Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake With Salted Caramel Swirl

Looking for a dessert that’s unbelievably easy to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen? Look no further! This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake with Salted Caramel Swirl is the answer to your sweet cravings. It’s a delightful combination of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and a luscious salted caramel swirl – all built on the convenience of a ‘dump cake’ method. Seriously, it doesn’t get much simpler (or more delicious) than this. Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or just a cozy night in, this cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience dessert bliss with minimal effort!

You’ll Need These Ingredients

• 1 (15.5 oz / 440g) box chocolate cake mix: We’re using a chocolate cake mix as the base for this incredibly easy dessert. Any brand will work, but a good quality mix will give you the best flavor.
• 1 (14 oz / 397g) can sweetened condensed milk: This is the key to the cake’s moist and dense texture. Sweetened condensed milk adds a rich sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• 240 ml / 1 cup whole milk: Whole milk provides moisture and helps create a smooth batter. You can use 2% milk if preferred, but whole milk will result in a richer cake.
• 113g / ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Melted butter adds richness and flavor to the cake. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dessert.
• 2 large eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s structure.
• 12–15 peanut butter cups, halved (about 150g / 5 oz): The stars of the show! These add pockets of peanut butter goodness throughout the cake. Use your favorite brand – mini or standard size both work well.
• 100g / ½ cup brown sugar: Brown sugar is essential for the salted caramel swirl, providing a deep molasses flavor and helping to create a thick, gooey sauce.
• 60 ml / ¼ cup heavy cream: Heavy cream adds richness and helps create a smooth and glossy caramel sauce.
• 30 ml / 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (for caramel): More butter for the caramel! It contributes to the sauce’s smooth texture and rich flavor.
• ½ tsp sea salt (plus extra for garnish): Sea salt enhances the sweetness of the caramel and provides a delightful contrast of flavors. Flaky sea salt is perfect for garnishing.
• 2 Tbsp (15g) toasted coconut flakes, for garnish: Toasted coconut flakes add a lovely texture and subtle coconut flavor, complementing the chocolate and peanut butter.

Ingredient Substitutions

While this recipe is pretty flexible, here are a few substitutions you can make:

• Chocolate Cake Mix: You can experiment with other cake mix flavors like red velvet or vanilla, but chocolate complements the peanut butter best.
• Whole Milk: 2% milk can be used in place of whole milk, but the cake may be slightly less moist.
• Peanut Butter Cups: If you’re not a fan of peanut butter, you could try using other candy cups like caramel-filled ones.

Let’s Bake: Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). This ensures even baking. Thoroughly grease a 23cm (9-inch) round baking dish. Using a good quality baking spray or butter and flour will prevent sticking and make removal a breeze.
2. Combine the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, melted butter, and eggs. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth. Pay close attention to ensure no lumps remain – a smooth batter is key to a tender cake. Don’t overmix, though, as this can develop the gluten and result in a tougher texture.
3. Pour and Spread: Carefully pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom, ensuring a uniform thickness. This will help the cake bake consistently.
4. Arrange Peanut Butter Cups: Arrange the halved peanut butter cups evenly over the surface of the batter. Press them in slightly so they don’t sink completely during baking, but don’t force them down too much – you want them to remain visible.
5. Craft the Salted Caramel Swirl: In a small saucepan, melt 30ml (2 tbsp) of butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar until it’s fully dissolved. Whisk in the heavy cream and sea salt. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the caramel is glossy and slightly thickened. Be careful not to burn the caramel – keep a close eye on it and reduce the heat if necessary.
6. Drizzle and Swirl: Drizzle the warm caramel generously over the batter and peanut butter cups. Use a toothpick or the tip of a knife to create a beautiful swirl pattern. Allow the caramel to pool in a few places for a more dramatic ribbon effect.
7. Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. The edges should be set, and the top should be lightly browned. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick near the edge of the cake – it should come out clean. Avoid checking the center, as it may still be slightly moist.
8. Cool and Garnish: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before garnishing. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to handle. Sprinkle generously with toasted coconut flakes and a pinch of sea salt for a delightful textural and flavor contrast.
9. Slice and Serve: Slice the cake and plate it on a white plate to make the colors pop. Finish with an extra drizzle of any remaining caramel for a glossy sheen and an extra touch of indulgence.

Tips for the Perfect Caramel Swirl

The caramel swirl is what elevates this dump cake from good to extraordinary. Using a good quality heavy cream is important for a rich, smooth caramel. Don’t rush the caramel-making process; low and slow is the key to preventing burning and achieving the perfect consistency. If you find your caramel is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches your desired drizzling consistency. A little extra sea salt on top really enhances the sweet and salty flavor combination.

Why This Dump Cake Works: The Science of Simplicity

Dump cakes are renowned for their ease, but there’s a bit of baking science at play. The combination of cake mix, sweetened condensed milk, and melted butter creates a remarkably moist and tender crumb. The sweetened condensed milk provides both sweetness and moisture, while the melted butter adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together. The lack of traditional creaming methods results in a denser, chewier texture, which is perfectly complemented by the gooey peanut butter cups and luscious caramel.

Peanut Butter Cup & Caramel Flavor Harmony

The magic of this dessert lies in the interplay between chocolate, peanut butter, and caramel. The bitterness of the chocolate cake mix is beautifully balanced by the sweetness of the sweetened condensed milk and the salty-sweetness of the peanut butter cups. The salted caramel swirl adds another layer of complexity, enhancing both the chocolate and peanut butter flavors. It’s a flavor combination that’s universally loved!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds, or bake in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5-10 minutes. A quick warm-up will restore some of the gooeyness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different size baking dish?

Yes, but baking times may vary. A smaller dish will result in a thicker cake and may require a longer baking time. A larger dish will result in a thinner cake and may require a shorter baking time.

Can I substitute the peanut butter cups?

While peanut butter cups are the star of the show, you could experiment with other candy bars, like Snickers or Reese’s Pieces. Just make sure they complement the chocolate flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix to make this recipe gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake with Salted Caramel Swirl is the ultimate easy dessert for peanut butter and chocolate lovers. It’s quick to make, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to impress. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest board for later! Pin it now!

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