If you love the rich combination of chocolate and peanut butter, you are going to fall head over heels for this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe. It’s a delightfully simple dessert that packs layers of luscious chocolate cake, creamy pudding, and chunks of irresistible Reese’s peanut butter cups all in one dish. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for an easy but impressive treat to whip up, this dump cake brings comforting flavors together in a way that’s both decadent and utterly addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze with this recipe because it uses classic items that work harmoniously to create something extraordinary. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s the moist texture of the cake mix or the gooey pockets of peanut butter cups that add joyful surprises in every bite.
- Chocolate cake mix: This is the foundation of your cake, offering a moist and chocolaty base that’s quick to work with.
- Chocolate instant pudding mix: Adds a creaminess that elevates the texture, making the cake rich without extra fuss.
- Milk: Used to bring the pudding mix to life in a smooth, luscious way.
- Mini Reese’s PB Cups (chopped): These delicious chunks create pockets of nutty, peanut buttery delight throughout the cake.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This step feels like setting the stage for the magic ahead because a well-heated oven makes sure your cake rises just right and bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Spray a 13×9 inch baking dish generously with non-stick spray. This simple prep keeps your cake from sticking, making cleanup easy and helping your cake come out perfectly intact.
Step 3: Mix Pudding and Milk
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chocolate instant pudding mix with the milk until you have a smooth, creamy base. This mixture will give the cake that luscious, tender crumb that’s so inviting with every forkful.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Pour in the chocolate cake mix and stir gently until everything is well combined. The batter will be thick, which is exactly what you want—this thickness keeps all the flavors suspended beautifully.
Step 5: Fold in the Peanut Butter Cups
Carefully fold in the chopped mini Reese’s peanut butter cups. Be gentle here to avoid overmixing. You want those delightful peanut buttery chunks to stay distinct and not get swallowed up by the batter.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the mixture evenly into your prepared pan. Pop it into the oven, and bake for about 25 minutes. The magic moment comes when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean — that tells you your cake is perfectly baked.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow your cake to cool just enough so it’s still warm yet easy to cut. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add whipped cream or more peanut butter cups on top before serving.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe, try adding some whipped cream dollops or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts. You can also drizzle warm chocolate syrup or caramel for an extra layer of sugary goodness that makes each bite even more addictive.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with classic vanilla ice cream, adding a cool touch to contrast the warm richness. If you want something to balance the sweetness, a fresh fruit salad with tart berries or citrus segments provides a lovely, bright counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your dessert from casual to stunning by plating single servings in pretty glass dishes, layering whipped cream and extra peanut butter cups on top. You could even make mini versions in muffin tins for a bite-sized treat that makes sharing irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store them post-cooling in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep it refrigerated and enjoy within three days for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
This peanut butter cup treasure actually freezes very well. Wrap individual slices tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months, perfect for homemade treats ready when you are.
Reheating
To enjoy your frozen or refrigerated cake later, thaw it overnight in the fridge. When you’re ready, a quick microwaving for about 20 seconds brings back that fresh-baked warmth and gooey texture everyone loves.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chocolate cake mix instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade cake mix works wonderfully, just keep in mind the baking times might vary slightly. The key is ensuring the batter remains thick and moist for that signature dump cake texture.
Are there any peanut-free alternatives?
Yes! You can swap the Reese’s peanut butter cups for chocolate chips or caramels if you want to avoid peanuts. The dessert will still be chocolatey and delicious, just with a slightly different twist.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free chocolate pudding mix and substitute the milk with almond, oat, or any plant-based milk. Your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe will still be rich and flavorful.
Is it possible to double the recipe?
You can definitely double the ingredients to bake in a larger dish or two pans. Just make sure to adjust the baking time and keep an eye on the cake as it bakes.
What if I don’t have mini Reese’s cups?
No worries! Chop regular-sized Reese’s cups or even try peanut butter chips mixed with chocolate chunks for a similar effect. The goal is those delightful buttery pockets that surprise your palate.
Final Thoughts
Your kitchen is about to become the happiest place with this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe. It’s a dessert that feels both indulgent and effortless, perfect for sharing with family or impressing guests. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a go-to for chocolate and peanut butter lovers everywhere. So grab your bowl, get mixing, and treat yourself to a slice of pure bliss!
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a rich and indulgent chocolate dessert combining chocolate cake mix, instant pudding, milk, and chopped mini Reese’s peanut butter cups. This easy-to-make cake is baked to perfection, yielding a moist, decadent treat perfect for any chocolate and peanut butter lover’s cravings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 15.25 oz box chocolate cake mix
- 1 3.4 oz box chocolate instant pudding mix
Wet Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups milk
Add-ins
- 1 8 oz package mini Reese’s PB Cups, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your cake gets that perfect rise!
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 13×9 inch baking dish with non-stick spray and set it aside. This prevents the cake from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Mix Pudding and Milk: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk and chocolate pudding mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add Cake Mix: Add the chocolate cake mix to the pudding mixture and stir until fully combined. The batter will be thick, which is expected for this recipe.
- Fold in Peanut Butter Cups: Gently fold in the chopped mini Reese’s PB Cups. Avoid overmixing to keep the peanut butter cup chunks evident and evenly distributed.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Optionally, top with whipped cream or extra peanut butter cups for added indulgence.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with chocolate sauce for an extra decadent treat. A fresh fruit salad can also provide a refreshing balance.
- Tips for Perfecting: Use lower sugar or sugar-free alternatives to reduce calories, check doneness starting at 20 minutes as ovens vary, and fold ingredients gently to maintain a light texture.
- Storage Instructions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze wrapped pieces for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Notes
- Use non-stick spray to prevent the cake from sticking to the baking dish.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the cake mix to maintain a fluffy texture.
- Check for doneness at 20 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Store leftovers properly to maintain freshness and flavor.
- Substitute sugar-free pudding or low sugar cake mix to make it a lighter dessert option.
