Are you ready for a dessert that’s both simple and full of flavor? The Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake combines rich peanut butter and chocolate in every bite. This delightful treat requires minimal steps and ingredients, making it perfect for any day. In this post, I’ll walk you through easy instructions, helpful tips, and creative variations to satisfy your sweet tooth. Get your oven ready—let's dive into deliciousness!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This dump cake comes together quickly with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
- Combines Flavors: The rich chocolate flavor pairs beautifully with creamy peanut butter, creating a heavenly dessert experience.
- Decadent Toppings: With added chocolate chips and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, each bite is indulgent and satisfying.
- Serves a Crowd: This recipe yields 12 servings, making it ideal for parties or family gatherings where you want to impress!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients Needed
To make your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake, gather these key items:
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Whipped cream for serving
These ingredients create a sweet and rich cake that everyone will love.
Optional Ingredients for Customization
You can add extra flavors to your cake. Here are some fun options:
- ½ cup chopped nuts for crunch
- 1 teaspoon coffee powder to enhance chocolate flavor
- ½ cup caramel sauce for a sweet twist
These additions can give your cake a unique taste.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you can’t find an ingredient, don’t worry! Here are some swaps:
- Use almond butter instead of peanut butter.
- Swap whole milk for almond or oat milk.
- Replace vegetable oil with melted coconut oil.
These substitutions work well and keep the cake yummy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This keeps the cake from sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of vegetable oil, 4 large eggs, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Use a whisk or mixer until it is smooth and creamy.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the box of chocolate cake mix to the wet mix. Stir until just combined. You want to avoid lumps but do not overmix.
Baking Instructions
4. Create the Dump Layer: Pour the mixed batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly across the dish.
5. Add the Toppings: Sprinkle 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups over the top. Gently press them into the batter. This helps them sink during baking.
6. Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check with a toothpick. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cooling and Serving Tips
7. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven. Let it cool in the dish for 10-15 minutes. Cut into squares and serve warm. For extra creaminess, top with whipped cream.
8. Presentation Tips: Serve the cake in a bowl. Add a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle more chocolate chips or chopped peanut butter cups on top for a nice finish.
Tips & Tricks
Tips for Perfecting Your Dump Cake
To make your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake great, follow these tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: Always check the dates on cake mix and eggs.
- Mix well, but not too much: Stir until just combined to keep it light.
- Grease the pan well: Use cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Press toppings in gently: This helps them sink and blend with the cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common mistakes for the best dump cake:
- Overmixing the batter: This can make your cake dense and tough.
- Skipping the cooling step: Letting it cool helps set the cake for easy cutting.
- Not testing for doneness: Use a toothpick to ensure it’s baked all the way through.
- Adding too many toppings: More isn’t always better; a good balance is key.
Serving Suggestions and Enhancements
Serve your dump cake with these ideas:
- Top with whipped cream: This adds creaminess and makes it extra special.
- Garnish with extra chocolate chips: A sprinkle on top looks nice and tasty.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream: The cold ice cream contrasts well with the warm cake.
- Serve in dessert bowls: This makes it easy for guests to enjoy every bite.
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better rise.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other mix-ins like nuts or different types of chocolate for a unique twist!
- Cool Before Serving: Let the cake cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving to help it set and make slicing easier.
Variations
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
To make a gluten-free version of this dump cake, you can swap the chocolate cake mix. Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix instead. Check the label to ensure it’s truly gluten-free. The rest of the recipe stays the same. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty treat without worry.
Additional Mix-Ins and Flavor Combinations
You can add fun flavors and textures to your cake. Consider using chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. You can also mix in some crushed Oreos or chocolate sandwich cookies. For a twist, try adding a swirl of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt on top. Each mix-in adds something special to the cake.
How to Serve Cold or Refrigerated
If you want to serve the cake cold, let it cool completely. Then, cover it and place it in the fridge for a few hours. This makes the cake firmer and easier to cut. A cold slice is perfect for warm days. Serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a fun treat.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To store leftover Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake, let it cool completely. Then, cut the cake into squares. Place the squares in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to five days. This keeps the cake moist and fresh.
Best Way to Reheat the Cake
To reheat the cake, take a square from the fridge. Place it on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it for about 20 to 30 seconds. Check to see if it is warm. You can also reheat it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This will keep the cake soft.
Freezing Instructions and Tips
You can freeze Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake too! Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to squeeze out any air. This helps keep the cake fresh for up to three months. When ready to eat, move the cake to the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it as mentioned above. Enjoy the delightful cake at any time!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Prepare the batter and place it in the baking dish. Cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready, bake it straight from the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
To check if the cake is fully baked, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. If it has wet batter on the toothpick, bake it for a few more minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.
Can I use different types of candy in this recipe?
Yes, you can use different types of candy. Try adding M&Ms, Snickers, or chocolate chunks. Get creative with your favorite candies. Just keep the amounts the same to ensure the cake bakes properly. You will have a fun and unique flavor each time!
This blog post covered everything you need to know about making a dump cake. We talked about the key ingredients, steps for baking, and tips for perfect results. I shared fun variations and how to store leftovers. Remember, easy substitutions can make your cake unique. Avoid common mistakes for the best taste. Embrace your creativity with mix-ins. Enjoy serving this delightful dessert hot or cold. Now, you have all the tools to bake a delicious dump cake! Happy bakin
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 serving whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the chocolate cake mix to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined and there are no visible lumps.
- Pour the mixed batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups over the top of the batter. Press them gently into the batter.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes. Cut into squares and serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream.
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