Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

Alright, get ready for a dessert that’s going to blow your mind. This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is an absolute game-changer. If you’re anything like me, you’ll love how effortlessly delicious it is. Imagine the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter, paired with the chocolatey indulgence of peanut butter cups, all baked into a warm, gooey cake that’s absolutely irresistible. It’s one of those desserts that practically makes itself, yet tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—without the effort! Trust me, this one’s going to be a hit at every gathering, or just on a random Tuesday when you need a sweet treat.

Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

This recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients into a pan—this is all about making memories and enjoying the sweetness of life. Here’s why it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion:

• Versatile: Whether you’re hosting a party, baking for a family get-together, or simply craving a decadent treat, this cake works for it all. It’s the kind of dessert that turns any moment into a special occasion.
• Budget-Friendly: No need for fancy ingredients. This cake uses simple pantry staples and peanut butter cups that you can easily grab from your local store. You won’t believe how easy it is to make something so indulgent.
• Quick and Easy: Dump cakes are the ultimate low-effort, high-reward dessert. No need for mixing, whisking, or fussing around. Just dump, bake, and enjoy!
• Customizable: You can tweak it however you like. Not a fan of peanut butter? No problem—swap the peanut butter cups for another candy, like Snickers, or even add a handful of chocolate chips for extra gooey goodness.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a warm, gooey, chocolatey cake. This dump cake is guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s that perfect mix of rich flavor and easy comfort.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this peanut butter dream come to life:

Peanut Butter Cups: These little bites of chocolate and peanut butter are the stars of the show. Their creamy, melty goodness takes this cake to a whole new level. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, feel free to chop up a few more and throw them on top for extra richness.

Cake Mix: The secret to a quick and easy dump cake is a box of cake mix. It creates the perfect, fluffy base while keeping everything super simple. No need to make the batter from scratch when the box mix does the job just fine.

Butter: Butter is the magic ingredient that makes this cake ooey, gooey, and wonderfully rich. It melts right into the cake mix, making everything come together perfectly.

Peanut Butter: For that extra peanut buttery goodness. It adds a creamy, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the peanut butter cups and chocolate.

Milk: A splash of milk is the key to helping the cake bake up just right—giving it that moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

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

Instructions

Let’s dive in and get this cake ready to impress:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake will bake evenly and reach the perfect golden-brown crust.

Prepare Your Baking Dish: Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it. You want the cake to come out easily, and a little greasing goes a long way in preventing sticking.

Layer the Peanut Butter Cups: Take your peanut butter cups and layer them evenly across the bottom of the dish. You want them to be spread out well so every bite gets a bit of that melty chocolate-peanut butter goodness.

Add the Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the peanut butter cups. Don’t worry about mixing or spreading it out too much—this is a dump cake, so the more rustic the better.

Add Peanut Butter and Milk: Pour the peanut butter and milk over the cake mix. The milk helps everything come together, while the peanut butter gives it that extra richness. No need to stir anything—just let it all sit on top.

Top with Butter: Slice the butter into small pieces and scatter it across the top of the cake. This will melt and create a golden, crisp topping as it bakes.

Bake: Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden and the cake is bubbling around the edges. The aroma will be absolutely irresistible!

Serve and Enjoy: Let the cake cool for just a few minutes, then serve it up warm. I recommend a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—because, why not? The combination of the warm cake and cold ice cream is pure dessert heaven.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

This indulgent dessert is great on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate it even more:

• A Scoop of Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream is the perfect way to cool down the warm, gooey cake.
• Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light, fluffy contrast to the rich cake.
• Fresh Berries: For a little pop of freshness, serve the cake with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries. The tangy sweetness balances the richness of the cake beautifully.
• Drizzle of Chocolate Sauce: If you’re a chocolate lover, drizzle a bit of chocolate sauce over the top. The extra chocolate never hurt anyone, right?

Additional Tips

Here are some handy tips to make sure your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake turns out perfect:

• Don’t Stir: Resist the urge to stir the ingredients together. The beauty of a dump cake is that the layers remain distinct, creating a gooey, melty center.
• Add More Peanut Butter Cups: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can always add more peanut butter cups to the mix. More chocolate and peanut butter? Yes, please!
• Try Different Cake Mix Flavors: Want to change things up? You can swap the cake mix for other flavors, like chocolate, vanilla, or even a spice cake mix for something unique.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds for a quick fix when the craving strikes.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different kind of cake mix?
A1: Yes! You can use chocolate cake mix, yellow cake mix, or even a gluten-free cake mix if you prefer. Just make sure the mix you choose complements the peanut butter flavor.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can assemble the cake ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven.

Q3: Can I freeze the cake?
A3: Yes, you can freeze this cake! Once it’s baked and cooled, store it in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap and foil. It will stay fresh for up to a month in the freezer.

Q4: Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter?
A4: Natural peanut butter can be used, but it’s a bit thinner, so the texture of the cake might be slightly different. Regular peanut butter creates a creamier, thicker consistency.

Q5: Can I skip the butter on top?
A5: While the butter adds a beautiful golden crust and richness, you could skip it. Just know that the cake might not have quite the same golden, crisp topping.

Q6: Can I use other candy instead of peanut butter cups?
A6: Yes! You can swap the peanut butter cups for Snickers, M&Ms, or even chocolate chips. Just pick your favorite candy to suit your taste.

Q7: How should I serve the dump cake?
A7: This cake is best served warm, and I recommend pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

Q8: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A8: Reheat the cake in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, until it’s warm and gooey again.

Q9: How can I make the cake extra chocolatey?
A9: You can add a layer of chocolate chips or even drizzle some chocolate syrup over the top of the cake for extra chocolatey goodness.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! Just use a larger baking dish, and bake for a little longer if needed. Keep an eye on it to make sure it’s done perfectly.

Conclusion

The Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is the dessert you didn’t know you needed—but once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s so easy, so delicious, and just downright comforting. The gooey, melty peanut butter and chocolate combo is unbeatable, and it’s sure to be a crowd favorite every time. So go ahead, bake this cake, and enjoy every bite of peanut butter-y, chocolate-y heaven!

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