If you adore the heavenly combo of chocolate and peanut butter, then this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s an incredibly simple yet decadent dessert that brings together rich chocolate cake mix, luscious chocolate pudding, and those irresistible mini Reese’s peanut butter cups. Every bite offers a perfect balance of moist, fudgy texture and melty pockets of peanut butter candy that will have you coming back for more. Best of all, it requires minimal effort but delivers maximum comfort and satisfaction—a true crowd-pleaser anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are super straightforward, but each has a special role in making the cake utterly delicious—from the rich chocolate base to the peanut butter cups that add delightful texture and bursts of flavor.
- Chocolate cake mix: The base that creates a moist, chocolatey foundation for this dessert’s rich flavor.
- Chocolate instant pudding mix: Adds extra fudginess and keeps the cake wonderfully soft and tender.
- Milk: Needed to whisk with the pudding mix, helping everything combine into a thick, luscious batter.
- Mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped: The star ingredient, these add sweet, creamy pockets of peanut butter throughout the cake.
- Non-stick spray: Ensures your cake releases easily from your baking dish without a hitch.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it nice and ready. Then grab a 13×9 inch baking dish and give it a generous spray with non-stick spray. This simple step keeps everything from sticking as your cake bakes to perfection.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk and chocolate instant pudding mix until smooth and well combined. This forms the rich, fudge-like base for the cake. Next, stir in the chocolate cake mix until combined; the batter will be thick, almost dough-like, so don’t worry—it’s exactly what you want. Finally, fold in the chopped peanut butter cups, distributing these sweet treasures evenly throughout the batter.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pour the thick batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top gently. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick or tester; it should come out clean, with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. This means the cake is perfectly baked—moist, fudgy, and ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle some chopped peanut butter cups or shaved chocolate on top once the cake has cooled slightly. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can also elevate the presentation and add a little something special.
Side Dishes
This cake is so rich and flavorful that it pairs best with light accompaniments—think a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess balances the warm, fudgy cake perfectly and amplifies those peanut butter and chocolate notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make this cake party-ready? Serve individual portions in pretty glass dessert cups layered with whipped cream and extra peanut butter cups for a layered effect. You can even jazz it up by adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a trendy sweet-salty combo that’s simply addictive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s hard not to eat it all!), store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, so don’t be shy to save some for the next day.
Freezing
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Once fully cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place slices in a freezer-safe container. It can keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
For a cozy treat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until just heated through. This brings back that freshly baked feeling and helps melt the peanut butter cups slightly, creating a gooey, irresistible bite.
FAQs
Can I use regular peanut butter cups instead of mini ones?
Absolutely! Just chop regular-sized peanut butter cups into smaller pieces so they distribute evenly through the cake. The peanut butter flavor will be just as wonderful.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and make sure your pudding mix is gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so this dessert can easily fit your dietary needs.
Can I substitute the milk with a dairy-free alternative?
Definitely. Almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk works just fine and won’t compromise the flavor or texture of this dump cake.
How sweet is this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe?
This cake leans toward the sweeter side, thanks to the combination of cake mix, pudding, and peanut butter cups. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, consider pairing it with unsweetened whipped cream or a tart fruit compote on the side.
Do I have to use chocolate pudding mix?
For best results and to keep the rich chocolate flavor consistent, chocolate pudding mix is recommended. However, vanilla pudding can be an interesting twist if you want a lighter flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe is an absolute joy to make and eat—quick to throw together, impossibly delicious, and guaranteed to please anyone lucky enough to have a slice. Whether it’s a casual family dessert or a last-minute crowd-pleaser, this cake is the perfect way to show off a classic flavor combo without any fuss. Give it a try and prepare to be amazed by just how cozy and irresistible peanut butter and chocolate can be together.
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a rich, moist chocolate dessert that combines the ease of a dump cake with the irresistible flavor of peanut butter cups. With a chocolate cake mix and instant pudding as the base, this recipe is perfect for quick baking and yields 20 delicious, chocolatey servings studded with mini Reese’s peanut butter cups for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 15.25 oz box chocolate cake mix
- 1 3.4 oz box chocolate instant pudding mix
Wet Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups milk
Add-ins
- 1 8 oz package mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 13×9 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside while you prepare the batter.
- Mix Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and the chocolate instant pudding mix until smooth. Add the chocolate cake mix to the bowl and stir thoroughly; the mixture will be quite thick. Carefully fold in the chopped mini Reese’s peanut butter cups to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top if needed. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick or tester inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
Notes
- Make sure to chop the peanut butter cups into small pieces for even distribution.
- You can substitute milk with any dairy or non-dairy milk of your choice.
- For added texture, consider sprinkling some chopped nuts on top before baking.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving to let it set.
- This dessert can be served with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
