Rich Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

Experience the ultimate dessert fusion with this Rich Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake. This decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert features layers of creamy peanut butter, moist chocolate cake, and gooey peanut butter cups for the ultimate chocolate-peanut butter experience. It is perfect for gatherings or as a simple weeknight treat that everyone will love.

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This is the Martha Stewart heart-shaped enameled cast iron Dutch oven (2-quart). It’s one of those pieces I reach for constantly when testing soups, stews, baked casseroles, and smaller comfort-food recipes.

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• Perfect size for small households or side dishes
• Sturdy handles, easy to move from oven to table

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The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. By layering basic pantry staples like cake mix and peanut butter, you create a complex flavor profile that tastes like it came from a professional bakery. The result is a moist, vegetarian-friendly dessert that satisfies every chocolate and peanut butter craving.

Ingredients

• 1 box (about 15.25 oz / 432 g) devils food chocolate cake mix
• 1 cup (250 g) creamy peanut butter, at room temperature
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1½ cups (360 ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (about 150 g) mini peanut butter cups, unwrapped
• ½ cup (90 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Create smooth frozen drinks, slushies, and frappés for desserts and parties using juices, coffee, or wine.

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Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.

Step 2

Spread the creamy peanut butter evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and milk until the batter is mostly smooth (some small lumps are fine).

Step 4

Pour the cake batter evenly over the peanut butter layer in the baking dish.

Step 5

Scatter the mini peanut butter cups and chocolate chips evenly over the top of the batter.

Step 6

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine).

Step 7

Remove from oven and let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving warm. For cleaner slices, allow to cool completely. Serve as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best texture, ensure your peanut butter is at room temperature so it spreads easily across the baking dish. If you need to store leftovers, keep them covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain the cake's moisture.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Personalize your dump cake by sprinkling ½ cup chopped roasted peanuts over the top before baking for an extra crunch. You can also substitute almond butter for a different flavor profile or swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips to add a sweeter twist.

Serviervorschläge

While this cake is delicious on its own, it is truly spectacular when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top. Letting it cool for 15 minutes is key for the best serving consistency, though cooling completely will provide much cleaner slices.

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With its easy assembly and rich, gooey results, this Rich Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is sure to become a staple in your dessert rotation. Enjoy every decadent bite of this classic American flavor combination!

Mix batters, prep ingredients, grate vegetables, and store leftovers easily during baking and everyday cooking.

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Recipe FAQ

→ Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?

Natural peanut butter can be used, but it may result in a slightly different texture. The oils in natural peanut butter separate more easily, which can affect how the layer spreads and bakes. For the creamiest, most consistent results, use conventional creamy peanut butter.

→ What's the best way to serve this cake?

For the most indulgent experience, serve warm (about 15 minutes after removing from the oven) when the peanut butter layer is still gooey. A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the rich flavors beautifully. If you prefer neat slices, let it cool completely before cutting.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this cake up to 24 hours in advance. Once completely cooled, cover tightly and store at room temperature. The flavors often develop even more overnight. Warm individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds if you prefer that gooey fresh-baked texture.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. The cake becomes more dense and fudge-like when chilled. If refrigerating, bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for the best texture and flavor.

→ Can I substitute the cake mix?

While devil's food cake mix provides the best chocolate flavor, you can use any chocolate cake mix you prefer. For a homemade option, prepare your favorite chocolate cake batter but keep it slightly thicker than usual to prevent it from sinking into the peanut butter layer.

→ What other mix-ins can I add?

For extra crunch and flavor, consider adding ½ cup chopped roasted peanuts, Reese's Pieces, or chopped pretzels. You could also swirl in caramel sauce or Nutella with the peanut butter layer for additional depth of flavor.