Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

This peanut butter cup dump cake is unbelievably easy and loaded with a fudgy chocolate base, swirls of creamy peanut butter, and melty peanut butter cups. You just scatter the layers in a pan and bake – no fuss, just pure gooey goodness that is always the star at any gathering or when a chocolate craving strikes at midnight.

I first made this cake for a birthday and it disappeared so quickly that now it is my regular quick dessert for any celebration. It is always a hit with adults and kids.

Ingredients

• Creamy peanut butter: gives a rich nutty base and spreads easily for even layers
• Chopped peanut butter cups: add melty chocolate bits and a surprise in every bite pick your favorite brand for best flavor
• Sweetened condensed milk: creates a gooey luscious texture
• Chocolate cake mix: provides instant chocolate cake flavor with minimal effort look for a moist style mix
• Unsalted butter: melted adds richness and helps keep the cake soft
• Milk chocolate chips: melt into the cake for extra gooeyness use good quality chips for better melt
• Optional whipped cream or vanilla ice cream: makes serving extra special
• Choose fresh peanut butter and the freshest peanut butter cups for the best taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Baking Dish:

Grease your nine by thirteen inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or a little non stick spray to prevent sticking and to help the base cook evenly

Layer the Peanut Butter:

Dollop the creamy peanut butter all across the base and spread it out gently using a rubber spatula or an offset spatula to cover the bottom completely

Scatter the Peanut Butter Cups:

Sprinkle half of your chopped peanut butter cups over the peanut butter layer so they are scattered evenly for melty chocolate in every portion

Add Sweetened Condensed Milk:

Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk slowly over the peanut butter cups. This soaks down and makes the cake ultra gooey and decadent

Top with Cake Mix:

Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix straight from the box all over the top. Do not stir or mix. This creates a cobbler like topping with its own structure

Add Butter:

Pour the melted unsalted butter as evenly as possible over the dry cake mix so every bit of cake mix gets some. The buttery spots brown up beautifully

Finish with Toppings:

Scatter the milk chocolate chips and the remaining peanut butter cups across the top. Try to cover all corners for chocolatiness in every bite

Bake:

Place the pan in a three hundred fifty degree oven for thirty five to forty minutes. The top should look bubbly and a little crispy but the inside will stay soft

Cool and Serve:

Let the cake cool for ten to fifteen minutes so it settles and the layers set a bit. Scoop out while still warm for gooeyness. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert

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This cake reminds me of my grandma who adored anything chocolate and peanut butter. I love how the peanut butter cups get all melty at the edges – we always fought over that gooey part in my house.

Storage Tips

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container. You can store it at room temperature for three days but refrigerate for up to a week if you want to keep the texture fudgy. To reheat, a few seconds in the microwave brings back the gooey factor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want a nut free version try using sunflower seed butter and chopped allergy safe chocolate candy. For a stronger peanut flavor use crunchy peanut butter to add tiny bits of nut throughout or swap in chocolate peanut butter chips for half the chocolate chips on top. Gluten free chocolate cake mix also works for a gluten friendly dessert.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dessert warm with cold vanilla ice cream for classic contrast or sprinkle with a little sea salt for a sweet and salty combo. For parties, scoop into individual bowls and add an extra peanut butter cup on top for a special touch.

History Behind Dump Cakes

Dump cakes have been part of American potluck culture for decades because they are a shortcut to delicious dessert with pantry staples. The technique of layering rather than mixing saves time and lets each ingredient shine in its own way which is why these cakes have become a comfort classic.

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Common Questions

→ Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter works well and adds extra texture to the dessert.

→ Is it okay to substitute other candies for peanut butter cups?

Absolutely. Try using chopped Reese's Pieces, mini peanut butter cups, or your favorite chocolate candies for variety.

→ Do I need to mix the cake mix with other ingredients first?

No mixing is needed; just sprinkle the dry cake mix over the layers and drizzle melted butter on top for even baking.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Place leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

→ Can this dessert be made ahead of time?

Yes, bake in advance, let it cool, and reheat individual servings as needed. It's delicious warm or at room temperature.

→ What allergens should I be aware of?

This treat contains peanuts, milk, wheat (gluten), and soy. Always check labels for specific allergen details.