Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your cake gets that perfect rise!
Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 13x9 inch baking dish with non-stick spray and set it aside. No one likes a cake that sticks!
Mix Pudding and Milk: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk and chocolate pudding mix until combined. You’ll want this to be smooth and creamy.
Add Cake Mix: Next, add the chocolate cake mix to the pudding mixture. Stir until all the ingredients are fully combined. The batter will be thick, but that’s perfectly fine!
Fold in Peanut Butter Cups: Gently fold in the chopped mini Reese's PB Cups into the batter. Try not to overmix; we want those delectable chunks to remain noticeable.
Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake the cake in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool slightly before serving. Top with whipped cream or additional peanut butter cups, if desired, and enjoy!
What to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake With
To complement your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature or with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence. A light fruit salad on the side can also cut through the rich flavors, providing a refreshing balance to the decadent dessert.
Top Tips for Perfecting Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Ingredient Substitutions: If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can use a lower sugar cake mix or opt for sugar-free pudding mix to reduce calories.
Timing Adjustments: Be sure to keep an eye on the oven towards the end of the baking time. Every oven is different, so check for doneness with a toothpick at the 20-minute mark.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: One common mistake is overmixing once adding in the cake mix. Gently fold in ingredients to maintain a light texture and ensure fluffy results.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store any leftovers (if there are any!), allow the cake to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze individual pieces as well. Just wrap them well, and they will stay fresh for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the microwave for about 20 seconds.
With its decadent flavors and straightforward directions, Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is sure to be a favorite in your household. Enjoy the process, delight in the flavors, and above all, have fun creating this delectable dessert! Happy baking!