Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

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🌟 Introduction

Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is the ultimate indulgence for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. It’s a dessert that combines the richness of chocolate cake, the creaminess of peanut butter, and the irresistible crunch of peanut butter cups — all baked together into one gooey, decadent treat. The best part? It’s called a “dump” cake because you simply dumpthe ingredients into the pan — no fancy mixing or complicated steps required.

Perfect for parties, potlucks, or when that late-night dessert craving strikes, this cake delivers comfort, nostalgia, and joy in every bite.

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🥜 Ingredients

For the Base:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate fudge cake mix
• 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 1 stick (½ cup) melted butter
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar

For the Layers:

• 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
• 1 cup peanut butter chips
• 1 ½ cups chopped peanut butter cups (mini or regular-sized)
• ½ teaspoon salt (to balance sweetness)

Optional Toppings:

• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
• Extra drizzle of melted peanut butter and chocolate syrup
• Chopped roasted peanuts or crushed Reese’s cups

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, eggs, and peanut butter. Whisk until smooth.
3. Add Dry Ingredients:
   Add the cake mix, pudding mix, granulated sugar, and brown sugar into the wet mixture. Stir gently until combined — don’t overmix; a few lumps are fine.
4. Assemble the Cake:
   Pour half the batter into the prepared baking dish.
   Sprinkle half of the chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and chopped peanut butter cups evenly across.
   Pour in the remaining batter and top with the rest of the candies.
5. Bake:
   Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is still slightly gooey.
6. Cool and Serve:
   Allow to cool for about 15–20 minutes before serving. Top with whipped cream, ice cream, or an extra drizzle of peanut butter and chocolate.

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🍫 Methods

• Dump-and-Bake Method:
  The traditional dump cake method involves layering ingredients directly into the baking dish — no mixing required. The magic happens as it bakes, creating layers of moist cake and molten filling.
• Mix-First Method (used here):
  This slightly modern twist ensures an even texture and rich flavor while still keeping it simple.
• Microwave Shortcut (Optional):
  You can prepare individual mug portions by cooking 1 serving in the microwave for 1 minute 30 seconds.

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📜 History

The concept of “dump cakes” originated in the 1960s in the United States as a quick dessert option using boxed cake mixes and canned fruits. The “dump” method became a hallmark of convenience cooking — mix everything in one pan and bake.

The Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a modern adaptation inspired by America’s love affair with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, first introduced in 1928 by H.B. Reese, a former Hershey employee. This cake combines mid-century simplicity with the timeless peanut butter–chocolate combo that everyone adores.

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💪 Benefits

• Quick and Easy: Requires minimal prep and cleanup.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Protein-Packed: Peanut butter adds healthy fats and protein.
• Customizable: Add nuts, caramel, or even banana slices for variation.
• Comfort Food: The perfect stress-relieving dessert.

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🧁 Formation

The formation of this cake happens in layers — the batter forms the base, while the candy melts into gooey pockets of chocolate and peanut butter. As it bakes, the pudding mix keeps the texture moist and fudgy, almost like a molten lava cake, but with a dense, comforting crumb beneath.

Each slice forms a soft middle with slightly crisp edges — a texture lover’s dream!

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💖 Lovers

This cake is a sweet declaration of love to all:

• Chocolate lovers adore its richness.
• Peanut butter lovers swoon over its creamy nuttiness.
• Home bakers love its simplicity.
• Romantic souls find it the perfect dessert to share after dinner.

Serve it warm with two spoons, a scoop of ice cream, and a cozy blanket — it’s pure dessert romance.

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🍮 Conclusion

The Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is more than a dessert — it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and simplicity. It brings together generations of dessert lovers, blending nostalgic comfort with indulgent sweetness. Whether you bake it for a family gathering, a holiday dinner, or a quiet night in, this cake never fails to impress.

It’s proof that sometimes the most amazing things come from just dumping, baking, and loving every bite.