Death by Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake

Name: Death by Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 box chocolate cake mix (*any cake mix desired); 1 pkg instant chocolate pudding mix (3.4 oz size); 2 cups milk; 1 tbsp cocoa powder; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1 cup mini Reese's cups

Published: Jan 2, 2024 by Kristin · This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. · 34 Comments

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Enjoy the indulgence of Death By Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake, a fusion of rich chocolate and nutty peanut butter in a six ingredient dessert recipe. This fudgy treat is easy to make, offering a delicious twist on dump cake using boxed cake mix and pudding mix!

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Dump cake is an easy dessert made by “dumping” ingredients like boxed cake mix, fruit, and butter into a pan and baking them. Its name comes from this simple method. It’s quick to prepare and yields a tasty dessert that anyone can make!

This is important because, as a busy home chef, I need my dessert to be quick, easy, and delicious. I decided to change up my death by chocolate dump cake by adding in a little peanut butter. Not only was this cake amazing, but it was incredibly simple and flavorful. The cake was moist, had little bits of peanut butter cups throughout it, and even had bits of chocolate chips!

What makes this chocolate peanut butter dump cake so easy is the simple ingredients it’s made with. We use a box of chocolate cake mix to add rich flavor without the hassle of measuring dry ingredients. The chocolate pudding mix not only enhances the chocolatey depth but also ensures the cake stays moist and fudgy. Just add milk, cocoa, and peanut butter treats, then bake in the oven for 35 minutes!

Is dump cake supposed to be gooey?

Dump cake is known for its moist and dense texture, often with a delightfully gooey middle. This texture comes from the cake mix combined with the pudding, creating a rich, soft consistency that’s like a warm hug in every bite. While it might have a slightly crusty top, underneath is where the magic happens — soft, somewhat pudding-like, and irresistibly gooey.

Why You’ll Love This Dump Cake Recipe

With only six ingredients, this recipe is simple and doesn’t require a long list of items to get started.
Easy to make, it’s suitable for beginners and experienced bakers alike, ensuring a great result with minimal effort.
The cake’s texture is rich and moist, offering an indulgent experience in every bite.
Boxed cake mix eliminates the need for measuring out dry ingredients, streamlining the baking process.
Adding pudding mix not only enhances the chocolate flavor but also ensures the cake is consistently moist and dense.

Ingredients and Equipment

Mixing Bowls – Used to combine the dry and wet ingredients evenly, ensuring a smooth batter with no lumps.
9×13 Baking Pan – The ideal size for baking the dump cake, allowing for even cooking and enough space for the cake to rise and set properly.

Ingredients

Boxed Chocolate Cake Mix – Provides a convenient and reliable base for the cake, ensuring consistent flavor. I use Devil’s food cake mix.
Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix – Adds moisture and creates a denser, richer cake texture while enhancing the chocolate flavor.
Milk – Acts as the liquid component, helping to bind all the dry ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s moist texture.
Cocoa Powder – Deepens the chocolate flavor, giving the cake a more intense and rich taste.
Chocolate Chips – Melt into the cake as it bakes, providing pockets of gooey chocolate throughout for added richness.
Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – Add a delicious peanut butter twist and extra texture with their creamy filling and chocolate coating.

How To Make Death By Chocolate Dump Cake with Peanut Butter

Mix the cake batter: Add the chocolate cake mix, pudding mix, cocoa powder, and milk to the mixing bowl. Mix to fully combine without overworking.
Fold in chocolate peanut butter: Use a rubber spatula to fold in the chocolate chips and peanut butter cups into the cake batter until evenly distributed.
Prepare for baking: Grease the baking dish with nonstick cooking oil. Preheat the oven to 350F. Pour the thick cake batter into the prepared pan.
Bake and enjoy: Bake for 35 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes to set and thicken. Serve while warm. Enjoy the delicious cake!

Recipe Tips for Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake

Grease your 9×13 baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and allow for easy removal of the cake after baking.
Fold in the chocolate chips and Mini Reese’s Cups gently to distribute them evenly without deflating the batter.
Spread the batter uniformly in the baking pan to promote even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the cake.
Tap the pan gently on the counter before baking to release any air bubbles, which helps in achieving a more even crumb.
Keep an eye on the cake during the final minutes of baking and perform a toothpick test to ensure it’s cooked perfectly.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before attempting to cut or serve it to maintain its shape.

Flavor Variations and Substitutions

Swap the box chocolate cake mix for a vanilla or red velvet mix to create a different base flavor.
Replace instant chocolate pudding with vanilla or butterscotch pudding for a milder taste or interesting flavor contrast.
Incorporate a teaspoon of espresso powder into the cocoa powder to intensify the chocolate flavor with a hint of coffee.
Stir in a half cup of peanut butter chips along with the chocolate chips for an extra peanut buttery kick.
Sprinkle crushed pretzels on top before baking to add a salty crunch that complements the sweet chocolate and peanut butter.
Add a layer of banana slices between the batter and the Reese’s cups for a fruity twist and added moisture.
Top the finished cake with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent, creamy complement to the rich, dense cake or dollop of cool whip.

Storing & Freezing

Storing: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to one week, ensuring it’s well-covered.
Freezing: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer, where it can last for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature for optimal flavor and texture before serving.

FAQ

How do I know when the dump cake is fully baked?

The cake is done when the edges are set, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Avoid over baking to maintain its gooey texture.

What if I don’t have a 9×13 baking pan?

You can use two 8×8 pans or a similar-sized baking dish, but adjust the baking time slightly shorter as the cake may cook faster in smaller or shallower pans.

Does dump cake need refrigeration?

Dump cake doesn’t necessarily need to be refrigerated, especially if it will be consumed within a day. However, for longer storage and to maintain its freshness and prevent spoilage, it’s advisable to refrigerate it.

This Death by Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake Recipe offers a decadent and irresistible dessert option for those with a sweet tooth. With its rich combination of chocolate fudge, creamy peanut butter cups, and moist cake, this indulgent treat is sure to satisfy any chocolate lovers craving. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply want to indulge in a comforting dessert, this recipe promises to impress your guests and leave them coming back for seconds. So go ahead and give it a try – just be prepared to experience pure bliss in every bite!

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a chocolate peanut butter dump cake baked and ready to enjoy

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