Description

Indulge in the rich and luscious Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake, a decadent dessert combining layers of chocolate pudding, cake mix, peanut butter, and chocolate chips. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers seeking a simple yet impressive treat. With minimal prep and bake time, it’s ideal for any occasion, offering a deliciously gooey texture topped with crunchy peanut butter cups and optional chopped peanuts for extra crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 box chocolate cake mix
1 (3.9 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix

Wet Ingredients

2 cups whole milk
½ cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup butter, melted

Toppings

1 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped
1 cup milk chocolate chips
½ cup chopped peanuts (optional for crunch)

Serving

Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (for serving)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Mix Pudding and Milk: In a bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and 2 cups of whole milk until the mixture thickens, which should take about 2 minutes. Pour this thickened pudding layer evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Add Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix on top of the pudding layer without stirring, creating distinct layers essential for the dump cake texture.
Add Peanut Butter: Warm the creamy peanut butter slightly to make it easier to drizzle, then evenly drizzle it across the cake mix layer to add a rich peanut flavor throughout.
Drizzle Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly across the top to help the cake mix bake into a moist, golden crust.
Sprinkle Toppings: Top the buttered surface with chopped mini peanut butter cups, milk chocolate chips, and if desired, chopped peanuts for added texture and flavor.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, indicating the cake is cooked through.
Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly and serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Notes

Warming the peanut butter makes it easier to drizzle and helps it incorporate better into the cake layers.
Do not stir the cake mix into the pudding; keeping layers intact creates the signature dump cake texture.
Using whole milk ensures the pudding layer thickens properly and the cake is moist.
The optional chopped peanuts add a wonderful crunch but can be omitted if you prefer a softer texture.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; warm before serving.