Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining your favorite candy with the comfort of a cake, then Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is calling your name! This glorious, gooey dessert effortlessly marries rich chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and all the decadence of mini peanut butter cups into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece. With just a few pantry staples and zero fuss, you’ll create a dreamy treat that brings smiles with every bite. Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is guaranteed to become your go-to for potlucks, family nights, or anytime you crave the irresistible blend of peanut butter and chocolate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake starts with the simplest of ingredients, each one pulling its weight to create something truly delightful. You’ll find every item easy to locate, and together they make the ultimate, fuss-free dessert.

• Yellow Cake Mix: The base that brings everything together with its tender crumb and subtly sweet flavor.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Adds a luscious, nutty layer and creates that signature peanut butter swirl throughout the cake.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gives the cake its indulgent, gooey texture and adds a note of rich sweetness.
• Mini Peanut Butter Cups, Chopped: Every bite bursts with bits of your favorite candy, creating pockets of surprise goodness.
• Chocolate Chips: Ensures there’s plenty of melty chocolate in every spoonful for a deep, rich flavor.
• Butter, Melted: Soaks into the cake mix, ensuring a golden, crisp topping and moist interior.
• Chopped Reese’s or Other Peanut Butter Candies: Perfect for sprinkling on top, adding color, texture, and a second wave of peanut buttery joy.
• Chocolate Syrup (Optional): Drizzle for that glossy, bakery-style finish and extra chocolate flavor.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Set the Stage

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to make serving (and cleanup) a breeze. This simple prep step ensures every square of your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake lifts out perfectly.

Step 2: Create the Irresistible Candy Layer

Sprinkle your chopped mini peanut butter cups and chocolate chips evenly on the bottom of the pan. You want every slice to have plenty of chocolate and peanut butter in every bite, so spread them out with care.

Step 3: Pour on the Creamy Sweetness

Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk slowly and evenly over your candy layer. This will soak down while baking, making your dump cake extra gooey and deliciously rich.

Step 4: Dot with Peanut Butter

Dollop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter all over your pan. These generous pockets will melt into the cake as it bakes, offering bold, nutty flavor and creamy texture throughout your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake.

Step 5: Layer the Cake Mix

Grab your box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it gently over the filling layers. Resist the urge to stir – dump cakes are all about magical layers! This step forms the base of your golden, buttery topping.

Step 6: Add the Buttery Finish

Pour your melted butter evenly over the cake mix. This soaks into the dry mix, creating a beautiful crispy top while keeping the interior perfectly moist and tender.

Step 7: Bake and Finish With Flair

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top with bubbling edges. Let your cake cool slightly, then shower it with extra chopped peanut butter candies. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, drizzle with chocolate syrup for a show-stopping finish.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of chopped peanut butter candies with a lavish drizzle of chocolate syrup makes this dessert look as dreamy as it tastes. For an extra-special touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream on each serving. The contrast of cold and warm is absolutely irresistible!

Side Dishes

This rich cake easily takes center stage, so keep sides light. A bowl of fresh strawberries or sliced bananas offers a bright pop of freshness. If you want to go bold, serve with a tall glass of cold milk or a mug of coffee to balance all that glorious chocolate and peanut butter.

Creative Ways to Present

Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake shines at parties! Try baking and serving it in mini ramekins for individual portions, or scoop it into dessert bowls and top each with a different candy for a fun DIY bar. For a festive gathering, pile spoons into the pan and let guests “dig in” family-style – guaranteed to spark smiles!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake keeps beautifully. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator, where it stays moist and delicious for up to four days.

Freezing

This cake also freezes well! Let it cool fully, then wrap squares individually or the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to two months. When a craving hits, you’re never far from a slice of chocolate-peanut butter bliss.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop a portion in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds until warmed and gooey again. For larger amounts, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 15 minutes. Either way, your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake will taste freshly baked!

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix offers a classic flavor and tender crumb, feel free to experiment with chocolate, devil’s food, or even peanut butter cake mix for extra decadence.

What’s the best way to chop peanut butter cups and candy?

For the cleanest cuts, chill your peanut butter candies in the fridge for about 10 minutes before chopping. Use a sharp knife for neat pieces that scatter easily and won’t smoosh during slicing.

Can I make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake gluten-free?

Of course! Simply swap the yellow cake mix for your favorite gluten-free blend and double-check that your candies are gluten-free as well. The cake will still be ooey-gooey and delicious.

Do I need to mix the layers before baking?

No mixing necessary! The charm of this cake is in its layers – they blend together as they bake, creating buttery, surprise-filled pockets of candy and chocolate. Resist stirring to keep the signature texture.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

You sure can. Bake the cake a day ahead, then cool, cover, and refrigerate. Add fresh garnishes and chocolate drizzle just before serving for the best presentation and taste.

Final Thoughts

Few desserts are as welcoming and universally loved as Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake. It’s easy, showy, and absolutely packed with flavor. I hope you’ll give it a spot on your baking list—friends and family will be clamoring for another round!

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