Irresistible Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe for Candy Lovers

Sweet memories of childhood treats collide with a mouthwatering peanut butter cup dessert that promises pure indulgence.

Chocolate and peanut butter lovers will swoon over this ridiculously easy cake.

Layers of rich chocolate cake mix perfectly complement the creamy peanut butter candy pieces.

Crumbled candy melts into gooey pockets throughout the warm, decadent dessert.

Minimal effort delivers maximum flavor in this crowd-pleasing recipe that comes together faster than you can say delicious.

Simple ingredients from your pantry transform into a dessert that feels like a special occasion.

Each bite promises a delightful explosion of chocolate and peanut butter that you won’t be able to resist.

Grab a fork and get ready to experience dessert magic that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Everything in a Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

• Peanut Butter: Creamy and smooth base that adds rich, nutty flavor and creates a delicious foundation for the cake.
• Butter, Non-Stick Spray: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy cake removal from the baking dish.

• Yellow Cake Mix: Classic sweet base that provides structure and traditional cake texture.
• Chocolate Pudding Mix: Adds moisture and deep chocolate flavor to complement the peanut butter.

• Peanut Butter Cups, Chocolate Chips: Classic candy and chocolate elements that create delicious pockets of sweetness and texture throughout the cake.
• Milk: Helps bind ingredients and adds moisture to the cake mix.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Peanut Butter Base

Grab a jar of creamy peanut butter and spread it in an even layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to create a smooth, uniform surface that will become the delicious foundation of your cake.

Step 3: Layer Chocolate Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix directly over the peanut butter layer. Don’t worry about mixing- the magic happens in the oven! Ensure the cake mix covers the peanut butter completely and creates an even layer.

Step 4: Scatter Peanut Butter Cups

Unwrap a bag of miniature peanut butter cups. Roughly chop them into chunks or leave some whole for extra surprise bites. Generously distribute the peanut butter cup pieces across the entire surface of the cake mix.

Step 5: Pour Melted Butter

Melt butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the entire surface of the cake mix and peanut butter cups, ensuring even coverage.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the baking dish for about 15 minutes. The cake will continue to set as it cools. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Dump Cake Tips for the Best Results

• Smooth Spreading Technique: Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to evenly distribute peanut butter across the baking dish, ensuring a consistent base layer for maximum flavor in every bite.
• Temperature Matters: Let peanut butter sit at room temperature before spreading to achieve a silky, easy-to-spread consistency that blends seamlessly with other ingredients.
• Pan Preparation Pro: Apply a thin, even coat of non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking and make serving and cleaning up a breeze.
• Precision Counts: Measure your baking dish accurately to guarantee proper cake thickness and even baking throughout the dessert.
• Peanut Butter Quality Tip: Choose a creamy, high-quality peanut butter without added oils for the richest, most authentic flavor profile in your dump cake.

How to Store and Reheat Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake stays fresh for 2-3 months.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds until slightly heated through. For a crispy top, use the oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes.
• Transfer frozen cake to the refrigerator overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Perfect Pairings for This Dump Cake

• Pair this rich cake with cold milk or a smooth chocolate stout beer to enhance the dessert's deep cocoa and peanut butter flavors.
• Serve alongside a light, slightly tart raspberry sorbet to cut through the cake's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Accompany with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, which will mellow the intense chocolate and peanut butter notes while adding creamy smoothness.
• Choose a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a sweet port wine to complement the cake's decadent chocolate and nutty undertones.

Ways to Customize Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace regular cake mix with gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Option: Swap peanut butter with almond butter, use dairy-free chocolate cups, and substitute eggs with applesauce or ground flaxseed mixture to create a plant-based version.
• Lower Sugar Alternative: Use sugar-free chocolate cups, replace regular cake mix with a low-sugar variant, and incorporate stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content.
• Nutty Variation: Add chopped roasted almonds or pecans on top before baking for extra crunch and a more complex flavor profile, providing additional texture and depth to the original recipe.

Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake FAQs

• What are the key ingredients needed for this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake?

You’ll need peanut butter, cake mix, chocolate cake mix, peanut butter cups, and butter to create this delicious dessert.

• Is this recipe difficult to make?

Not at all! It’s a super simple dump cake that requires minimal preparation and baking skills. Just layer the ingredients and bake.

• Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

It’s best to use creamy, commercial peanut butter as natural peanut butter might separate during baking and affect the cake’s texture.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this cake?

You’ll only need a 9×13-inch baking dish, a basic mixing tool, and standard measuring cups to prepare this dessert.

Why Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Is So and Delicious

• Peanut butter and chocolate lovers will go crazy for this rich, indulgent cake that delivers pure nostalgic satisfaction in every single bite.
• Perfect for casual gatherings, potlucks, or weekend dessert cravings, this dump cake requires zero fancy baking skills and appeals to both kids and adults.
• No complicated mixing, measuring, or advanced techniques needed- just dump, spread, and bake for a foolproof dessert that looks and tastes impressive.

Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

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

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Description

Chocolate and peanut butter lovers rejoice with this sinful Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake that blends rich dessert magic in one pan. Quick assembly and irresistible layers promise pure indulgence you’ll savor to the last delicious crumb.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) creamy peanut butter
• 1 ½ cups (225 grams) chopped peanut butter cups

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 ounces / 414 milliliters) sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup (113 grams) melted butter
• 1 cup (170 grams) milk chocolate chips

Optional Serving Ingredients:

• Optional: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

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Instructions

1. Create a smooth, even layer of creamy peanut butter across the entire base of the greased baking dish, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Carefully unpack the chocolate cake mix and sprinkle it uniformly over the peanut butter layer, allowing the dry mix to distribute evenly without disturbing the underlying spread.
3. Gently scatter the chopped peanut butter cups across the cake mix surface, distributing them to guarantee a delectable presence in every potential slice.
4. Pour the melted butter in a consistent, gentle stream over the entire cake mix and peanut butter cup layer, helping to moisten the dry ingredients completely.
5. Place the prepared baking dish into the preheated oven, positioning it centrally to promote balanced heat circulation.
6. Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and checking that a toothpick inserted near the center emerges with minimal, moist crumbs.
7. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes, permitting the layers to settle and the flavors to meld harmoniously.
8. Slice and serve the warm dump cake, optionally garnishing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar for additional indulgence.

Notes

• Smooth out the peanut butter layer using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create an even, consistent base that prevents clumping and ensures every bite has a perfect peanut butter flavor.
• Consider using natural or organic peanut butter for a less processed taste, but ensure it’s well-stirred to maintain a smooth texture across the entire cake.
• For those with nut allergies, swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or chocolate spread to keep the dessert’s rich, indulgent character while accommoding dietary restrictions.
• Opt for a gluten-free cake mix if needed, making this decadent dessert accessible to those with gluten sensitivities without compromising on the delicious chocolatey-peanut butter combination.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg