Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug and a party all at once, the Butter Cup Dump Cake is your new best friend. This luscious creation combines the rich goodness of chocolate cake mix with the creamy comfort of peanut butter and the delightful crunch of chopped peanut butter cups. It’s one of those magical recipes where you simply dump, mix, and bake, yet the result tastes like you put hours of love and effort into it. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this Butter Cup Dump Cake is irresistibly simple and decadently delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Butter Cup Dump Cake lies not only in its simplicity but also in how each ingredient plays a starring role in building layers of flavor and texture. From creamy to crunchy, sweet to slightly salty, every component makes this cake an absolute crowd-pleaser.

• Chocolate cake mix: The foundation of your cake’s rich, chocolatey flavor with a moist crumb texture.
• Creamy peanut butter: Adds a luscious, nutty richness that blends perfectly into the batter.
• Milk: Keeps the cake moist and tender while balancing the peanut butter’s density.
• Chocolate chips: Little pockets of melty chocolate joy hidden throughout the cake.
• Peanut butter cups (chopped): The secret crunchy surprise that elevates each bite with a sweet and salty twist.
• Vegetable oil: Helps keep the cake tender and adds just the right amount of moisture.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure for the perfect cake rise.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a hint of warmth and depth.
• Powdered sugar (optional, for topping): Adds a delicate touch of sweetness and a pretty finish.

How to Make Butter Cup Dump Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. This simple prep step ensures your cake won’t stick and will glide out perfectly after baking, ready to wow everyone at the table.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, creamy peanut butter, milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or electric mixer to blend everything until your batter is smooth and velvety, with the peanut butter fully incorporated. This step creates the luscious base that brings all the flavors together harmoniously.

Step 3: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Peanut Butter Cups

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and half of the chopped peanut butter cups to your batter. This careful folding technique preserves the texture of the candy pieces so that every bite has semi-melted chocolate and crunchy peanut butter cup pockets.

Step 4: Pour and Top

Pour your luscious batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Then, sprinkle the remaining chopped peanut butter cups evenly over the surface, creating a tempting candy-studded topping that will caramelize slightly in the oven.

Step 5: Bake Until Perfect

Bake the Butter Cup Dump Cake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cake is set, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just moist crumbs. Resist the urge to overbake because you want to keep this cake moist, chocolaty, and delightfully gooey inside.

Step 6: Cool and Add Final Touches

Let the cake cool for 20 to 30 minutes. If you want to make it even more festive, dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a gorgeous finish that adds a hint of elegance to this homey treat.

Step 7: Serve Warm or Chilled

Whether you serve it warm, fresh from the oven, or chilled for a denser, fudgier experience, the Butter Cup Dump Cake never disappoints. Both options highlight the peanut butter and chocolate combination beautifully.

How to Serve Butter Cup Dump Cake

Garnishes

Enhance the cozy, indulgent vibe of your Butter Cup Dump Cake with some fun garnishes. A sprinkle of powdered sugar creates a snow-dusted look that’s picture perfect. Or, add a drizzle of melted chocolate or even a dollop of whipped cream for creamy contrast and extra sweetness.

Side Dishes

This cake is wonderfully versatile, so pairing it with simple sides like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries takes it to a whole new level. The coolness of ice cream perfectly complements the warmth and richness of the cake, while berries add a fresh, tangy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling fancy? Serve your Butter Cup Dump Cake in individual ramekins or mason jars for charming single servings. You can also layer chunks of the cake with whipped cream and peanut butter cups to create a no-fuss trifle. It’s a playful way to serve and will definitely impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Butter Cup Dump Cake, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days. Wrapping it tightly helps maintain moisture and keeps the peanut butter cups from clumping together.

Freezing

If you want to keep your Butter Cup Dump Cake longer, freeze it for up to three months. Cut the cake into portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to preserve all the glorious flavors.

Reheating

To bring the cake back to life after chilling or freezing, simply warm a slice in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. This quick heat-up softens the cake and melts the chocolate chips just enough to make every bite decadent once again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Absolutely! While chocolate cake mix pairs perfectly with peanut butter in the Butter Cup Dump Cake, you can experiment with vanilla or even peanut butter cake mix for variation. Just keep in mind it will alter the overall flavor profile slightly.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free chocolate cake mix and swap out the milk for your favorite plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk. Make sure your peanut butter cups are dairy-free, too, or substitute with chopped dairy-free chocolates.

Can I add nuts for extra crunch?

Definitely! Chopped roasted peanuts or walnuts make a delicious addition to the Butter Cup Dump Cake. Just fold them into the batter along with the chocolate chips and peanut butter cups for an extra textural contrast.

What if I don’t have peanut butter cups on hand?

No worries! You can substitute with chopped peanut butter-filled chocolates, Reese’s Pieces, or even miniature peanut butter cups. The key is to have some candy pieces that give you that peanut butter and chocolate combo.

How can I make this cake less sweet?

To tone down the sweetness, consider using a chocolate cake mix with reduced sugar and choose unsweetened peanut butter. You can also skip the powdered sugar topping or opt for a very light drizzle of dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say the Butter Cup Dump Cake is worth every minute of prep and every bite you savor. It’s a dessert that embodies comfort and celebration in one easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a kitchen beginner, this cake delivers joy and indulgence with very little fuss. So grab your ingredients and get ready to discover your new favorite dessert — your taste buds will thank you!

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