Heavenly Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Dump Cake

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If you’re a fan of the irresistible combination of chocolate and peanut butter, this Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Dump Cake is about to become your new go-to dessert! This easy, no-fuss recipe delivers a gooey, indulgent treat that’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in. With layers of rich chocolate pudding, creamy peanut butter swirls, and chunks of peanut butter cups, all topped with a moist chocolate cake, this dessert is as simple to make as it is delicious. No mixing bowls required—just “dump” the ingredients, bake, and enjoy! Let’s dive into this decadent delight.

Ingredients (Serves 12–15)

• 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix (any brand, though devil’s food cake adds extra richness)
• 1 (3.9 oz) package instant chocolate pudding mix
• 2 cups cold whole milk (2% works too for a slightly lighter texture)
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter (use natural peanut butter for a less sweet, nuttier flavor)
• 1 (10–12 oz) bag mini peanut butter cups, roughly chopped (about 1½–2 cups)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• Optional: ¼ cup chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for extra texture
• Cooking spray or butter for greasing the pan

Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Small microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)
• Knife and cutting board (for chopping peanut butter cups)

Preparation Time

• Prep: 10 minutes
• Bake: 35–40 minutes
• Total: About 50 minutes

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter to prevent sticking. This ensures your dump cake slides out easily for serving.
2. Create the Pudding Base: In the greased baking dish, combine the instant chocolate pudding mix with 2 cups of cold milk. Whisk gently for about 1–2 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken slightly, but don’t let it set completely. The pudding acts as the moist, creamy foundation of this dessert, so aim for a smooth, velvety consistency.
3. Add the Peanut Butter Swirl: Spoon the peanut butter into the pudding mixture in small dollops across the surface. Using a butter knife or the tip of a spoon, gently swirl the peanut butter into the pudding to create ribbons of nutty flavor. Avoid overmixing—you want distinct pockets of peanut butter for that delightful burst of flavor in every bite.
4. Layer the Cake Mix: Open your box of chocolate cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the pudding and peanut butter layer. No need to mix or prepare the cake mix beforehand—just pour it straight from the box! Spread it out with a spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure an even layer, as this will form the cake-like top of your dessert.
5. Top with Peanut Butter Cups: Scatter the chopped mini peanut butter cups generously over the dry cake mix. These little nuggets of chocolate-peanut butter goodness will melt slightly during baking, creating gooey pockets of flavor that make this dump cake irresistible.
6. Drizzle the Butter: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl (about 30–45 seconds on high, stirring halfway). Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the entire surface of the cake mix, aiming for as much coverage as possible. The butter soaks into the dry mix, helping it bake into a moist, cakey texture. If some spots look dry, don’t worry—they’ll still bake up deliciously.
7. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is set, slightly crisp, and the edges are bubbly. You’ll know it’s done when the center feels firm but still slightly soft, and the aroma of chocolate and peanut butter fills your kitchen. If you’re unsure, insert a toothpick into the cake layer; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool and Serve: Let the dump cake cool for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to settle. Serve warm for maximum gooeyness, or let it cool completely if you prefer a firmer texture. Scoop it into bowls or cut it into squares, and consider adding a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an extra touch of decadence.

Serving Suggestions

This dump cake is a crowd-pleaser on its own, but you can elevate it with these ideas:

• Ice Cream Pairing: A scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or peanut butter ice cream complements the warm cake perfectly.
• Whipped Cream: A swirl of homemade or store-bought whipped cream adds a light, creamy contrast.
• Garnishes: Sprinkle crushed peanuts, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of powdered sugar for visual appeal.
• Hot Fudge: Drizzle warm hot fudge or caramel sauce over each serving for an over-the-top treat.

Tips for Success

• Even Butter Distribution: To avoid dry patches, try tilting the pan slightly after drizzling the butter to help it spread.
• Peanut Butter Cups: If you don’t have mini peanut butter cups, chop up full-sized ones or use peanut butter chips for a similar effect.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to restore the gooey texture.
• Freezing: This cake freezes well! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Variations to Try

• Triple Chocolate: Swap the chocolate cake mix for a triple chocolate or fudge variety, and add ¼ cup chocolate chips to the topping.
• Salted Caramel Twist: Drizzle caramel sauce over the peanut butter cups before baking, and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt for a sweet-salty combo.
• Nut-Free Option: Replace peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter, and use nut-free chocolate candies instead of peanut butter cups.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure your pudding mix and peanut butter cups are gluten-free certified.
• Less Sweet: Cut the peanut butter cups to 1 cup and use a dark chocolate cake mix for a more balanced flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Dump Cake is the ultimate dessert for busy bakers or anyone craving a sweet escape without the hassle. The “dump” method means no mixing bowls, no complicated steps, and minimal cleanup. The combination of creamy pudding, nutty peanut butter, and melty peanut butter cups creates a symphony of flavors that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Plus, it’s versatile enough for casual weeknight desserts or festive occasions like birthdays or holiday potlucks.

A Personal Touch

I’ve always been a sucker for chocolate and peanut butter, and this dump cake is my kind of comfort food. It reminds me of late-night baking sessions with friends, where we’d throw together whatever we had in the pantry and end up with something magical. This recipe is forgiving, fun, and guaranteed to bring smiles—whether you’re serving it to kids, guests, or just treating yourself after a long day.

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