Peanut Butter Chocolate Delight

Indulge in the heavenly marriage of chocolate and peanut butter with this unforgettable Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake. This dessert is incredibly simple to prepare yet delivers an extraordinary flavor that satisfies every sweet craving. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself to comfort food, this dessert will easily become a favorite.

I first made this when a friend spontaneously dropped by, and it was a clear winner; everyone wanted a second slice.

• Chocolate cake mix: for a rich, moist cake base. Look for a high-quality brand to ensure deep flavor.
• Chocolate instant pudding mix: to enhance the cake’s texture and create an irresistibly decadent bite.
• Whole milk: adds creaminess and ensures the pudding mix blends smoothly. Using whole milk instead of low-fat makes a real difference.
• Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: chopped into small pieces to infuse every bite with their signature peanut butter-chocolate combo. Opt for fresh ones for the best flavor and texture.

How To Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

Preheat and Prepare:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 13×9 inch baking dish thoroughly with non-stick spray to ensure the cake will release easily without sticking.

Make the Pudding Base:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk and chocolate instant pudding mix. Whisk continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and no powdery bits remain. This creates the rich base for your cake.

Combine Cake Batter:

Gradually add the chocolate cake mix to the pudding, stirring until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. The batter should be thick and luxurious, indicating that it’s ready for the next step.

Add Peanut Butter Cups:

Gently fold in the chopped mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Make sure they’re distributed evenly throughout the batter, so every slice is packed with flavor.

Transfer to Baking Dish:

Pour the batter into your greased baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth and level the surface for even baking.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake the cake for about 25 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean, signaling your cake is perfectly baked.

Cool and Serve:

Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Serve slices as they are or elevate the experience by adding whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or extra chopped Reese’s Cups on top.

One of my favorite memories tied to this recipe is letting my kids help sprinkle the chopped peanut butter cups into the batter. They were so proud of “helping,” and now this dish is a staple for our family movie nights.

Storage Tips

Always store the leftover cake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap to maintain freshness for up to three days in the refrigerator. If you need to store it longer, the cake freezes wonderfully for 2-3 months. Remember to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have chocolate pudding mix on hand, you can use vanilla pudding mix, though it will slightly alter the taste—it’ll still be delicious. For a nut-free version, replace the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups with chunks of dark chocolate or a nut-free chocolate candy.

Serving Suggestions

A drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of candied nuts makes an excellent topping. This cake also pairs well with chopped bananas or a spoonful of berry compote for a fruity twist.

Where It All Began

This cake was inspired by my love of no-fuss desserts perfect for a crowd. Combining a childhood love for peanut butter cups with the ease of a dump cake recipe, this creation was born out of a need for a quick dessert that doesn’t skimp on indulgence.

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I store leftover cake?

Store leftover cake in the refrigerator, covered tightly, for up to 3-4 days. For long-term storage, freeze individual slices and thaw before serving.

→ Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the cake ahead of time. It stores well in the refrigerator. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven before serving for a fresh-baked experience.

→ What toppings pair best with this cake?

Top the cake with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh berries also complement the rich flavors beautifully.

→ Can I use a different candy instead of Reese’s Cups?

Absolutely! You can experiment with your favorite chocolate candies, like chopped Snickers, Milky Way, or even chocolate chips for variety.

→ How do I ensure the cake stays moist?

Using a chocolate pudding mix keeps the cake moist and decadent. Be sure not to overbake, as this may dry out the texture.

→ What’s the best way to reheat this cake?

Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

→ Can this cake be made gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure other ingredients, like the pudding mix, are also gluten-free.