Introduction
Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake is the ultimate dessert when you want something indulgent without spending much time in the kitchen. I first made this recipe on a day when I needed a last-minute dessert and had very little energy to bake from scratch. What came out of the oven was pure comfort: warm, gooey chocolate, pockets of creamy peanut butter, and a soft cake layer that ties everything together. The beauty of a dump cake is in its simplicity. There is no mixing, no complicated steps, and no special equipment required. You simply layer the ingredients, bake, and enjoy. This dessert is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights when a chocolate craving strikes. If you love the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter and appreciate easy, reliable recipes, this dump cake is guaranteed to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is incredibly easy, requires minimal prep, and delivers big flavor. The chocolate and peanut butter combination is rich and satisfying, while the dump cake method makes it nearly foolproof. It is perfect for beginner bakers and busy schedules.
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake – Rich, Gooey, and Effortlessly Decadent
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate peanut butter dump cake is an easy, decadent dessert made by layering simple ingredients into a baking dish to create a gooey chocolate cake with rich peanut butter flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread peanut butter evenly over the bottom of the baking dish.
- Pour milk evenly over the peanut butter layer.
- Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over the milk.
- Evenly sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix over the top.
- Scatter chocolate chips over the cake mix if using.
- Arrange butter slices evenly across the top.
- Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until the top is set and slightly crisp.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Do not stir the layers—this creates the dump cake texture.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature or refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chocolate Cake Mix
Chocolate cake mix forms the base of the dessert, providing rich cocoa flavor with no mixing required.
Chocolate Pudding
Chocolate pudding adds moisture and creates a gooey, almost brownie-like texture.
Milk
Milk helps hydrate the cake mix and pudding, ensuring a soft, tender result.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter adds creamy richness and classic nutty flavor throughout the cake.
Chocolate Chips
Chocolate chips melt into the cake, adding extra pockets of chocolate.
Butter
Butter melts over the top, helping the cake bake evenly and develop a rich finish.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven and lightly greasing a baking dish. Pour the chocolate pudding into the dish, followed by the milk, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the pudding layer without mixing.
Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter across the surface, followed by an even scattering of chocolate chips. Slice the butter into thin pieces and place them evenly over the top of the cake mix.
Bake until the top is set and the edges are bubbling, while the center remains soft and gooey. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving so the layers can settle.
Equipment needed
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves eight people. Preparation takes about 5 minutes, and baking time is approximately 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover dump cake covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm and gooey.
Variations and Customizations
Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake is easy to customize. You can swirl peanut butter into the top for a marbled effect or add chopped peanuts for crunch. For extra indulgence, drizzle chocolate syrup or peanut butter sauce over the warm cake before serving. You can also use a peanut butter–flavored baking chip in place of chocolate chips. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a classic finishing touch.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dessert is rich and indulgent, providing energy from carbohydrates and fats. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a sweet treat.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Even Layering
Spread ingredients evenly for consistent baking.
Do Not Stir
Resist mixing layers to preserve the dump cake texture.
Butter Coverage
Ensure butter is evenly distributed to avoid dry spots.
Serving Warm
This cake is best enjoyed warm for maximum gooeyness.
FAQs
Do I need to mix the ingredients?
No, layering is all that is required.
Can I use homemade cake mix?
Yes, but dry mix works best for consistency.
Is the center supposed to be gooey?
Yes, a soft center is part of the charm.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, reheat before serving.
Can I freeze dump cake?
Yes, freeze tightly wrapped and reheat when needed.
What type of peanut butter works best?
Creamy peanut butter gives the best texture.
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes, but chocolate pairs best with peanut butter.
How do I know when it is done?
The top should be set and edges bubbling.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it is a favorite with kids.
What should I serve with this cake?
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream pairs perfectly.
Conclusion
Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake is proof that an incredible dessert does not need to be complicated. With rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and a gooey, comforting texture, this easy recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for any occasion.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!