Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the peanut butter cup dump cake! This dessert is a total game-changer in my kitchen, and it’s become a beloved family favorite. Imagine rich chocolate cake mingling with gooey peanut butter cups and melty chocolate chips. Seriously, it’s like a party in your mouth! The best part? It’s so easy to whip up. You just dump everything in the pan, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. No fuss, no complicated techniques, just pure, delightful indulgence. Trust me, when you serve this warm out of the oven, topped with a scoop of ice cream, you’ll be the hero of the day!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to bring your peanut butter cup dump cake to life:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup peanut butter cups, chopped (you can use any brand you like!)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet works best for that rich flavor)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (don’t forget to let it cool a bit before mixing!)
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole milk gives it that extra creaminess)
Make sure to measure everything accurately, as this will help you achieve that perfect texture and flavor. You’re going to love how easy this all comes together!
How to Prepare a Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making this delicious peanut butter cup dump cake! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a rich, chocolatey dessert that everyone will love. Ready? Let’s go!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key to getting that perfect bake!
- Next, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it up nice and well. Trust me, nobody wants their cake to stick!
- In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, 1 1/2 cups of milk, and the melted butter. Stir until everything is well mixed and smooth. It should look super chocolatey and inviting!
- Pour this luscious mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly, so it bakes up nice and evenly.
- Now for the fun part! Sprinkle the chopped peanut butter cups and chocolate chips generously on top of the batter. Go wild—more chocolate is always a good idea!
- Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. It’ll smell amazing, I promise!
- Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a bit before serving. I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but let it set for a few minutes to make cutting easier.
And there you have it! A simple, mouthwatering peanut butter cup dump cake that’s sure to impress. Can’t wait for you to try it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—just dump and bake!
- Rich, decadent flavors that combine chocolate and peanut butter in the best way possible.
- Perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to potlucks and parties.
- Serves a crowd—12 generous slices mean there’s plenty to go around!
- Versatile serving options; try it warm with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
- Leftovers (if you have any!) are just as delicious the next day—if they last that long!
- Customizable; feel free to add nuts or swap in different chocolate varieties for your own twist.
Tips for Success
To make sure your peanut butter cup dump cake turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite pro tips that I’ve learned along the way:
- Don’t skimp on greasing: Make sure your baking dish is well-greased to prevent any sticky situations. I usually use a mix of butter and flour or a good non-stick spray.
- Mix gently: When you’re combining the cake mix, milk, and melted butter, don’t overdo it. Just mix until everything is combined—overmixing can lead to a denser cake.
- Check your oven: Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. If it looks set and a toothpick comes out clean, it’s ready to go, even if it’s a bit under the recommended time.
- Let it cool: I know it’s hard to wait, but letting the cake cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving helps it set and makes cutting easier. Plus, it’s a great time to whip up some ice cream if you’re feeling fancy!
- Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative! A sprinkle of sea salt on top right before serving can enhance those chocolate and peanut butter flavors. Or try adding whipped cream or crushed peanuts for an extra crunch!
- Keep an eye on the chocolate chips: If you like a gooey texture, don’t be afraid to sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top just before baking. They’ll melt beautifully and make every bite divine!
- Store properly: If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay delicious for a couple of days!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be ready to whip up the best peanut butter cup dump cake ever. Happy baking!
Variations
One of the best things about this peanut butter cup dump cake is how adaptable it is! Here are some fun variations to take your dessert to the next level:
- Different Chocolate Types: Swap out the chocolate cake mix for a chocolate fudge or dark chocolate mix for an even richer flavor. You could also use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a fun twist!
- Nutty Goodness: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. They pair perfectly with the soft cake and creamy peanut butter. Just sprinkle them on top along with the chocolate chips!
- Peanut Butter Swirl: For an extra peanut butter punch, swirl some creamy peanut butter into the batter before baking. Just drop spoonfuls on top and use a knife to create swirls. Yum!
- Fruit Addition: Toss in some sliced bananas or strawberries before baking for a fruity flavor that complements the chocolate and peanut butter beautifully. Just be careful not to add too much moisture!
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle some caramel sauce on top right before serving for an indulgent treat. The sweet and salty combo with peanut butter is out of this world!
- Brownie Base: For a denser, fudgier cake, mix brownie batter instead of cake mix. You’ll get a rich, gooey texture that chocolate lovers will adore!
- Mini Dump Cakes: Want to impress your friends? Use individual ramekins to make mini dump cakes! Layer the ingredients as you would in the larger baking dish and bake for a shorter time. Perfect for portion control!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your own perfect version of this peanut butter cup dump cake. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to try them out!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk about how to keep your peanut butter cup dump cake fresh and delicious, even after it’s been baked! I mean, if you have any leftovers, that is. But just in case, here’s what you need to know:
- Storing Leftovers: If you’re lucky enough to have some cake left, let it cool completely before storing. Then, pop it into an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 2-3 days. If you want it to last a bit longer, you can refrigerate it, but I recommend enjoying it at room temperature for the best texture!
- Freezing for Later: Want to save some for a rainy day? You can freeze your peanut butter cup dump cake! Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just make sure to label it, so you don’t forget about that chocolatey goodness!
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy a slice (or two!), simply take it out of the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. For a quick reheat, pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until it’s warmed through. If you’ve got a bit more time, you can also reheat individual slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. I love to serve it warm, especially with a scoop of ice cream melting right on top. Pure bliss!
With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor your peanut butter cup dump cake long after it’s made. Enjoy every last bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional info for our delicious peanut butter cup dump cake. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, consider this an estimate to help you enjoy your dessert while keeping an eye on your nutrition!
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Remember, this indulgent treat is meant to be enjoyed, so don’t stress too much about the numbers—just savor every rich, chocolatey, peanut buttery bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! While chocolate cake mix is my favorite for this peanut butter cup dump cake, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla or even a fun red velvet mix. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change a bit, but it’s all about what you love!
How do I know when my cake is done?
Great question! You’ll want to keep an eye on it and start checking around the 30-minute mark. If a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, it’s ready to come out of the oven. Remember, it’ll continue to cook a little as it cools!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This peanut butter cup dump cake is perfect for making in advance. Just bake it, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container. It stays delicious for a few days, and you can reheat individual slices whenever you’re ready to enjoy!
What if I don’t have peanut butter cups?
No problem at all! You can substitute with any other chocolate candies you have on hand, like Reese’s Pieces, M&M’s, or even chopped chocolate bars. Just keep that peanut butter flavor in mind, as it’s a big part of what makes this dessert so dreamy!
Can I add more peanut butter?
Yes, yes, yes! If you’re a peanut butter lover like me, feel free to swirl in some creamy or crunchy peanut butter into the batter before baking. Just drop spoonfuls on top and swirl it in to create those delicious pockets of peanut butter goodness!
Is this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of this peanut butter cup dump cake, you can use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Just double-check the other ingredients to make sure they’re also gluten-free, and you’ll be good to go!
Can I serve this cake cold?
Of course! While I love it warm with a scoop of ice cream, serving it cold is just as tasty. The flavors will still be incredible, and it makes for a delightful treat on a hot day!
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake: 7 Sweet Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and easy peanut butter cup dump cake that combines chocolate cake mix, peanut butter cups, and chocolate chips.
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup peanut butter cups, chopped
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, milk, and melted butter.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups and chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with ice cream for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: peanut butter cup dump cake
