Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

Introduction

Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a rich, decadent dessert that combines layers of chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter filling, and chunks of Reese’s peanut butter cups, making it a dream dessert for peanut butter and chocolate lovers. This cake is incredibly easy to make, which makes it perfect for gatherings, parties, or whenever you’re craving an indulgent treat. When I first made it for a family get-together, it was a huge hit—everyone loved the gooey texture and the perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter. It’s a dessert that’s sure to impress without a lot of effort.

Ingredients

• Cake Layer:
• 2 boxes chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz/432g each)
• 1 package instant chocolate pudding mix (3.9 oz/110g)
• 1 ½ cups milk (375mL)
• 1 bag Reese’s peanut butter cups minis (8 oz/226g, unwrapped)
• Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Layer:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (227g)
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar (105g)
• ¼ cup heavy whipping cream (57g)
• Topping:
• 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz/432g, from the second box)
• 1 stick butter, melted (113g)
• Finishing Touches:
• 8 oz Cool Whip (225g)
• 1 bag Reese’s peanut butter cups miniatures (12 oz/340g, unwrapped and chopped)
• Chocolate syrup, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Layer:
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 13″x9″ (33×23 cm) baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine one box of chocolate cake mix, the chocolate pudding mix, and milk. Stir until smooth, then fold in the Reese’s peanut butter cups minis. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Layer:
   In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and heavy whipping cream until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the cake batter in the pan, creating a second layer.
3. Add the Topping:
   Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix from the second box evenly over the cream cheese layer. Drizzle the melted butter across the top of the dry cake mix to moisten it.
4. Bake the Cake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
5. Finish with Cool Whip and Garnishes:
   Once the cake has cooled, spread a layer of Cool Whip over the top. Sprinkle the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups across the surface for an extra peanut butter crunch. Drizzle with chocolate syrup for a beautiful finishing touch.
6. Serve and Store:
   Slice and serve immediately. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2-3 days.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 12-16
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 500-600 kcal

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 80-90 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve chilled or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• For a fancier presentation, add a few more chopped Reese’s cups on top before serving.
• Serve with a small bowl of whipped cream on the side for guests to add as desired.
• Offer with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee to complement the richness.
• Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet and salty twist.

Additional Tips

1. Use softened cream cheese for easy blending with peanut butter and powdered sugar.
2. Keep the cake mix dry on top; the butter will moisten it as it bakes, creating a crumbly topping.
3. For easier spreading, slightly chill the peanut butter and cream cheese mixture before layering.
4. Let the cake cool completely before adding Cool Whip to prevent it from melting.
5. Add more Reese’s peanut butter cups or drizzle extra chocolate syrup for a richer taste.

Recipe Variations

• Nut-Free Version: Substitute Reese’s peanut butter cups with mini chocolate chips and use a nut-free spread.
• Triple Chocolate Dump Cake: Add chocolate chips on top of the cake layer before baking for an extra chocolatey experience.
• White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake: Replace the chocolate cake mix with vanilla cake mix and add white chocolate peanut butter cups.
• Extra Crunch: Add chopped pretzels or nuts on top of the Cool Whip layer for a crunchy texture.
• Layered Delight: Add a thin layer of caramel sauce under the cream cheese mixture for a caramel and chocolate flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a dessert centerpiece at a potluck or family gathering.
• Top individual slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• Pair with a hot espresso or latte for a rich flavor contrast.
• Enjoy it as a dessert for special occasions or just to treat yourself on a cozy night in.
• Serve as part of a dessert buffet for a variety of flavors.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: Freeze individual portions without the Cool Whip topping. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before adding Cool Whip and serving.
• Reheating: For a warm version, reheat a slice in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before serving with a fresh layer of Cool Whip on top.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use homemade chocolate cake mix instead of boxed mix?
   Yes, but it may alter the consistency slightly. Use about 3 cups of homemade mix per box.
2. Can I make this cake without Cool Whip?
   Yes, you can substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream, but apply just before serving.
3. Can I add other types of candy to this cake?
   Absolutely! Try using M&M’s, chopped Snickers, or other favorite candies.
4. How do I know if the cake is fully baked?
   Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
5. What type of chocolate syrup should I use for garnish?
   Any store-bought chocolate syrup works, or you can use a homemade chocolate ganache.
6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, use gluten-free cake mix and double-check that other ingredients are gluten-free.
7. Is there a substitute for peanut butter?
   For a nut-free version, try sunflower seed butter or cookie butter.
8. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
   Use dairy-free cream cheese, a plant-based whipped topping, and dairy-free chocolate pudding.
9. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
   Yes, it will add a bit more texture to the cream cheese layer.
10. How can I make this less sweet?
    Reduce the powdered sugar in the cream cheese layer, or skip the chocolate syrup garnish.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the combination of peanut butter and chocolate. It’s rich, indulgent, and so easy to make, perfect for gatherings or when you want a treat without spending hours in the kitchen. With layers of cake, creamy filling, and plenty of Reese’s peanut butter cups, this cake will leave everyone craving more.

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