Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is the ultimate dessert for those who crave the delicious combination of chocolate and peanut butter. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, a potluck, or a special treat for yourself. The simplicity of this cake makes it accessible even for beginner bakers, yet its rich flavor profile is sure to impress anyone who tastes it. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a warm, gooey, and indulgent dessert ready to be devoured in no time.

The cake is made with a chocolate cake mix, combined with evaporated milk and butter to create a decadent, fudgy base. The star of the show, of course, is the mini peanut butter cups, which are scattered throughout the batter, melting into a gooey, peanut buttery delight. Once baked, this cake is golden brown with pockets of melty peanut butter cups throughout, making each bite a perfect combination of sweet and salty. It’s a dessert that everyone will love, and it’s so easy that it might just become your go-to for last-minute gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple and Quick

This dessert comes together in just a few steps and takes very little time to prepare, making it a great option when you’re short on time but want something impressive.

2. Rich Flavor

The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is always a winner. The mini peanut butter cups melt into the cake, creating a rich, indulgent flavor in every bite.

3. Perfect Texture

With a fudgy and moist cake texture, every bite is soft and full of flavor, with pockets of melted peanut butter that add a delightful surprise.

4. Minimal Ingredients

You only need a few ingredients to make this dessert, making it affordable and convenient without sacrificing flavor.

5. Crowd-Pleasing

Whether you’re hosting a party or bringing dessert to a gathering, this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake will be a hit with everyone who loves chocolate and peanut butter.

Ingredients

• Chocolate cake mix
• Evaporated milk
• Butter
• Mini peanut butter cups

Variations

• Add Nuts: For a little crunch, add chopped peanuts or walnuts on top of the batter before baking.
• Use Different Cake Mix: If you prefer, you can swap the chocolate cake mix for a vanilla or yellow cake mix for a different flavor base.
• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some chocolate chips along with the peanut butter cups for an extra dose of chocolatey goodness.
• Drizzle with Peanut Butter: After baking, drizzle some melted peanut butter over the top of the cake for added peanut butter flavor.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the cake from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, evaporated milk, and melted butter. Stir until the ingredients are well combined and you have a smooth batter.

Step 3: Add the First Layer

Spread half of the cake batter into the greased baking dish, smoothing it out to cover the bottom evenly.

Step 4: Add Peanut Butter Cups

Unwrap the mini peanut butter cups and place them evenly over the cake batter. You can arrange them in rows or scatter them randomly for a fun surprise in each bite.

Step 5: Add the Remaining Batter

Pour the remaining cake batter over the top of the peanut butter cups, spreading it out carefully to cover them.

Step 6: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top and slightly set.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the dump cake to cool for a few minutes before serving. It will be gooey and warm, with melted peanut butter cups inside that create pockets of deliciousness.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overmix: When mixing the batter, make sure not to overmix, as it can make the cake dense. Just stir until the ingredients are incorporated.
• Check Doneness: Keep an eye on the cake in the final minutes of baking. Every oven is different, so a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, not wet.
• Cool Before Serving: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving to give the chocolate and peanut butter time to set, making it easier to cut and serve.

How to Serve

Serve this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors make it perfect for pairing with a cold drink, like milk or coffee. It’s also delicious on its own as a decadent treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to enjoy the cake warm again.

Freezing

You can freeze this dump cake for up to 2-3 months. Make sure it’s completely cooled before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven for 10-15 minutes at 350°F.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore its warm, gooey texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different kind of chocolate cake mix?

Yes! You can use a different flavor of cake mix, such as a vanilla or red velvet cake mix, for a different taste.

2. Can I use regular peanut butter cups instead of mini ones?

You can use regular-sized peanut butter cups, but be sure to cut them into smaller pieces so they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

3. Can I add more peanut butter?

Yes, feel free to add more peanut butter cups or drizzle melted peanut butter over the top of the cake for an extra peanut butter kick.

4. Can I make this dump cake without the evaporated milk?

If you don’t have evaporated milk, you can substitute it with regular milk or heavy cream for a slightly different texture.

5. Can I use a different kind of nut?

Yes, if you prefer, you can use other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or cashews in place of the peanut butter cups for a different flavor profile.

6. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the cake in advance and store it in the fridge for a day or two before baking. Just follow the instructions as usual when ready to bake.

7. Can I make this recipe without butter?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the butter with vegetable oil or a non-dairy butter alternative.

8. What if my cake is too gooey in the center?

If your cake is undercooked in the center, return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes and check the doneness again.

9. Can I use chocolate chips instead of a cake mix?

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use a homemade cake batter or brownie mix and add chocolate chips for an even richer flavor.

10. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix to make this dessert gluten-free.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a fun, easy, and delicious dessert that combines the irresistible flavors of chocolate and peanut butter. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a rich, gooey cake that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it as a comforting treat on your own, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. So go ahead, make it, and prepare to indulge in the most decadent chocolate-peanut butter goodness you’ve ever tasted!

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