If you want to make a dessert that’s easy but also decadent, a peanut butter dump cake is a great option. This moist and decadent treat takes the flavour of peanut butter, and sandwiches it between a cake like top that tastes of butter. It comes together quickly, a boon for bakers on a tight schedule. No matter what, whether you’re having a party, family over for dinner or just want something sweet- this peanut butter dump cake totally hits the spot.
This is a simple layered dessert. It’s called a “dump cake” because you literally “dump” the ingredients into a pan without any mixing. The cake base is frequently made from a box of cake mix, along with peanut butter and other ingredients such as butter and sugar. It bakes until golden brown and bubbly, making for the quite the crowd-pleasing indulgence complete with a crunchy topping and rich, gooey center.
The History of Dump Cakes
Dump cakes have existed since the 1980s. “Dump” cakes were initially made as a quick and easy dessert. People adored that they were so easy and fast to prepare. Over the years, it has been riffed on and tinkered with all manner of ways: the peanut butter dump cake is one particularly popular version of the classic.
This easy dessert is perfect for everyone who wants a homemade dessert without any fuss. Easy is why peanut butter dump cake is now a potluck staple, a favorite at barbecues and any family gathering.
Why Choose This Cake?
This cake has a few key benefits over other desserts. For one, it’s exceedingly simple to compose. There is no requirement for fancy baking skills, and it doesn’t call for a mile long grocery list. The flavor is rich thanks to the combo of peanut butter and cake mix. No matter if you are a fan of peanut butter or sweet and salty desserts, peanut butter dump cake will be a sure hit.
Peanut butter cake is also easy to make, and is made of what would be considered staples in my house, which is another reason I make them often. You can personalize it with variations like chocolate chips, crushed peanuts, or caramel sauce too. There are so many possibilities!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients for peanut butter dump cake is what makes this dessert so good. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Peanut Butter: A straight up headliner for dessert. 1 ¼ hrsNote: You can use creamy or chunky peanut butter, according to which texture you like.
- Cake Mix: I used a yellow or a chocolate cake mix would also do well in this recipe.
- Butter: Melted butter is what forms the golden brown, crispy topping.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: It provides sweetness and holds everything together.
- Optional Add- ins: Chocolate chips, crushed peanuts or caramel sauce can be stirred in for more flavor.
And you probably already have these ingredients in your pantry, so it’s easy and inexpensive.
Peanut Butter Dump Cake Recipe Ingredients Inexpensive and full of peanut deliciousness. Use these holes to poke small indentations on top of the cake.
How to Make
Its making is incredibly simple. Follow these easy steps:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will make sure that your cake bakes evenly.
- Grease the Pan: Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish gently with cooking spray or butter.
- Layer the Components: Start with a layer of peanut butter on the bottom of the serving dish. Then, spread the cake mix out evenly over the top. Do not stir; just pour cake mix over the peanut butter layer.
- Add the Butter: Evenly drizzle melted butter over the cake mix. Spread the butter all over the surface.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk Pour: Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the butter and cake mix. This will form a sweet, wet layer as the cake bakes.
- Bake: Add the pan to the oven and back for 35-40 minutes. The cake is finished when it is golden and bubbly around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving. It’s just as delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Helpful Tips on Making The Best Peanut Butter Dump Cake
Here are some pointers to make sure your cake is perfect:
Use Room Temperature Butter
For melting the butter, the warmer the butter is to start with, the better. That way the butter can melt more uniformly and cover the cake mix more fully. And that cold butter might not distribute as smoothly throughout the cake, that’s an uneven texture you don’t need in your dump cake.
Don’t Overmix the Cake Mix
One of the finest things about a dump cake is that you don’t have to mix the ingredients. Empty the entire box of cake mix right on top of the peanut butter, do not stir it in. Mixing the cake batter for too long might result in a dry, heavy cake. Let the butter and sweetened condensed milk work their magic in the oven.
With extra toppings
While peanut butter dump cake is incredible just as it is, you can top it with scoops of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a little bit of chocolate syrup to up the ante if you’d like. Vanilla or chocolate ice cream go beautifully with the rich peanut butter taste.
Serve with Ice Cream
And, this cake with ice cream gives you a wonderful contrast of warm against cold textures too! The dense, fudgy peanut butter cake complements the creamy, smooth ice cream, enhancing the flavor sensation. Vanilla, chocolate or peanut butter ice cream juxtaposes with the cake’s richness, and toppings — think crushed peanuts or caramel drizzle for pizzazz — help things feel a little less run-of-the-mill. Mermaids or Not, this pair taking the dessert up a few secrets levels sure makes for a delicious indulgent experience – for any special occasion, or just for the hell of it.
Variations of Peanut Butter Dump Cake
Peanut butter cake is a deliciously easy dessert, but with a few creative twists, you can take this comforting treat to the next level. Here are some mouthwatering variations to try:
1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake
Add chocolate chips or a layer of brownie mix to the classic peanut butter version. Drizzle melted chocolate over the top once baked for a rich, Reese’s-inspired dessert.
2. Banana Peanut Butter Dump Cake
Layer sliced bananas between the peanut butter layer and cake mix. The bananas caramelize while baking, giving it a warm, gooey texture reminiscent of banana bread.
3. Peanut Butter and Jelly Dump Cake
Swirl strawberry or grape jelly into the peanut butter layer before adding cake mix. This nostalgic twist tastes just like your favorite PB&J sandwich in dessert form.
4. Peanut Butter Apple Dump Cake
Mix apple pie filling with a few spoonfuls of peanut butter and top with spice cake mix. It’s a cozy, fall-flavored dessert that pairs well with vanilla ice cream.
5. S’mores Peanut Butter Dump Cake
Add mini marshmallows, chocolate chunks, and graham cracker pieces along with the peanut butter. Use yellow or chocolate cake mix and bake until bubbly and golden.
6. Peanut Butter Oreo Dump Cake
Crush Oreos and layer them under or over the cake mix. The combination of creamy peanut butter and crunchy cookies makes it irresistible.
7. Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Dump Cake
Drizzle caramel sauce over the peanut butter before baking. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top after baking for a sweet-salty finish.
These cake variations are simple to make and perfect for potlucks, holidays, or weeknight treats. Mix, dump, and bake your way to a new favorite dessert!
Peanut Butter Dump Cake for Special Events
Peanut butter dump cake is a simple dessert ideal for special occasions, simple to make yet luscious and decadent to serve. Birthday, holiday gathering, special dinner, you name it — this cake delivers comfort and taste without the stress.
Birthday Bash:
Make a party-worthy dessert out of your peanut butter dump cake by sprinkling in some chocolate chips and topping it with colorful sprinkles or crushed peanut butter candies. (If you’re still toothsome after the spoons-and-forks debate, by now you deserve to be rewarded with a serving of North American native Thanksgiving pie. JSImportImage(Return to the oven to rewarm and serve with a scoop of ice cream or spray can of whipped cream for extra festiveness.
Valentine’s Day:
Swirl in either some raspberry or strawberry preserves before the banana bread hits the oven and you have a peanut butter and jelly taste with a little love in it. It’s a perfect individual portion dessert when served in little ramekins.
Thanksgiving:
Add pumpkin puree, apple pie filling, or both to your dump cake for fall flavors and dust with cinnamon and nutmeg. A spice cake mix is ideal here, for a mellow, warming flavor that pairs perfectly with your holiday spread.
Christmas:
Sprinkle on bits of crushed peppermint or white chocolate chips for a winter version. Drizzle with chocolate ganache and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
Baby Shower or Bridal Shower:
If you feel like getting fancy, bake these in mini cups or jars and then give each their own swirl of cream cheese frosting with chopped peanuts or toffee bits.
Whatever the reason, peanut butter dump cake can be dressed up or down to fit the theme of the day. It’s texture is gooey, it’s flavor rich, and as a whole it’s a sure-bet of a dessert.
How to Store and Reheat
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!),you can save your peanut butter dump cake for later. Here’s how:
- Storage: Allow the cake to cool completely then store in an airtight container. Store in fridge for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, zap a slice in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or pop it in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or so.
The cake also freezes well if you’d like to save it for later. Just be sure you wrap it securely in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze it that way. It will be good for 3 months.
Peanut Butter Dump Cake – The ideal dessert for any season
Peanut butter dump cake is the perfect dessert at any time of the year. In summer, in winter, this cake rocks. And in winter, that oozy, soothing texture is ideal on cold nights. In the warmer months, it’s a simple dessert to transport to a barbecue or picnic.
Whatever time of year you prepare it, a peanut butter dump cake is going to be a hit. Simple, delicious and quick to make, it’s the perfect recipe for anyone who loves sweet, peanut-buttery heaven.
Conclusion:
Peanut butter dump cake is on of those desserts that is so simple it seems like it shouldn’t be this good. But one bite and you’ll understand why this cake is so beloved. It is rich, savory, and can be tailored to taste. With or without extra toppings, peanut butter dump cake will be one of your favorite recipes to reach for. So why not give it a try today? You won’t believe how fast it is, and how much everyone will enjoy it!