Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake – All Cooks Corner

Quick Benefits

Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is the ultimate no-fuss dessert for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. It comes together in one bowl, no mixer needed, and bakes into a rich, moist cake with pockets of melted peanut butter cups throughout. Whether you’re hosting a party, feeding a crowd, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, this cake delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Essential Ingredients

To create this indulgent treat, you’ll need:

1 (15.25 oz) box chocolate cake mix
1 (3.4 oz) box chocolate instant pudding mix
1¾ cups milk
1 (8 oz) package mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped

Optional toppings: powdered sugar, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream.

Preparation Steps

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
In a large bowl, whisk the pudding mix and milk together until smooth and well combined.
Add the chocolate cake mix and stir until fully incorporated. The batter will be thick.
Fold in the chopped peanut butter cups evenly throughout the batter.
Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature. Enjoy every gooey, chocolatey, peanut buttery bite!

Health Benefits

While this is an indulgent dessert, it still has a few silver linings:

Peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats (in moderation).
It’s a great mood booster, thanks to the rich chocolate content.
Portion-controlled servings make it easy to enjoy without going overboard.
Simple ingredients and no-fuss prep make it a stress-free option for gatherings.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm for the best flavor and texture. The melted peanut butter cups will be soft and gooey.
Pair with:
- Vanilla ice cream for a hot-and-cold contrast.
- Whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar for visual appeal.
Great for:
- Potlucks
- Holiday parties
- Family movie nights
- Bake sales

Creative Variations

Swap Reese’s for chopped Snickers, Rolos, or Milky Way bars.
Add crushed pretzels or chopped peanuts for a salty crunch.
Mix in a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella for extra decadence.
Use a brownie mix instead of cake mix for a denser, fudgier texture.
Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate for longer storage (up to 5 days). Warm individual portions in the microwave before serving.
Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.

Pro Tips

Whisk pudding and milk well to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth batter.
Chop peanut butter cups into quarters or smaller for even distribution.
Don’t overbake — the center should be moist but not wet.
For a gooier texture, underbake slightly and let it finish setting as it cools.
Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut clean slices once cooled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use regular-sized Reese’s instead of minis?
A: Yes, just chop them into smaller pieces before folding into the batter.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Q: Do I need to prepare the cake mix or pudding according to the box instructions?
A: No. Just follow the recipe as written—combine the dry cake mix and pudding mix with milk only.

Q: Can I make this in a different pan size?
A: Yes, but adjust the baking time if using smaller or deeper pans. Watch closely to avoid overbaking.

Q: Is it okay to make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! It reheats beautifully and the flavor intensifies after a day.

Nutrition Facts (Per serving, approx. 12 servings)

Calories: ~380
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 350mg
Carbohydrates: 50g
Sugar: 35g
Protein: 4g