This peanut butter cup dump cake is my absolute go-to dessert when I need something incredibly delicious but ridiculously easy to make. With just 4-5 simple ingredients that you literally “dump” into a pan and bake, you get a rich, fudgy chocolate cake loaded with melted peanut butter cups in every bite. I love how this recipe delivers maximum chocolate-peanut butter satisfaction with minimal effort – it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when unexpected guests drop by.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-50 minutes
- Serving Size: 12-16 servings
Why You’ll Love It
I’m completely obsessed with this peanut butter cup dump cake for so many incredible reasons:
- Super Simple: No mixer, no fancy techniques – just dump ingredients and bake
- Rich and Fudgy: The pudding mix creates an incredibly moist, dense texture that’s pure decadence
- Loaded with Peanut Butter Cups: Every bite has chunks of melted Reese’s for maximum flavor
- Perfect for Crowds: Makes a large 9×13 pan that feeds a crowd
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with different mix-ins and toppings
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Base Cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 1 box (3.4-3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1¾ cups whole milk
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
For the Mix-Ins
- 1½ cups mini peanut butter cups, chopped
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
For Serving (Optional)
- Whipped cream or Cool Whip
- Vanilla ice cream
- Extra chopped peanut butter cups for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 2: Create the Pudding Base
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk and instant chocolate pudding mix until smooth and well combined. Let it sit for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Add the chocolate cake mix to the pudding mixture and stir until fully combined. The batter will be very thick – this is exactly what you want for that fudgy texture.
Step 4: Incorporate the Peanut Butter
Stir in the creamy peanut butter until the batter is smooth and evenly mixed. If the mixture seems too thick, add an extra splash of milk.
Step 5: Fold in the Good Stuff
Gently fold in the chopped peanut butter cups and chocolate chips (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Dump and Spread
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. Don’t worry about making it perfect – rustic is beautiful.
Step 7: Bake to Fudgy Perfection
Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should look set but still slightly soft.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting. This allows it to set up properly and makes serving easier.
Serving Suggestions
This rich dump cake pairs beautifully with various accompaniments:
- Classic Style: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Decadent Option: Top with whipped cream and extra chopped peanut butter cups
- Coffee Pairing: Perfect with a strong cup of coffee to balance the sweetness
- Party Presentation: Cut into squares and serve on a dessert platter
Tips for Customization
Make this dump cake your own with these delicious variations:
- Double Peanut Butter: Use peanut butter cake mix instead of chocolate for extra PB flavor
- Different Candies: Try chopped Snickers, Butterfinger, or Kit Kat bars
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped peanuts or pecans for extra crunch
- Caramel Swirl: Drizzle caramel sauce over the batter before baking
- Healthier Version: Use sugar-free pudding mix and reduced-fat peanut butter
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 320-371 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 17g
- Sugar: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
FAQs
Can I make this without pudding mix?
The pudding mix is essential for the fudgy texture, but you can substitute with an extra ½ cup of milk and 2 beaten eggs for a more traditional cake texture.
How do I store leftover dump cake?
Store covered at room temperature for up to 5 days. The cake actually gets more moist and flavorful after the first day.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Regular creamy peanut butter works best as natural peanut butter can separate during baking. If using natural, make sure it’s well-stirred first.
Can I make this in a different size pan?
You can use two 8×8 pans and reduce baking time to 20-25 minutes, or make it in a bundt pan for 40-45 minutes.
Why is my dump cake too thick or too thin?
The batter should be very thick – this creates the fudgy texture. If it’s too thin, add more cake mix. If too thick, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time.
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(https://lifewithjanet.com/2025/02/17/peanut-butter-cup-dump-cake/)
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(https://www.umami.recipes/recipe/6Y19A5nWrrITnnauxO0J)
(https://www.kitchenmomy.com/peanut-butter-cup-dump-cake/)
(https://dailyeasymeals.com/peanut-butter-cup-dump-cake-delight/)
