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This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a dream for anyone who loves the rich combination of chocolate and peanut butter in an easy dessert. It blends a moist chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter cups in a way that feels indulgent without much fuss. I made this for a last-minute gathering once and was amazed at how quickly it disappeared from the table.
I remember making this after a long day when I craved something sweet but did not want to spend hours baking. It quickly became a favorite to make whenever I want an effortless, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients
- Chocolate cake mix: forms a moist and fluffy base choose a high-quality brand for better texture
- Chocolate instant pudding mix: adds rich chocolate flavor and extra moisture to keep the cake tender
- Milk at room temperature: helps the pudding mix dissolve smoothly and creates the perfect batter consistency
- Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups roughly chopped: these melt just enough to create pockets of peanut butter and chocolate fresh packages ensure a gooey center
- Non-stick spray: essential to prevent sticking and make serving easier
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly coat a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray so the cake layers will come out easily after baking.
- Mix the Pudding and Milk:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and milk until smooth and thickened just slightly. This step helps infuse the cake with deep chocolate flavor and moisture.
- Combine the Cake Mix:
- Add the chocolate cake mix directly to the pudding mixture. Stir gently until just combined, careful not to overmix. The batter is thick but that’s how it should be for the best cake texture.
- Fold in Peanut Butter Cups:
- Gently fold most of the chopped mini Reese’s into the batter, saving a few pieces to sprinkle on top for visual appeal and extra peanut buttery bites.
- Pour and Spread Batter:
- Pour the thick batter into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to even out the surface and then sprinkle the remaining peanut butter cups on top.
- Bake and Cool:
- Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool slightly. You can serve it warm which makes the peanut butter cups irresistibly gooey or at room temperature.
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My favorite ingredient is definitely the chopped mini Reese’s. They melt just enough to keep the cake moist while adding those wonderfully creamy pockets of peanut butter that contrast the chocolate. One especially warm afternoon, my kids declared this their favorite after-school treat and asked for it every week afterward.
Storage Tips
Keep leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Refrigeration is not necessary but can prolong freshness for another day if you prefer. Bring pieces to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
If mini Reese’s are hard to find you can chop regular peanut butter cups into small pieces. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based milk and a dairy-free chocolate pudding mix but expect a slight change in texture.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is wonderful on its own but topping with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream takes it to another level, especially when still warm. For a festive touch, sprinkle some crushed peanuts or drizzle with melted chocolate.
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Pro Tips
- Do not overmix the batter once the cake mix is added to avoid a dense cake
- Reserve some peanut butter cups to sprinkle on top—they add a nice crunch and visual appeal
- Serve warm or allow it to cool slightly so the peanut butter cups melt just perfectly
Recipe FAQs
- → What kind of chocolate cake mix works best?
Any standard boxed chocolate cake mix can be used, preferably one with a moist texture to complement the creamy layers.
- → Can I use different peanut butter candies?
Yes, you can substitute mini peanut butter cups with other peanut butter candy bites, but chopped cups provide the ideal melt and texture.
- → How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, indicating the cake is perfectly baked.
- → Is it better to serve this warm or at room temperature?
Serving warm enhances the melting peanut butter and chocolate flavors, but it’s equally satisfying once cooled to room temperature.
- → Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for several days, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.