Homemade Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake: Simple, Rich, and Irresistible

If you’re looking for an easy yet indulgent dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth, the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a must-try! This dessert combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate with the simplicity of a dump cake, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. With just a few ingredients, this cake comes together effortlessly and bakes into a gooey, mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The beauty of a dump cake lies in its simplicity — just dump the ingredients into a pan, bake, and enjoy! The peanut butter cups melt into the cake, creating a rich, chocolatey, and nutty filling that pairs perfectly with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s a dessert that’s easy enough for a weeknight treat, yet decadent enough to serve at parties and gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple and Quick: Only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time.
Peanut Butter & Chocolate Heaven: The combination of peanut butter cups and chocolate cake is irresistible.
No-Fuss: This dump cake requires no mixing or fancy techniques — just layer, bake, and enjoy.
Perfectly Gooey: The top bakes into a lightly crisped cake, while the bottom stays wonderfully gooey.
Crowd-Pleaser: This cake is a guaranteed hit with peanut butter and chocolate lovers!

Ingredients

• 1 box chocolate cake mix (use your favorite or a low-sugar version for a healthier alternative)
• 1 cup peanut butter cups, chopped (about 6-8 regular-sized peanut butter cups)
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (as a substitute for oil to make the cake lighter)
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup chocolate chips
• ¼ cup peanut butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup water

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.

Layer the Ingredients

Start by pouring the cake mix directly into the baking dish. Don’t worry about mixing it with anything else. Layer the chopped peanut butter cups over the cake mix evenly. Next, scatter chocolate chips and drizzle peanut butter over the top for that rich, creamy texture.

Add the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, milk, vanilla extract, and water. Pour this mixture evenly over the dry ingredients in the baking dish. The cake mix will begin to absorb the wet ingredients, and the layers will start to form.

Bake the Cake

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake will bake into a crisp top with a gooey, peanut butter-chocolate filling underneath.

Serve & Enjoy

Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Scoop it out into individual servings, and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 320 | Carbs: 42g | Fat: 18g | Protein: 4g | Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

• Use a Combination of Peanut Butter Cups and Chocolate Chips: This will ensure a double dose of chocolate and peanut butter goodness.
• Don’t Overmix the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Unlike traditional cakes, you want to keep the layers of cake mix, peanut butter cups, and chocolate chips distinct for the best texture.
• Add Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: A creamy topping pairs wonderfully with the gooey cake.
• Customize the Cake: Feel free to add nuts like crushed peanuts or chopped almonds for an extra crunch!
• Make it Ahead: This cake can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Why This Recipe Works

• Peanut Butter & Chocolate Harmony: The peanut butter cups melt into the cake, giving it a rich, gooey, and decadent flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate cake.
• No-Fuss Baking: The simplicity of a dump cake means you don’t need any special equipment or mixing bowls, making cleanup a breeze.
• Gooey & Delicious: The combination of wet and dry ingredients creates a cake that’s both crispy on top and soft and gooey on the bottom — just the way a dump cake should be.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it at a birthday party, family gathering, or as a quick dessert for yourself, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

The Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a dessert that brings together the best of chocolate and peanut butter in a simple yet irresistible way. With its gooey, fudgy layers and the crunch of peanut butter cups, it’s a treat that will satisfy your cravings without requiring hours of prep. Serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream, and you’ve got the perfect dessert for any occasion.

Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy evening at home, this cake will always hit the spot. Give it a try, and let the decadent flavors melt your worries away!