Description
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Looking for a one-bowl dessert? This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is quick, easy, and insanely delicious. Chocolate lovers will adore the rich flavors, gooey center, and crunchy toppings. The best part? It’s effortless to make and perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients:
1 box chocolate cake mix
1 (3.9 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups milk
1 cup peanut butter cups, chopped
½ cup crushed peanuts
½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Make the pudding and pour into the dish.
Sprinkle cake mix evenly—don’t mix.
Add chopped peanut butter cups, peanuts, and chocolate chips.
Bake for 35-40 minutes.
Serving Tip: Top with whipped cream and caramel drizzle for a bakery-style finish!
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect dump cake every time. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with the 2 cups of cold milk for 2 minutes until it begins to thicken. Pour this pudding mixture directly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. Next, take the dry chocolate cake mix and sprinkle it evenly and gently over the pudding layer. Do not stir or mix these two layers; this is crucial for the proper texture. Finally, evenly distribute the chopped peanut butter cups, crushed peanuts, and chocolate chips over the top of the cake mix.
Serving Suggestions
While delicious on its own, this cake becomes a showstopper with the right accompaniments. Serve it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, which will melt into the gooey chocolate layers. For a contrasting texture, add a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce, chocolate syrup, or even a sprinkle of sea salt can elevate the flavors beautifully. For a festive touch, garnish with a few extra mini peanut butter cups.
How-to Summary
In essence, this dessert is a simple layering process: a base of prepared chocolate pudding, a middle layer of dry cake mix (unmixed), and a top layer of peanut butter cups, nuts, and chips. Baked until the top is set and slightly crunchy, it creates its own magical layers of cake, fudge, and topping with minimal effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cake or pudding flavor? Absolutely! Try devil’s food cake mix or vanilla pudding for a different twist. The method remains the same.
Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, use a dairy-free cake mix, pudding mix made with a plant-based milk alternative, and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
Why shouldn’t I mix the layers? Not mixing is key. The cake mix absorbs moisture from the pudding and butter as it bakes, creating a unique texture that’s part cake, part cobbler.
How should I store leftovers? Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer pieces to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Can I add other mix-ins? Definitely. Consider adding Reese’s Pieces, butterscotch chips, or a swirl of peanut butter before adding the dry cake mix for extra flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls for the best results. First, do not stir the cake mix into the pudding—this will result in a dense, doughy texture. Second, ensure your milk is cold when making the pudding to achieve proper thickening. Third, do not overbake; the center should still be slightly soft and gooey when you remove it from the oven, as it will continue to set as it cools. Finally, chop your peanut butter cups into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even distribution.
Conclusion
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is the ultimate solution for an impressive dessert with minimal fuss. It masterfully combines the beloved flavors of chocolate and peanut butter into a comforting, crowd-pleasing treat. By following the simple layering technique and avoiding common errors, you’ll create a decadent dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for potlucks, weeknight cravings, or any celebration where chocolate is required.