Description
If you’re a fan of the classic chocolate-peanut butter combination, this easy dump cake will become your new obsession. The image shows exactly what makes this dessert so appealing: a generous square of layered goodness with a golden-vanilla cake base that transitions into rich chocolate, all topped with a glossy chocolate drizzle and an assortment of peanut butter cup candies. The texture is part cake, part pudding, with pockets of melted peanut butter throughout and a satisfying crunch from crushed peanuts scattered around the plate.
What sets this Peanut Butter Cup Cake apart from other desserts is its incredible versatility and the contrast of textures—soft cake, creamy peanut butter, crispy candy pieces, and that luscious chocolate topping all working together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
The ingredient list for this easy chocolate peanut butter dessert is refreshingly short. You’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box (11.15 ounces) chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For Topping and Garnish:
- Chocolate ganache or melted chocolate for drizzling
- Assorted peanut butter cup candies (Reese’s cups, mini peanut butter cups)
- Crushed peanuts for garnish (optional)
- Additional melted peanut butter for drizzling
Instructions
Step-by-Step Dump Cake Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray. This step is crucial for this dump cake recipe—you want to ensure your finished cake releases easily from the pan.
Step 2: The First Dump
Empty the entire box of chocolate cake mix into your prepared pan. Spread it out evenly across the bottom, but don’t worry about making it perfectly smooth. That’s the beauty of dump cakes—perfection isn’t required!
Step 3: Add the Peanut Butter Layer
This is where the magic happens. Drop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter randomly across the cake mix. You don’t need to spread it or make it even—just distribute it across the surface. As the cake bakes, the peanut butter will melt and create pockets of gooey goodness throughout the chocolate peanut butter cake.
Step 4: Pour the Melted Butter
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the entire surface. Try to cover as much of the cake mix as possible. The butter will help the dry mix transform into a crispy, golden topping while keeping the interior moist and tender.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. The edges should be slightly darker than the center. The cake will still jiggle a bit in the middle when you remove it from the oven—this is perfect! It will set up as it cools.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Let your cake cool for at least 15 minutes. While it’s cooling, prepare your chocolate drizzle by melting chocolate chips with a little cream for a smooth ganache. Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the chocolate over the top in artistic lines or swirls.
Cut up your peanut butter cups and arrange them decoratively on top. Add any additional garnishes like crushed peanuts, extra peanut butter drizzle, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet touch.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 425
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 380mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 28g
- Protein: 9g