Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Rich, gooey, and utterly indulgent, the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a dessert that brings joy to any gathering. Perfect for parties or family get-togethers, this cake combines layers of creamy peanut butter and chocolate cake mix topped with delightful peanut butter cups. It’s easy to prepare and sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This dump cake requires minimal effort with no mixing of batter, just layering ingredients.
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and candy cups creates an irresistible taste.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm with whipped cream or cold with vanilla ice cream—either way, it’s delicious!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a cozy family dinner, this dessert fits right in.
- Crowd-Pleasing Delight: With its rich flavors, it’s sure to impress friends and family at gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake a breeze. Gather your equipment before you start for an efficient baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 23×33 cm (9×13-inch) baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Rubber spatula
- Oven mitts
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking Dish: A good-quality baking dish ensures even cooking and easy serving of your dump cake.
- Rubber Spatula: Ideal for spreading layers evenly without damaging them during assembly.
- Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements guarantee consistent results every time you bake.

Ingredients
Rich, gooey chocolate and peanut butter layers blend with candy cups for a decadent dessert everyone loves.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1.5 cups chopped peanut butter cups, plus extra for garnish
– 1 can (400 g) sweetened condensed milk
– 1 box (432 g) chocolate cake mix, dry
– 115 g unsalted butter, melted
– 175 g milk chocolate chips
– Optional: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease your baking dish with some butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Spread the Peanut Butter Layer
Spread the creamy peanut butter evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This creates a delicious base layer that blends beautifully with other ingredients.
Step 3: Add Candy Cups
Sprinkle half of the chopped peanut butter cups over the peanut butter layer. This adds texture and flavor that will melt into the cake as it bakes.
Step 4: Pour in Sweetened Condensed Milk
Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the candy layer. This will help bind everything together while adding sweetness.
Step 5: Layer on Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the top. Do not mix; this will allow for that signature dump cake texture as it bakes.
Step 6: Drizzle Melted Butter
Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, trying to cover as much surface area as possible. This helps create a crispy topping.
Step 7: Add Chocolate Chips and Remaining Candy Cups
Sprinkle the milk chocolate chips and remaining chopped peanut butter cups over everything on top for that extra indulgence.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for about 35–40 minutes or until the top is bubbly and slightly crisp. Keep an eye on it towards the end!
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake to cool for about 10–15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, topped with optional whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Serving Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is all about enhancing its rich flavors and textures. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.
Pair with Whipped Cream
- Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a creamy contrast to the rich chocolate and peanut butter layers.
Add Vanilla Ice Cream
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delicious temperature contrast and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dump cake.
Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce
- A warm drizzle of chocolate sauce over the top makes for an indulgent treat that chocolate lovers will adore.
Garnish with Extra Peanut Butter Cups
- Sprinkle additional chopped peanut butter cups on top for an extra crunch and visual appeal, making each bite even more satisfying.
Serve with Fresh Berries
- Fresh raspberries or strawberries offer a tangy counterbalance to the sweetness, creating a well-rounded dessert plate.
Enjoy with Coffee or Milk
- A warm slice pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk, complementing the dessert’s flavors beautifully.
How to Perfect Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
To ensure your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake turns out perfectly, follow these helpful tips for best results.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Allow your peanut butter and eggs (if using) to reach room temperature for better mixing and texture.
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Don’t Overmix – When layering the ingredients, avoid mixing them together; this allows for distinct layers that create unique textures in each bite.
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Check Doneness Carefully – Keep an eye on baking time; you want the top to be bubbly but not burnt. A toothpick should come out slightly moist when inserted into the center.
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Let It Cool – Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. This helps set the layers and makes it easier to slice.
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Experiment with Toppings – Feel free to get creative with toppings like crushed nuts or drizzles of caramel sauce for added flavor and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a decadent dessert that pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.
- Fruit Salad – A mix of fresh fruits provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the cake.
- Chocolate Pudding – Serve alongside creamy chocolate pudding for an extra chocolate fix.
- Cheesecake Bites – Mini cheesecake bites add a tangy contrast that complements the sweet dump cake.
- Peanut Butter Cookies – For true peanut butter enthusiasts, pair it with soft peanut butter cookies for double the flavor.
- S’mores Dip – A warm s’mores dip can be fun for dipping pieces of cake into, adding texture and flavor variety.
- Coconut Macaroons – Chewy coconut macaroons offer a delightful chewy contrast while enhancing dessert richness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is easy, but a few common mistakes can affect the final result.
- Skipping the greasing step: Always grease your baking dish. This helps prevent sticking and makes serving easier.
- Overmixing the layers: Do not mix the layers after adding them to the dish. Keeping them separate creates delightful textures in the finished cake.
- Not letting it cool: Allow the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and enhances flavors.
- Using cold ingredients: Make sure your butter is melted and peanut butter is at room temperature. This ensures even mixing and better texture.
- Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on your cake during baking. Every oven is different, and overbaking can lead to a dry cake.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- The Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
- Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 175°C (350°F) and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions for about 30 seconds or until warm, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid to warm evenly without drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, using crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture to your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake, enhancing its appeal.
What can I substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
You can use full-fat coconut milk combined with sugar as a dairy-free alternative that works well in this recipe.
How do I customize my Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake?
Feel free to add different types of chocolate chips or mix in nuts for added flavor and crunch!
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day before and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
The Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is an irresistible treat that combines rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter flavors in one gooey dessert. Its versatility allows for endless customization options, from adding different chocolates to incorporating nuts. Give this recipe a try at your next gathering; it’s sure to impress everyone!
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Indulge in the delightful Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake, a dessert that effortlessly combines rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter for a truly satisfying treat. This cake is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or simply as a sweet escape after a long day. With minimal preparation time and no mixing required, this easy dump cake recipe features layers of luscious peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, and decadent chocolate cake mix topped with crunchy peanut butter cups. Whether served warm with whipped cream or cold alongside vanilla ice cream, it’s sure to become a favorite for both kids and adults alike!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 people 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1.5 cups chopped peanut butter cups, plus extra for garnish
- 1 can (400 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 box (432 g) chocolate cake mix, dry
- 115 g unsalted butter, melted
- 175 g milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread creamy peanut butter evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Layer half of the chopped peanut butter cups over the peanut butter.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk over the candy layer.
- Evenly sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix on top without mixing.
- Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix to cover it as much as possible.
- Top with remaining chocolate chips and chopped peanut butter cups.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until bubbly and slightly crisp on top.
- Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 398
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
