Name: Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box (3.9 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix; 2 cups milk; 1 box chocolate cake mix; 1 cup peanut butter chips; 1 cup chopped peanut butter cups; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

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If you’re craving the chocolate-peanut butter combo of your dreams—with the ease of a one-pan wonder—then this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is about to become your new obsession. Picture layers of silky chocolate pudding beneath a crumbly-rich chocolate cake, all crowned with gooey peanut butter chips and melty peanut butter cup chunks. Every bite is pure bliss, and the best part is you don’t need baking prowess or fancy equipment. With a few pantry staples and nearly zero fuss, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert everyone will adore.

Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of simple ingredients come together to create this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake. Each one is essential: from adding richness and moisture to amping up those classic chocolate and peanut butter flavors. Here’s why you don’t want to skip a thing:

Chocolate cake mix: The shortcut secret for a fluffy, decadent cake topping, no extra flour or sugar needed.
Milk: Whisks with pudding mix for a lusciously smooth base to keep everything moist.
Instant chocolate pudding mix: Adds extra chocolatey depth and a decadent gooey layer beneath the cake.
Peanut butter chips: These melt into sweet-salty pockets for that perfect nutty contrast in every bite.
Chopped peanut butter cups: The ultimate surprise—melty, creamy, and packed with peanut butter goodness.
Unsalted butter, melted: Drizzled on top for a golden, slightly crispy finish that brings it all together.
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream: The crowning touch for serving, making every warm bite irresistible.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or nonstick spray. This ensures your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake releases easily and keeps the edges beautifully soft—no sticking or hard crusts here!

Step 2: Whisk the Pudding Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk and instant chocolate pudding mix. In about two minutes, you’ll have a slightly thickened, creamy base. This will make your dump cake extra moist and chocolatey, so don’t skip the full whisking time!

Step 3: Spread the Pudding Layer

Pour the prepared pudding mixture evenly into your greased baking dish. It forms a luscious, semi-liquid base that will bubble up around the cake mix as it bakes, creating that signature gooey texture of Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake.

Step 4: Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix directly over the pudding layer—no mixing required! Just try to cover the pudding completely so it bakes up into a soft, fluffy cake without any dry spots.

Step 5: Sprinkle the Goodies

Evenly scatter the peanut butter chips and chopped peanut butter cups across the cake mix. These little treasures will melt into gooey, buttery pools of flavor that make each forkful nothing short of heavenly.

Step 6: Drizzle with Butter and Bake

Drizzle the melted butter gently and evenly across the whole surface. This helps the top get that crave-worthy crispy edge. Pop it all in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is set and the edges are bubbling.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Resist the temptation to dig in right away! Let your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake cool for 10 to 15 minutes. This lets everything set while still staying perfectly warm and gooey—just the way it should be.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

Garnishes

The right finishing touch makes every bite special. I love a big dollop of whipped cream or a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream—the cold and creamy contrast is irresistible. For extra wow, try a drizzle of warm peanut butter on top, or a sprinkle of crushed peanut butter cups for a show-stopping presentation.

Side Dishes

This rich dessert pairs beautifully with something refreshingly light. A simple fruit salad on the side or a fresh glass of cold milk works wonders. If you want to go bold, an iced coffee or chocolate milkshake will double down on the decadence.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake into a party centerpiece by serving it in individual ramekins or mason jars. For a fun touch at gatherings, let guests customize their slice with a sundae bar of toppings—think caramel sauce, chopped nuts, or even more mini peanut butter cups. Kids (and adults!) will love making theirs unique.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. The cake stays moist and delicious for up to four days—perfect for midnight snacks or lunchbox treats!

Freezing

Want to freeze some for later? No problem! Slice the cooled Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake and wrap pieces individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months and are ready to be enjoyed whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

To enjoy your leftovers warm, just pop a serving in the microwave for 15 to 30 seconds. If reheating a larger portion, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. Add ice cream after heating, of course!

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! While chocolate cake mix enhances the fudgy richness of Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake, you can switch to a yellow or devil’s food cake mix for a fun twist. Each option gives a slightly different (delicious) spin on the original.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free chocolate cake mix and make sure your pudding mix is gluten-free. The result is just as gooey and delicious—no one will know the difference.

What if I don’t have peanut butter chips?

If peanut butter chips aren’t handy, you can substitute with more chopped peanut butter cups, or even butterscotch chips for a new flavor angle. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your mix-ins!

How do I know when the dump cake is done?

Look for a set, slightly crispy top and bubbling sauce around the edges. A toothpick won’t come out clean (thanks to the gooey pudding layer), but the center should look set and not jiggly.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! You can double Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake and bake it in two pans or a single super-large dish if your oven allows. Just watch the baking time; you may need a few extra minutes due to the larger volume.

Final Thoughts

There’s something downright magical about baking up a Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake—the way it brings smiles and chocolatey, peanut-buttery joy with almost no effort at all. If you’ve never tried this heavenly dessert, go ahead and treat yourself. I promise it’ll be a new favorite in your recipe box!

Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate peanut butter and chocolate dessert with this simple yet decadent Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake. Layers of chocolate cake mix, chocolate pudding, peanut butter chips, and peanut butter cups, all baked to perfection for a rich and gooey treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Pudding Layer:

1 box (3.9 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups milk

Dry Ingredients:

1 box chocolate cake mix

Mix-Ins:

1 cup peanut butter chips
1 cup chopped peanut butter cups

Other:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix Pudding: Whisk milk and chocolate pudding mix until slightly thickened.
Layer: Pour pudding into baking dish, sprinkle cake mix on top, add peanut butter chips, peanut butter cups, and melted butter.
Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until set and slightly crispy.
Cool and Serve: Let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. Enjoy with whipped cream or ice cream.