I’m about to share my absolute favorite dessert hack with you. Have you ever had a day when you’re craving something decadently sweet but don’t have the energy for complicated baking? That’s where this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake comes to the rescue.
It’s ridiculously simple yet delivers that perfect marriage of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate in every bite. The beauty lies in its simplicity – just layer, pour, and bake. Want to know the secret to making this gooey, crowd-pleasing treat?
Why You’ll Love this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
If you’re a dessert lover who craves the magical combo of chocolate and peanut butter, this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake will make your taste buds dance with joy.
The gooey peanut butter base, studded with chopped peanut butter cups, creates a heavenly foundation that melts into the moist chocolate cake.
What’s not to love about a dessert that practically makes itself? Just layer, pour, and bake. No fussy techniques required.
And those pockets of melty peanut butter cups throughout? Pure indulgence.
Warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? Absolute perfection.
What Ingredients are in Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake?
Creating this indulgent peanut butter cup dump cake requires just a handful of simple ingredients that combine to make something truly magical.
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 2 cups mini peanut butter cups, chopped
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 1/4 cups water
For the best results, I recommend using creamy peanut butter rather than chunky, though either will work.
Making sure your butter is completely melted will help create that moist, tender cake texture we’re all hoping for.
How to Make this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish. This temperature is perfect for creating that irresistible crust on top while keeping the inside moist and gooey.
Step 2: Create the Peanut Butter Base Layer
Spread 1 cup of peanut butter across the bottom of your greased baking dish.
Try to make this layer as even as possible, which might take a bit of patience since peanut butter can be stubborn to spread when cold.
Step 3: Add the First Layer of Peanut Butter Cups
Sprinkle half of your 2 cups of chopped mini peanut butter cups over the peanut butter layer.
These little gems will melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of chocolate-peanut butter heaven throughout the cake.
Step 4: Mix Your Cake Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the box of chocolate cake mix with 1 1/4 cups water and 1/2 cup melted butter until smooth.
The batter might seem thinner than traditional cake batter, but that’s exactly what we want for a dump cake.
Step 5: Pour the Batter Over the Peanut Butter Layers
Carefully pour your chocolate cake batter over the peanut butter and candy layers in the baking dish.
Try to pour it evenly so it covers all the delicious peanut butter goodness below.
Step 6: Top with Remaining Peanut Butter Cups
Sprinkle the other half of your chopped peanut butter cups over the top of the cake batter.
These will get slightly toasty in the oven, adding wonderful texture to your finished cake.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your dump cake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
The cake will rise and develop a slightly crackly top while the inside remains moist and fudgy.
Step 8: Serve While Warm
Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes, then serve while still warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
The contrast between the warm, rich cake and cold, creamy ice cream creates the ultimate dessert experience.
For an extra touch of sophistication when serving guests, consider preparing your dessert beverages using a premium cocktail kit to complement the rich flavors of this indulgent cake.
What to Serve with Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
This decadent dessert absolutely shines when paired with a few complementary sides. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the classic choice, melting slowly into the warm cake for that perfect hot-and-cold magic.
For something a little different, try coffee ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce on top. A tall glass of cold milk balances the richness perfectly, while coffee or hot chocolate makes this an extraordinary after-dinner treat.
For an invigorating contrast, serve with fresh berries on the side – strawberries or raspberries cut through the sweetness beautifully. This comfort dessert works wonderfully for dessert after family dinner, at potlucks, or as an indulgent weekend treat when you need something special but simple.
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Substitutions and Variations
- Seasonal Twist: Mix in 1/2 cup chopped candy canes during winter holidays or crushed pretzels for a sweet-salty flavor.
- Finishing Touches: Drizzle with chocolate ganache, sprinkle with sea salt, or dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Lighter Version: Reduce butter to 1/3 cup and use natural peanut butter to cut calories.
Leftovers and Storage for this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
This decadent cake stores beautifully, making it perfect for advance preparation. To keep leftovers fresh:
- Refrigerate covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The flavors actually meld together wonderfully overnight, giving you an even more intense peanut butter-chocolate experience the next day.
- For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to 3 months.
- When reheating, microwave a slice for 20-30 seconds until just warm—not hot—to maintain that gooey texture. You can also reheat in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.
- To prevent drying out, add a small pat of butter on top before reheating, or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to restore moisture and richness.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake stands out among desserts because it transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. The contrast between creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate cake creates a comfort food masterpiece, while those pockets of melty peanut butter cups add delightful surprises throughout.
It’s my go-to recipe for potlucks and family gatherings when I need something impressive with minimal effort. The beauty of dump cakes lies in their simplicity—perfect for busy weeknights when you crave homemade dessert without the fuss.
When the kitchen fills with that intoxicating chocolate-peanut butter aroma, you’ll understand why this humble cake deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection. If you’re looking for another simple dessert option, consider trying a no-bake peanut butter pie that requires just seven ingredients and minimal preparation time.