Introduction
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is the definition of effortless indulgence. Rich chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter, and chunks of peanut butter cups come together in one warm, gooey dessert that requires minimal preparation. The beauty of a dump cake lies in its simplicity—ingredients are layered directly into the baking dish without complicated mixing. I first made this recipe when I needed a last-minute dessert for a gathering, and it quickly became one of the most requested treats. The combination of melted chocolate and peanut butter creates a decadent flavor reminiscent of classic peanut butter cups, while the cake layer bakes into a soft, fudgy texture. Whether served warm with vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake delivers bold flavor and comforting sweetness with very little effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dessert requires minimal prep time and no special techniques. It combines two beloved flavors—chocolate and peanut butter—into one rich, crowd-pleasing dish. The texture is perfectly gooey and indulgent, and it is ideal for potlucks, holidays, or casual family dinners.
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake: The Ultimate Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is an easy, indulgent dessert made by layering chocolate cake mix, creamy peanut butter, and peanut butter cups, then baking until rich, gooey, and irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups mini peanut butter cups, chopped
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread peanut butter evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Sprinkle half of the chopped peanut butter cups over the peanut butter layer.
- In a bowl, whisk together cake mix, milk, and eggs until combined.
- Pour the batter evenly over the peanut butter layer without stirring.
- Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle remaining peanut butter cups and chocolate chips over the batter.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the top is set and edges are bubbly.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Do not mix the layers after pouring the batter to maintain the dump cake texture.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chocolate cake mix
This forms the base of the dump cake, creating a soft, moist chocolate layer that bakes beautifully over the filling.
Creamy peanut butter
Peanut butter adds rich, nutty flavor and melts into the cake as it bakes, creating pockets of creamy goodness.
Peanut butter cups
Chopped peanut butter cups provide bursts of chocolate and peanut butter throughout the dessert.
Sweetened condensed milk
This adds sweetness and moisture, contributing to the cake’s gooey texture.
Unsalted butter
Melted butter is poured over the cake mix to help it bake evenly and develop a golden top.
Milk
A small amount of milk ensures the cake mixture bakes into a soft, tender consistency.
Vanilla extract
Enhances the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
Salt
Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread the sweetened condensed milk evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter over the condensed milk and gently spread.
Sprinkle half of the chopped peanut butter cups evenly over the peanut butter layer.
In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix with milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until just combined. Pour the mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish.
Top with the remaining peanut butter cups.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly crisp while the interior remains soft and gooey. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving.
Serve warm for the best texture, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Equipment needed : Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
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 yields approximately 12 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftover Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds to restore warmth and gooey texture. This dessert can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
This dump cake is highly adaptable. For an even richer texture, add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter before baking. The extra chocolate melts into the cake for added decadence.
If you prefer a slightly less sweet version, use dark chocolate peanut butter cups instead of milk chocolate. I once made this substitution for a dinner party, and the deeper chocolate flavor balanced the sweetness beautifully.
For added crunch, sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts over the top before baking. This provides a pleasant contrast to the soft interior.
You may also swirl in a few tablespoons of caramel sauce for a chocolate-peanut-caramel variation. For a lighter option, use reduced-fat peanut butter and light sweetened condensed milk, though the texture may be slightly less rich.
If you enjoy texture contrast, serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These small adjustments allow you to personalize the dessert while preserving its rich chocolate peanut butter character.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Approximate values per serving (based on 12 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 58 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 42 g |
| Sodium | 380 mg |
This recipe contains gluten, dairy, and peanuts. It is a rich dessert best enjoyed occasionally.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do Not Overbake
Remove when the center is set but still soft for a gooey texture.
Layer Evenly
Spread ingredients uniformly for balanced flavor in each bite.
Use Quality Chocolate
High-quality peanut butter cups improve overall flavor.
Serve Warm
The cake is most indulgent when served slightly warm.
Add Texture
Include chopped nuts for extra crunch if desired.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and bake in advance, then reheat before serving.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture.
Can I substitute homemade cake mix?
Yes, ensure the dry mixture equals a standard boxed cake mix quantity.
How do I know when it is done?
The top should be set and slightly crisp while the inside remains soft.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months.
Is this dessert very sweet?
It is rich and sweet, but the peanut butter balances the chocolate flavor.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a simple yet indulgent dessert that combines rich chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter and candy pieces. Its gooey texture and bold flavor make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. With minimal preparation and endless customization options, this recipe is an easy way to satisfy any chocolate and peanut butter craving.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!