Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – This dump cake requires minimal effort, as most of the ingredients are simply layered and baked.
• Loaded with Peanut Butter Cups – Each bite is filled with Reese’s peanut butter cups, offering a perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter.
• Decadent and Indulgent – With layers of cake, creamy filling, and Cool Whip, this dessert is a rich and satisfying treat.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a weekend indulgence, this cake is always a hit.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 boxes chocolate cake mixes (15.25 oz/432g each)
• 1 package instant chocolate pudding mix (3.9 oz/110g)
• 1 ½ cups milk (375mL)
• 1 bag Reese’s peanut butter cups minis (8 oz/226g, unwrapped)
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (227g)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (105g)
• ¼ cup heavy whipping cream (57g)
• 1 stick butter, melted (113g)
• 8 ounces Cool Whip (225g)
• 1 bag Reese’s peanut butter cups miniatures (12 oz/340g, unwrapped and chopped)
• Chocolate syrup for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the Pan – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 13″x9″ pan with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Make the First Cake Layer – In a large bowl, mix 1 box of chocolate cake mix, instant chocolate pudding, and milk. Stir until smooth. Fold in the 8 oz bag of Reese’s peanut butter cups minis. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer – In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and heavy whipping cream until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the cake batter.
4. Add the Second Cake Layer – Sprinkle the dry cake mix from the second box over the cream cheese layer. Drizzle the melted butter evenly on top.
5. Bake the Cake – Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is set and the cake is baked through. Let it cool completely before proceeding.
6. Add the Toppings – Once the cake has cooled, spread the Cool Whip evenly over the top. Sprinkle the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups over the whipped topping.
7. Serve and Enjoy – Drizzle with chocolate syrup just before serving. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Varies depending on portion size
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Calories: Approximately 660 kcal per serving

Variations

• Add a Crunch – Mix in chopped peanuts or crushed pretzels for added texture.
• Extra Chocolatey – Add chocolate chips or drizzle extra melted chocolate over the top.
• Different Candy – Try using Snickers, Twix, or another favorite candy in place of Reese’s.
• Caramel Twist – Drizzle caramel sauce over the cake before serving for an extra indulgent treat.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration – Store the cake in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing – While this cake is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
• Reheating – This cake is best served cold, but if you prefer a warm serving, microwave individual portions for about 15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes! While chocolate cake works best, you can experiment with devil’s food or even a peanut butter-flavored cake mix.

Do I have to use instant pudding?

Yes, instant pudding is necessary as it helps create a moist and flavorful cake texture.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, homemade whipped cream works great, but it may not hold up as long in the fridge as Cool Whip does.

How do I make this cake less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, you can use dark chocolate cake mix and unsweetened peanut butter.

What’s the best way to cut this cake?

For clean slices, chill the cake in the fridge for at least an hour before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices.

Can I make this in a smaller pan?

If using an 8″x8″ pan, reduce the ingredients by half and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use a gluten-free cake mix and check that your other ingredients are gluten-free.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk, but the texture of the cream cheese layer may be slightly less rich.

Can I use chunky peanut butter?

Yes, but it will add texture to the filling. If you prefer a smooth consistency, stick with creamy peanut butter.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is the ultimate dessert for peanut butter and chocolate lovers. With its rich layers of cake, creamy peanut butter filling, and Reese’s candy pieces, it’s an easy yet indulgent treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Perfect for parties or as a weeknight dessert, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Try it today and enjoy the sweet, gooey goodness!

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