Introduction
Hey there! Let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite desserts – Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake. This heavenly creation is a perfect blend of rich peanut butter, decadent chocolate, and moist cake. It’s a dessert that never fails to impress, and it’s incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. So, grab your apron and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This
I make this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake whenever I need a quick and delicious dessert that will wow a crowd. My family goes crazy for this because it’s like a combination of their two favorite treats – peanut butter cups and cake! The best part? You don’t need any fancy baking skills or equipment. This recipe is as simple as dumping all the ingredients together and letting the magic happen in the oven. Trust me, this dessert will become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake:
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup of creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 package of peanut butter cups, chopped
- Optional: 1/2 cup of chopped nuts for extra crunch
I sometimes use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy when I’m in the mood for some added texture. You can also substitute almond or cashew butter if you prefer a different nutty flavor. Feel free to get creative with your choice of nuts too. Personally, I love using roasted peanuts for that extra crunch.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, creamy peanut butter, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
Gently fold in the chopped peanut butter cups (and chopped nuts if using).
Pour the batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
This is where I usually sneak a taste because the aroma is irresistible! Don’t worry if it looks a bit weird at this stage – it always does! Once it cools down, the flavors will meld together perfectly.
Notes
Through trial and error, I’ve discovered a few tips to make this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake even more delicious:
– If you want an extra gooey and fudgy cake, slightly underbake it by reducing the baking time by 5 minutes.
– For a twist, you can add a layer of marshmallows on top of the batter before baking. It will create a delightful toasted marshmallow topping.
– Serve this cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Variations
I love experimenting in the kitchen, and here are a few variations of the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake that I’ve tried:
– Instead of peanut butter cups, try using chopped Snickers or Reese’s Pieces for a different chocolate and peanut butter combination.
– Add a layer of sliced bananas between the cake batter and the peanut butter cups for a tasty twist on a classic flavor combination.
– Swap out the chocolate cake mix for a vanilla or yellow cake mix for a lighter and less chocolatey version.
Equipment
You don’t need any fancy equipment for this recipe. However, if you don’t have a 9×13-inch baking dish, you can use a similar-sized oven-safe dish or even a round cake pan. Just keep in mind that the baking time may vary slightly depending on the size and shape of the dish you use.
Storage
Though honestly, in my house, this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake never lasts more than a day! But if you do have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just remember to let it come to room temperature or warm it up slightly before enjoying.
Serving Suggestions
I personally love serving this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake with a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce and a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The combination of warm cake, melty peanut butter cups, and smooth chocolate sauce is pure bliss. You can also dust it with powdered sugar or top it with a sprinkle of chopped nuts for some added flair.
Pro Tips
Here are a few lessons I’ve learned from my own mistakes while making this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake:
– Don’t rush the melting process for the peanut butter. It’s important to melt it slowly to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
– Make sure to evenly distribute the chopped peanut butter cups throughout the batter. You want every bite to be filled with that irresistible chocolate-peanut butter goodness.
– If you’re a fan of warm, gooey cake, reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. It’s like having a freshly baked cake every time!
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different type of cake mix?
A: Absolutely! While chocolate cake mix complements the peanut butter cups perfectly, you can experiment with different flavors like vanilla, yellow, or even devil’s food cake mix. Just keep in mind that the taste and texture may vary slightly.
Q: Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
A: Definitely! Chunky peanut butter adds a delightful crunch to the cake. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can also use a combination of creamy and chunky peanut butter.
Q: Can I freeze this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze this cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring it to room temperature before serving.
So there you have it, my friend – the irresistible Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake recipe. I hope you give it a try and enjoy every decadent bite. Trust me, it’s a dessert that will never disappoint. Happy baking!
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
A heavenly dessert combining rich peanut butter, decadent chocolate, and moist cake in a simple and crowd-pleasing recipe. This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a delightful treat that anyone can create with ease.
Ingredients
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup of creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 package of peanut butter cups, chopped
- Optional: 1/2 cup of chopped nuts for extra crunch
Directions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, creamy peanut butter, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
-
Gently fold in the chopped peanut butter cups (and chopped nuts if using).
-
Pour the batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.