate pudding foundation by whisking pudding mix with milk until it reaches a thick, creamy consistency, then carefully spread it across the prepared baking dish.
3. Introduce a delightful peanut butter element by dolloping spoonfuls of peanut butter randomly over the pudding surface, then use a knife to create elegant swirling patterns throughout the layer.
4. Construct the cake’s base by evenly distributing dry chocolate cake mix across the pudding, ensuring complete coverage, then generously drizzle melted butter over the mix to enhance moisture and flavor.
5. Elevate the dessert’s texture and taste by scattering an abundant mixture of mini peanut butter cups, rich chocolate chips, and crunchy chopped peanuts across the entire surface.
6. Bake the dessert for 35-40 minutes, watching for bubbly edges and a mostly set top, which indicates the perfect gooey consistency.
7. Allow the cake to cool slightly, then serve while warm, optionally accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent experience.

Notes

• Swap pudding mix for homemade chocolate custard to control sugar and ingredient quality, creating a more natural dessert base.
• Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version that maintains rich moisture and adds subtle tropical undertones.
• Crush gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies as an alternative cake mix for celiac-friendly adaptation, ensuring everyone can enjoy this decadent treat.
• Toast chopped peanuts before adding to enhance nutty flavor and provide extra crunch, elevating the overall texture of the dump cake.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 408
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 330 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 38 mg