Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake 🍫🥜
Introduction
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a decadent dessert that combines the gooey goodness of chocolate cake, the rich creaminess of peanut butter, and the irresistible crunch of peanut butter cups—all in one dish. As the name suggests, you simply dump the ingredients into a pan, bake, and enjoy!
Origin and Cultural Significance
The dump cake is a classic American invention, especially popular in Southern kitchens. It rose to fame in the mid-20th century as an easy dessert requiring little more than boxed cake mix and canned ingredients. This peanut butter cup twist honors the traditional dump cake’s simplicity while elevating it with a favorite American candy.
Ingredients Quantity
(Serves 10–12)
- 1 box chocolate fudge cake mix
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1½ cups chopped peanut butter cups (about 12 mini cups)
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats
- Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Additions
- Add ½ cup chocolate chips for extra gooeyness
- Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture
- Top with chopped roasted peanuts for a salty crunch
- Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel before serving
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream
Tips for Success
- Don’t mix the ingredients—just layer as instructed for best results.
- Use quality peanut butter cups for richer flavor.
- Let the cake cool slightly before serving to let it set up.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds for best texture.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread peanut butter evenly on the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle the chopped peanut butter cups over the peanut butter.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the candy layer.
- Evenly sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix on top—do not stir.
- Place the slices of butter evenly over the dry cake mix.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and mostly set.
- Let cool for 10–15 minutes. Top with whipped topping and extra peanut butter cups if desired.
Description
This dump cake is rich, fudgy, and loaded with gooey pockets of peanut butter and chocolate. The top is slightly crispy, the middle is molten and moist, and each bite delivers the flavor of a warm peanut butter cup turned into cake.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 34g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 280mg
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is the perfect dessert for parties, potlucks, or weeknight cravings. It’s incredibly easy to make—just layer and bake—and is always a crowd-pleaser thanks to its rich, gooey texture and nostalgic flavor.
Recommendation
Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an over-the-top dessert. Great for last-minute guests or when you need something indulgent in a flash.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
While this dessert is a full-on treat, it reminds us that indulgence can be joyful when balanced with mindfulness. Share a slice, savor every bite, and celebrate the simple pleasures that make life sweet.