Peanut Butter Cup Cake Delight

This peanut butter cup dump cake combines two iconic flavors—chocolate and peanut butter—into one decadent, fuss-free dessert that's perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without complicated techniques. The rich, moist texture and surprising peanut butter cup bits make this an instant crowd-pleaser.

I created this recipe when my son requested "something with peanut butter cups" for his birthday instead of a traditional cake. Five years later, it's still the most requested dessert at family gatherings, especially during holiday seasons.

Ingredients

• Chocolate cake mix: the foundation of this recipe that provides rich chocolate flavor and perfect cake texture without measuring multiple dry ingredients
• Creamy peanut butter: adds velvety smoothness and the essential peanut butter flavor that makes this cake special
• Milk: creates moisture and helps bind ingredients for a tender crumb
• Chocolate chips: melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of intense chocolate goodness throughout
• Peanut butter cups, chopped: the star ingredient that creates amazing flavor bursts in every bite
• Vegetable oil: ensures moisture retention for a never dry cake
• Large eggs: provide structure and richness that helps the cake rise properly
• Vanilla extract: enhances both the chocolate and peanut butter flavors with its aromatic quality
• Powdered sugar: optional but adds a beautiful finishing touch and subtle sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Baking Environment:

Preheat your oven to exactly 350°F, using an oven thermometer for accuracy if possible. Thoroughly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring you get into all corners to prevent sticking. I find a light coating of cooking spray followed by a dusting of cocoa powder works better than flour for chocolate cakes.

Create The Base Mixture:

In a large bowl, measure your chocolate cake mix and add the creamy peanut butter. Use a sturdy spatula or stand mixer on low speed to combine these until they form a crumbly, sand-like texture. Take your time here as proper incorporation creates the foundation for the perfect flavor balance.

Form The Batter:

Add the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to your crumbly mixture. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter becomes smooth and consistent. Scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through to ensure everything is fully incorporated. The batter should be thick but pourable.

Add Mix-Ins:

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped peanut butter cups using a spatula with a light hand. Avoid overmixing at this stage as you want the candy pieces to remain intact. This careful folding distributes the peanut butter cups throughout the batter while preserving their texture.

Transfer And Prepare For Baking:

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly into all corners. Tap the dish gently on the counter a few times to release any large air bubbles. For extra decadence, sprinkle a few additional chopped peanut butter cups on top.

Bake To Perfection:

Bake in your preheated oven for exactly 35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Avoid overbaking as this can dry out the cake.

Finish And Serve:

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan, about 1-2 hours. Once cooled, dust lightly with powdered sugar using a fine mesh sieve for an elegant finish. Cut into 12 equal squares for serving.

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The mini peanut butter cups are truly the heart and soul of this recipe. I discovered by accident that freezing them for about 30 minutes before chopping helps them maintain their shape during baking instead of completely melting away. My grandmother always said good desserts need "little surprises" and these peanut butter cup chunks deliver exactly that moment of joy in every bite.

Make-Ahead Options

This dump cake is perfect for preparing in advance for parties or gatherings. You can mix the batter completely up to 24 hours before baking, storing it covered in the refrigerator. Just allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. Alternatively, bake the cake up to 2 days ahead, wrapping it tightly once completely cooled. The flavors actually develop and improve with a bit of time, making this an ideal stress-free dessert option for planned events.

Simple Variations

The basic recipe is fantastic as written, but there are several easy modifications to customize it to your preferences. Swap white chocolate chips for regular chocolate chips for a sweeter profile. Add a half cup of chopped peanuts for extra crunch and texture. For special occasions, drizzle the cooled cake with a simple chocolate ganache made from equal parts hot cream and chocolate chips. Each variation maintains the essential peanut butter cup character while offering a slightly different experience.

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Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own, this dump cake reaches new heights when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into the chocolate crumb. For a decadent presentation at dinner parties, plate individual squares with a drizzle of warm peanut butter sauce and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts. During summer months, transform it into an ice cream cake sandwich by slicing pieces in half horizontally and filling with softened ice cream before freezing until firm.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of chocolate cake mix should I use?

You can use any boxed chocolate cake mix, including dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even a fudge mix for extra richness.

→ Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can use chunky peanut butter for added texture, though creamy peanut butter provides a smoother batter consistency.

→ Can I substitute the vegetable oil?

Yes, you can replace vegetable oil with melted butter or another neutral oil like canola for similar results.

→ How do I store leftover cake?

Store the leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I customize the add-ins?

Absolutely! Swap or add ingredients like white chocolate chips, caramel bits, or crushed pretzels for a fun twist.

→ Do I need to dust the cake with powdered sugar?

No, the powdered sugar is optional and purely for presentation. The cake is delicious with or without it.