Peanut butter and chocolate lovers, rejoice! The Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate cake with gooey peanut butter and crunchy peanut butter cups. It’s an easy-to-make treat that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this cake will leave your taste buds singing and your friends asking for seconds.
Why Make This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is the epitome of simplicity and scrumptiousness. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a dessert that feels indulgent yet effortless. The combination of moist chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter, and sweet peanut butter cups creates a symphony of flavors that is sure to please everyone. Plus, it’s perfect for those busy days when you crave something sweet but don’t have time for a complicated recipe. Each bite offers a warm, comforting experience that is impossible to resist.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Creating this delicious cake is as simple as dumping and mixing! You start by blending chocolate cake mix with melted butter and water or milk, which forms a rich batter. After pouring half of it into a baking dish, you’ll add a generous layer of chopped peanut butter cups followed by a drizzle of creamy peanut butter. Topping it with the rest of the batter and baking it transforms the mixture into a heavenly dessert. It’s that easy!
Ingredients:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup peanut butter cups, chopped
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup water or milk (depending on cake mix instructions)
- Optional: whipped cream or ice cream for serving
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and water or milk. Stir until just combined; do not overmix to maintain that lovely, fluffy texture.
- Pour half of the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the chopped peanut butter cups over the batter, ensuring even distribution to get that delightful peanut butter flavor in every bite.
- Drizzle the creamy peanut butter over the peanut butter cups; this adds a rich, gooey layer that enhances the overall flavor.
- Pour the remaining batter on top and spread it evenly for a smooth finish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean—this will leave you with a moist cake.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or ice cream for that extra indulgence.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (assuming 12 servings):
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 37g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 5g
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Serve this heavenly dump cake warm to enjoy its gooey texture fully. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, which adds a light and creamy touch to the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors. For special occasions, consider drizzling extra melted chocolate or caramel sauce on top for an eye-catching presentation.
How to Store Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
To store any leftovers (if you have any!), let the cake cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic and then placed in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat in the microwave for a quick treat!
Expert Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
- Ensure your chocolate cake mix is fresh for the best rising. Check the expiration date before using it.
- If you want a stronger peanut taste, use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy for extra texture.
- For those who are not fond of chocolate, you can swap it with a vanilla cake mix and add crushed Oreos or different candy bar pieces for a similar effect.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens may vary. The cake is done when the top is firm and a toothpick comes out clean.
Delicious Variations
- Nutty Chocolate Chip: Add a cup of chocolate chips along with the peanut butter cups for an extra chocolatey delight.
- S’mores style: Layer crushed graham crackers on top after adding peanut butter cups and before pouring the remaining batter for a s’mores-inspired dessert.
- Banana Peanut Butter: Mix in mashed bananas with the batter for added moisture and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Variation: Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix to make a gluten-free version that everyone can enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and layer it as instructed, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it into the oven.
How can I make it more chocolatey?
Consider adding chocolate chips or using dark chocolate cake mix for a richer chocolate flavor. Pairing the chocolate cake with a chocolate peanut butter cup can also deepen the chocolate experience.
What can I substitute if I don’t have peanut butter cups?
You can use any chopped chocolate candy bar, like Snickers or Reese’s Pieces, or even add some crushed Oreos for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
The Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a quick and amazing dessert that brings joy at any gathering. With its rich flavors and gooey texture, it’s a sure crowd-pleaser that requires little effort. So why not give it a try? Dive into the world of baking and enjoy creating this delicious treat! Don’t forget to share your delicious results and let us know how much everyone loved it! Happy baking!