Imagine a world where a rich, decadent dessert requires almost no effort. That’s the magic of this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake. It’s a wonderfully simple recipe that combines the irresistible duo of chocolate and peanut butter in a warm, gooey cake that practically makes itself. If you’re looking for a last-minute dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, you’ve found it.
This dessert is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a cozy night in. We’re talking minimal prep, five simple ingredients, and a result that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Let’s dive in and make the easiest, most delicious cake you’ve ever tried.
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
- Incredibly Easy: With just 5 minutes of prep time, it’s the definition of a low-effort, high-reward dessert.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need five common pantry staples to create this masterpiece.
- Perfectly Rich & Gooey: The combination of melted peanut butter cups and moist chocolate cake is pure comfort food.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe is always a hit with both kids and adults. It’s the perfect easy treat for any occasion.
What is a Dump Cake?
A dump cake gets its name from the preparation method. You literally “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish without any mixing. Typically, this involves a layer of fruit or filling, followed by a dry cake mix, and then topped with melted butter. The butter melts down, combines with the cake mix, and creates a delicious, cobbler-like topping. Our version swaps fruit for rich, chocolatey peanut butter cups for an even more decadent twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chocolate Cake Mix: One standard box of devil’s food or chocolate fudge cake mix is the perfect base.
- Peanut Butter Cups: The star of the show! You’ll need about two cups of chopped peanut butter cups.
- Butter: Salted butter, melted, creates the rich, gooey topping.
- Milk: Whole milk helps bring everything together, ensuring a moist cake.
- Chocolate Chips: A handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips adds an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Making this cake is as simple as 1-2-3. Just layer and bake!
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer the Candy: Spread the chopped peanut butter cups evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top.
- Add the Cake Mix: Pour the dry chocolate cake mix directly over the candy layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, but do not mix.
- Pour the Liquids: Gently pour the milk over the cake mix, followed by the melted butter. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is set and the edges are bubbly. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. It’s best served warm, maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Tips for the Best Dump Cake
This recipe is nearly foolproof, but a few tips can make it even better.
- Don’t Mix: Resist the urge to stir the ingredients! The layers are essential for creating the perfect texture.
- Even Topping: Ensure the melted butter is drizzled as evenly as possible over the cake mix for a consistent, delicious crust.
- Use Quality Candy: The better the peanut butter cups, the better the final cake will taste. For another amazing dessert check out these German Chocolate Brownies.
Variations and Substitutions
Want to mix things up? This recipe is incredibly versatile.
- Different Cake Mix: Try a yellow cake mix for a lighter flavor or a brownie mix for an even fudgier result. A great alternative is our Turtle Poke Cake.
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle a cup of chopped peanuts or pecans over the candy layer for a satisfying crunch.
- Try Other Candies: Feel free to substitute other chopped candy bars like Snickers or Milky Way.
How to Store and Reheat
Store any leftover Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can enjoy it cold or reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds until warm and gooey again. For a quick and easy breakfast idea, check out our Crockpot Breakfast Casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can adapt this for a slow cooker. Layer the ingredients as instructed in a greased slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2 hours, until the top is set.
Absolutely! While chocolate fudge or devil’s food is classic, you can easily substitute it with a yellow, white, or even a brownie mix for a different flavor profile.
Any brand of chocolate peanut butter cups will work perfectly in this recipe. You can also chop up other favorite candy bars like Snickers, Twix, or Milky Way for a fun variation.
The dump cake is ready when the top is set and the edges are bubbling. The center will be soft and gooey, which is exactly what you want!
Yes, for the best results, you should use melted butter. Pouring melted butter over the dry cake mix ensures it bakes into an even, cobbler-like topping.
More Decadent Desserts You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this simple yet stunning dessert, you’ll love exploring some of our other favorites. For a cheesecake with a twist, try our Caramel Brownie Cheesecake. And if you’re a fan of no-bake treats, these No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Clusters are a must-try.
The Ultimate Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake: The Easiest Dessert You’ll Ever Make
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the chopped peanut butter cups evenly across the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top.
- Pour the dry chocolate cake mix over the candy layer and spread evenly. Do not mix.
- Gently pour the milk over the cake mix, followed by the melted butter, covering as much of the surface as possible.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is set and the edges are bubbly. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Share Your Creation!
We love seeing your take on our recipes! If you make this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake, be sure to snap a photo and share it with us on Pinterest. Your feedback and creations inspire us!
