Decadent Peanut Butter Cup Cake Recipe

Are you ready to indulge in a delightful treat that combines the irresistible flavors of chocolate and peanut butter? Look no further than this Peanut Butter Cup Cake Delight recipe! This fuss-free dessert is a true crowd-pleaser, with its rich, moist texture and surprising peanut butter cup bits that add an extra layer of decadence.

I first created this Peanut Butter Cup Cake Delight when my son requested a unique birthday dessert featuring his favorite – peanut butter cups. Fast forward five years, and it has become a staple at our family gatherings, especially during the holiday seasons. The secret to this recipe lies in the mini peanut butter cups, which deliver those delightful little surprises in every bite.

This dump cake is not only easy to make but also perfect for planning ahead for parties. You can prepare the batter in advance and bake it whenever you’re ready. Plus, there are endless ways to customize this cake to suit your preferences, whether it’s adding chopped peanuts for extra crunch or drizzling it with a luscious chocolate ganache. Get ready to wow your guests with this Peanut Butter Cup Cake Delight!

Quick Benefits

• Decadent Flavor Combination: Combines rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter for a satisfying dessert experience.
• Convenient and Crowd-Pleasing: Easy to prepare in advance for gatherings, always a hit with guests.
• Customizable Options: Easily modify the recipe with variations like white chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or a chocolate ganache drizzle.
• Versatile Serving Suggestions: Enjoy warm with ice cream, dress up for special occasions, or create a unique ice cream cake sandwich.

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Peanut Butter Cup Cake Recipe Recipe

• Decadent Flavors: The combination of chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter, chocolate chips, and peanut butter cups creates a rich and indulgent dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
• Fuss-Free Preparation: This dump cake recipe is easy to make without any complicated techniques, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
• Crowd-Pleasing: The rich and moist texture, along with the surprise of peanut butter cup chunks, makes this cake an instant hit at gatherings, parties, and holiday events.
• Make-Ahead Option: Ideal for planning ahead, you can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance or bake the cake up to 2 days ahead, allowing the flavors to develop and intensify over time.
• Customizable: Easily customize the recipe by swapping ingredients like white chocolate chips or adding chopped peanuts for extra crunch. You can also drizzle the cake with chocolate ganache or serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for a special touch.
• Versatile Serving Ideas: Enjoy the cake on its own or elevate it by serving warm with ice cream, drizzling with peanut butter sauce, or transforming it into an ice cream cake sandwich, creating different experiences for various occasions.
• Ingredient Flexibility: Whether using different types of chocolate cake mixes, chunky peanut butter for added texture, or alternative oils like melted butter, the recipe allows for ingredient substitutions based on preferences or dietary needs.
• Storage Options: Leftover cake can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated, providing versatility in enjoying the dessert for up to a week after baking.
• Creative Additions: Have fun experimenting with additional mix-ins like caramel bits, crushed pretzels, or any other favorite toppings to put a unique spin on the classic recipe.
• Optional Topping: The powdered sugar is a simple and optional touch for presentation, allowing you to enjoy the cake with or without the added sweetness.

Ingredients for Decadent Peanut Butter Cup Cake Recipe

• 1 cup powdered sugar (optional topping)
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup peanut butter cups, chopped
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pro Tips for Decadent Peanut Butter Cup Cake Recipe

Pro Tip 1: To ensure the mini peanut butter cups maintain their shape during baking, freeze them for about 30 minutes before chopping. This simple step will prevent them from completely melting away and provide delightful surprises in every bite.

Pro Tip 2: Customize this cake to your liking by swapping ingredients like white chocolate chips for a sweeter profile, adding chopped peanuts for extra crunch, or drizzling the cooled cake with a chocolate ganache for special occasions. These modifications allow you to maintain the essential peanut butter cup character while offering unique flavor experiences.

Pro Tip 3: For a decadent serving suggestion, enjoy the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into the chocolate crumb. To elevate the presentation at dinner parties, drizzle warm peanut butter sauce over individual squares and sprinkle crushed peanuts on top. In warmer months, transform the cake into an ice cream sandwich by filling sliced pieces with softened ice cream and freezing until firm.

How to Make Decadent Peanut Butter Cup Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the chocolate cake mix and creamy peanut butter until crumbly.

Step 3: Mix Batter

Combine the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Incorporate Additions

Gently mix in chocolate chips and chopped peanut butter cups for extra texture and flavor.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Evenly spread the batter in the prepared baking dish, ensuring a smooth surface for even baking.

Step 6: Bake Cake

Bake for 35 minutes or until the cake is risen and emits a delicious aroma.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool fully before sprinkling with powdered sugar for a sweet and elegant touch.

Storage Tips

Once you’ve made and enjoyed the Peanut Butter Cup Cake Delight, storing any leftovers properly will ensure its freshness and taste. To store the finished cake, place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to keep it longer, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent the cake from drying out.

If you plan to prepare the Peanut Butter Cup Cake Delight in advance for an upcoming event or gathering, you have a couple of options. You can mix the batter up to 24 hours before baking and store it covered in the refrigerator. Before baking, let the batter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure even baking. Alternatively, if you’ve already baked the cake, you can wrap it tightly once it has completely cooled and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors of the cake actually improve with time, making it a convenient and stress-free dessert choice for planned occasions.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a different type of cake mix, feel free to experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or fudge cake mixes for varied richness and flavor profiles. These options can add a unique twist to the dessert while still maintaining the decadent chocolate and peanut butter combination.

For a more textured cake, consider using chunky peanut butter instead of creamy. Chunky peanut butter will introduce small peanut pieces throughout the cake, providing a delightful contrast to the smooth batter. This substitution can add an extra layer of complexity to the overall taste and mouthfeel of the cake.

In place of vegetable oil, you can substitute with melted butter or a neutral oil like canola. Both alternatives will work well in the recipe and provide the necessary moisture for a moist and delicious cake. Experimenting with different oils can slightly alter the flavor profile of the cake, so choose based on your personal preference.

Serving Suggestions

For an elegant dessert presentation, serve the Peanut Butter Cup Cake Delight warm with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The creamy texture of the whipped cream complements the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter, creating a delightful contrast in every bite.

For a playful twist on this classic dessert, create individual trifle cups by layering crumbled pieces of the cake with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a dollop of peanut butter mousse. Top each cup with a few mini peanut butter cups and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a visually appealing and indulgent treat that is sure to impress guests at any gathering.

FAQs for Decadent Peanut Butter Cup Cake Recipe

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can use chunky peanut butter for added texture, though creamy peanut butter provides a smoother batter consistency.

Can I replace vegetable oil with a different type of oil?

Yes, you can replace vegetable oil with melted butter or another neutral oil like canola for similar results.

How should I store the leftover cake?

Store the leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Is the powdered sugar necessary for this recipe?

No, the powdered sugar is optional and purely for presentation. The cake is delicious with or without it.

Conclusion

I hope this Peanut Butter Cup Cake Delight recipe brings as much joy to your family gatherings and special occasions as it has to mine. The rich chocolate cake combined with creamy peanut butter and surprise bits of peanut butter cups truly make this dessert unforgettable.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe and make it your own by adding personal touches like white chocolate chips, caramel bits, or even crushed pretzels. The possibilities are endless, but the delicious essence of the peanut butter cup cake delight will always shine through. Remember, baking is all about sharing love and joy through food, and this dessert does just that. Enjoy every bite and savor the sweet moments it brings to your table. Happy baking!

Decadent Peanut Butter Cup Cake Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate Peanut Butter Cup Cake Delight, a decadent fusion of chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter, and surprise bites of mini peanut butter cups.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time35 Minutes

Total Time45 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings12 Servings

Ingredients

• 1 cup powdered sugar (optional topping)
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup peanut butter cups, chopped
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the chocolate cake mix and creamy peanut butter until crumbly.
3. Mix Batter: Combine the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Incorporate Additions: Gently mix in chocolate chips and chopped peanut butter cups for extra texture and flavor.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Evenly spread the batter in the prepared baking dish, ensuring a smooth surface for even baking.
6. Bake Cake: Bake for 35 minutes or until the cake is risen and emits a delicious aroma.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool fully before sprinkling with powdered sugar for a sweet and elegant touch.