Peanut Butter Cup Cake

This decadent peanut butter cup dump cake transforms simple pantry staples into a mouthwatering dessert that satisfies both chocolate and peanut butter cravings in one irresistible dish. The magic happens when the cake mix creates a perfect crust while hiding gooey chocolate pudding beneath.

I first created this recipe for my son's birthday when I was short on time but needed something impressive. The look on everyone's faces when they took their first bite was priceless, and now it's requested at nearly every family gathering.

Ingredients

• Chocolate cake mix: provides the perfect cakey top layer and saves time since it already contains flour, sugar and leavening agents
• Instant chocolate pudding mix: creates a rich gooey bottom layer that contrasts beautifully with the cake
• Whole milk: gives the pudding the ideal creamy texture avoid using lowfat varieties
• Creamy peanut butter: use a commercial brand like Jif or Skippy for best results as natural versions can separate
• Butter: adds richness and helps create the crust when baked
• Mini peanut butter cups (chopped): these create pockets of peanut butter goodness throughout
• Milk chocolate chips: melt slightly during baking creating additional fudgy texture
• Chopped peanuts: optional but recommended for textural contrast
• Whipped cream or ice cream: the cool creaminess balances the warm richness of the cake

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Turn your oven to 350°F and give it plenty of time to reach temperature. While waiting, grab a 9×13 baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. Make sure to coat the corners where cake tends to stick most.

Prepare the Pudding Layer:

In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate pudding mix and whole milk. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until no lumps remain. Allow the mixture to sit for about 3 minutes as it will thicken slightly. The pudding should have a pourable consistency but not be fully set.

Add the Pudding to the Dish:

Pour the prepared pudding into your greased baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom. Try to create a level surface as this forms the foundation of your dump cake.

Add the Cake Mix:

Take the dry chocolate cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the pudding layer. Use your hands or a dry measuring cup to ensure even distribution. Be methodical, working from one end of the pan to the other for consistent coverage.

Drizzle with Butter and Peanut Butter:

Melt your peanut butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds until pourable. Then drizzle both the melted peanut butter and melted butter over the dry cake mix surface. Using a butter knife, create gentle swirls in the top layer. The goal is to moisten the cake mix without fully incorporating it into the pudding.

Top with Peanut Butter Cups and Chocolate Chips:

Scatter the chopped peanut butter cups and chocolate chips evenly across the surface. Gently press them into the batter just slightly so they dont roll off during baking. If using chopped peanuts, sprinkle them on top for an additional layer of crunch.

Bake:

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The edges should look set with slight cracking, while the center remains slightly gooey. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the remaining bake time.

Serve:

Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes before serving. This cooling period helps the layers set slightly while still maintaining that wonderful warm gooey texture. Top each portion with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is watching the transformation that happens in the oven. What starts as separate layers magically melds into this incredible symphony of textures. My grandmother always said a good dessert should make people close their eyes when they take the first bite this one definitely achieves that.

Storage and Reheating

This dump cake keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. The texture will become more uniform as it sits, with the pudding layer soaking into the cake. To reheat individual portions, microwave for 20 to 30 seconds until just warm. If you prefer to maintain some of the textural contrast, try reheating at 50% power.

Creative Variations

The beauty of dump cakes lies in their adaptability. Try using white chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a different flavor profile. For a festive holiday version, add a layer of crushed candy canes on top during the last 5 minutes of baking. You can also experiment with different cake mix flavors yellow cake with chocolate pudding creates a wonderful reverse combination that highlights the peanut butter even more.

Making It Ahead

For potlucks or dinner parties, prepare everything up to the baking step, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding about 5 extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled ingredients. This make ahead option actually allows the flavors to meld even better.

Serving Suggestions

This decadent dessert stands beautifully on its own, but becomes even more impressive when served as part of a dessert bar. Try pairing small portions with fresh berries for color contrast and a bright flavor counterpoint. For an elevated presentation, serve warm slices in shallow bowls, topped with vanilla bean ice cream and a light drizzle of warm peanut butter sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture, though the creamy variety ensures a smoother swirl in the cake.

→ Can I substitute the milk chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can use dark or white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.

→ How do I store leftover cake?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I omit the chopped peanuts?

Yes, the chopped peanuts are optional and can be omitted for a smoother texture or if there are nut allergies.

→ Should I serve this warm or chilled?

This cake is best served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.