Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Creamy, rich, and impossibly easy, this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is the kind of dessert that disappears from the table faster than you can say chocolate. If you love the sweet-salty combo of peanut butter and chocolate, this one-pan wonder delivers gooey pockets of peanut butter, a tender chocolate cake crumb, and optional crunchy peanuts for texture. Fun fact: dump cakes grew out of mid-century convenience cooking, when busy home cooks wanted dessert with minimal fuss — and that spirit lives on in every spoonful.
This recipe is special because it combines pantry-staple ingredients into a decadent dessert in under an hour. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, and family gatherings, and it’s a great introduction to baking for beginners. If you already enjoy our other cake ideas, try browsing the cakes category for more inspiration and similar simple treats. Get ready to bake with confidence and delight your crowd!
What is Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake?
Why is it called a dump cake? Did someone literally dump everything into a pan and magic happen? Pretty much — dump cakes are named for their relaxed, carefree method: you “dump” ingredients together and bake. Who wouldn’t love a dessert that practically makes itself? Picture spooning warm layers of chocolate and peanut butter into bowls — suddenly everyone’s nostalgic grin says it all. They say “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this dessert might just win hearts all around. Give it a try and see why we love this no-fuss showstopper.
Why You’ll Love This
First, the star here is the peanut butter-chocolate marriage: creamy peanut butter swirled into a chocolatey blanket that melts into tender cake. Second, it’s budget-friendly — using a boxed cake mix and pantry staples keeps costs down while delivering upscale flavor. Third, the optional chocolate chips and crushed peanuts add contrast in texture and depth of flavor, elevating a simple dump cake into something special.
This recipe is more indulgent than a basic chocolate sheet cake yet far easier than layered or frosted cakes. If you liked our simpler desserts, this one adds richness without the extra effort. Try it for family dessert night and watch it become an instant favorite.
How to Make:
Quick Overview
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a breeze: mix a boxed cake mix with creamy peanut butter and melted butter, spread in a greased pan, top with optional goodies, and bake. The result is a moist, slightly fudgy cake with pockets of peanut butter and optional crunchy bits. Prep takes about 10 minutes and baking about 30–35 minutes — perfect for busy cooks who want big flavor with minimal time.
Approximate time
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 30–35 minutes
Total: 40–45 minutes
Ingredients
1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix — dry mix, unopened or measured into a bowl
1 cup creamy peanut butter — room temperature for easy stirring
1/2 cup unsalted butter — melted
1 cup chocolate chips — optional, semisweet or milk chocolate
1 cup crushed peanuts — optional, roasted and salted or unsalted depending on preference
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the chocolate cake mix, creamy peanut butter, and melted butter until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- If desired, sprinkle chocolate chips and crushed peanuts on top of the batter.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your dump cake warm or at room temperature.
What to Serve With
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of hot fudge for an over-the-top dessert. For lighter pairings, try fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to cut the richness. Coffee, milk, or a cold stout beer make great beverage companions. For a communal dessert table, offer small bowls of peanut butter and chocolate chips so guests can customize extra toppings.
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Use room-temperature peanut butter so it blends smoothly into the cake mix for even pockets of flavor.
- If you like extra peanut butter intensity, swirl an additional 1/4 cup on top before baking.
- Swap creamy peanut butter for natural or homemade only if it’s well-stirred — natural peanut butter may separate and affect texture.
- For a nuttier crunch, toast the peanuts lightly before crushing.
- If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Avoid overmixing once you’ve combined wet and dry ingredients; mix until just combined for the best texture.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving or warm gently for best texture.
Freezing: This cake freezes well. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm the whole dish in a preheated 325°F oven covered with foil for 10–15 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, but make sure the natural peanut butter is well-stirred so the oils are incorporated. Natural peanut butter can make the batter slightly oilier; you may want to use a spoonful less.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes. Greasing the dish prevents sticking and helps you serve neat slices. Use butter, nonstick spray, or parchment paper for easy removal.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe to a slow cooker on low for about 2–3 hours, but baking yields a nicer top texture and golden edges.
Is it possible to make this nut-free?
To make it nut-free, replace peanut butter with a seed butter like sunflower seed butter and omit the crushed peanuts. Check labels to ensure no cross-contamination for allergy-sensitive households.
How do I know when it’s done without overbaking?
Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. The cake will set more as it cools, so avoid overbaking.
Conclusion
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is an effortless, crowd-pleasing dessert that proves spectacular results don’t need complicated steps. It’s comforting, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. If you want a quick, indulgent treat that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, this recipe is your new go-to. For another take on simple cake desserts and inspiration, check out this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake recipe on Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts and enjoy exploring variations.
