Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

Let’s talk about a dessert that is as easy as it is irresistible: Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake! If you’ve ever craved the perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter, then this is about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine a rich, fudgy base loaded with peanut butter cups, topped with a golden, buttery cake layer that’s warm and slightly crisp on top. It’s like everything you love about peanut butter cups—only in cake form!

This dessert is beyond simple. With just a few pantry ingredients, you can create something that will have your family or guests begging for seconds. Trust me, you’re going to love how effortlessly this comes together and how it tastes even better than it sounds.

Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

If you’re in the mood for a sweet, indulgent treat that doesn’t require hours of work in the kitchen, this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is exactly what you need. Here’s why it’s so irresistible:

Super Easy

This cake takes the stress out of baking. No mixing, no fancy techniques, just a simple dump-and-bake process. You literally dump the ingredients in the pan, bake it, and voilà—you have a dessert that looks like it took hours to make.

Peanut Butter & Chocolate Heaven

The rich peanut butter cups melt into the cake, giving you the best of both worlds—smooth peanut butter and decadent chocolate in every bite. It’s a combo that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Quick and Budget-Friendly

Using pantry staples like cake mix, peanut butter cups, and butter, this recipe is super affordable. Plus, it comes together in no time, making it perfect for those last-minute dessert cravings or spontaneous gatherings.

Warm, Comforting, and Delicious

There’s something magical about pulling this out of the oven, the aroma filling the air. Served warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, it’s pure comfort food.

Crowd-Pleasing

Whether it’s for a party, a family dinner, or just a special treat for yourself, this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a guaranteed hit with everyone. Kids, adults, peanut butter lovers—everyone will love it!

Ingredients

You’re just a few ingredients away from the most mouthwatering, gooey dessert you’ve ever made. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• Peanut Butter Cups: The key ingredient for that rich peanut butter and chocolate flavor.
• Yellow Cake Mix: This will form the base of the cake and create that golden, slightly crispy topping.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create the perfect texture in the cake.
• Milk: Moistens the cake and helps bring everything together.
• Chocolate Chips: Optional, but they add an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
• Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla rounds out the flavor of the cake.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make the easiest, most indulgent cake of your life? Let’s get started!

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, you’ll be putting everything together, so it’s ready to go when the oven is!

Prepare the Pan

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This ensures the cake won’t stick and helps create that lovely golden crust.

Layer the Peanut Butter Cups

Cut the peanut butter cups into quarters and scatter them evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. You want to make sure they’re well distributed so every bite has that delicious peanut butter and chocolate goodness.

Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the peanut butter cups. Don’t mix it in—just sprinkle it right on top. The magic happens during baking when the cake mix turns into a gooey, fudgy layer.

Pour the Milk

Slowly pour the milk over the top of the cake mix. Again, don’t stir it. You just want the milk to soak into the cake mix, helping it cook into that irresistible texture.

Add the Butter

Cut the butter into thin slices and scatter them over the top of the cake mix. The butter will melt and create a golden, slightly crispy topping. The more butter, the more richness it adds!

Optional: Add Chocolate Chips

For that extra chocolatey goodness, sprinkle some chocolate chips over the top. You can go as heavy-handed as you like—this cake is all about indulgence!

Bake the Cake

Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is bubbling along the edges. The center should be set but still a bit gooey—this is what makes it so delicious.

Let It Cool Slightly

Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes. This allows the cake to set up slightly and makes it easier to serve.

Serve and Enjoy

Scoop out a big piece and serve it warm. It’s incredible on its own, but for a real treat, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The warm cake combined with the cold ice cream is seriously heaven on earth!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 290
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 300mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 24g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin D: 0mcg
Calcium: 50mg
Iron: 1mg
Potassium: 160mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

Here are a few ideas to make your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake even more indulgent:

• With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or peanut butter ice cream makes this cake even richer and more satisfying.
• Topped with Whipped Cream: For a lighter touch, top your slice with some whipped cream. It adds a fluffy contrast to the dense, gooey cake.
• With a Cup of Coffee: This dessert pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or an afternoon espresso—especially if you’re enjoying it as a treat!

Additional Tips

• Storage: If you have leftovers (though I highly doubt it!), store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it to extend freshness.
• Make it your own: You can swap out peanut butter cups for other candy bars, like Snickers or Reese’s Pieces, for a new twist each time you make this cake.
• Reheat for Best Results: If you’re storing leftovers, reheat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to get that warm, gooey texture back.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can make it ahead and store it in an airtight container. Reheat it in the microwave or oven before serving for the best experience.

Q2: Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
A2: Absolutely! You can use chocolate cake mix or even a peanut butter cake mix for an extra boost of flavor.

Q3: What if I don’t have peanut butter cups?
A3: You can use peanut butter chips or even chocolate chips mixed with a bit of peanut butter for a similar taste.

Q4: Can I make this in a smaller pan?
A4: Sure! If you use a smaller pan, the baking time will be slightly different. Keep an eye on it as it bakes.

Q5: How do I store this cake?
A5: Store the leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Q6: Can I freeze this cake?
A6: Yes, you can freeze it! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month.

Q7: How do I reheat leftovers?
A7: Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Q8: Can I add other ingredients like nuts?
A8: Yes! Add chopped peanuts, pretzels, or even caramel for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Q9: Is this cake gluten-free?
A9: The cake is not gluten-free, but you can use a gluten-free cake mix to make it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Q10: Can I make this cake in advance for a party?
A10: Absolutely! This cake is perfect for make-ahead. Just bake it, let it cool, and store it until you’re ready to serve. Reheat before serving for the best texture.

Conclusion

This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is the dessert dreams are made of—easy to make, deliciously indulgent, and perfect for peanut butter lovers. It’s a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, and it’s bound to be a hit at any gathering or as a special treat for yourself. So grab that cake mix and peanut butter cups, and let’s get baking! Enjoy!

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