Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a rich, gooey, and indulgent dessert that combines the flavors of chocolate and peanut butter in the easiest way possible. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this cake is perfect for peanut butter lovers and anyone with a sweet tooth!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Made with a few simple ingredients and no mixing bowls, it’s practically foolproof.
- Decadent Flavor: A chocolate-peanut butter dream with gooey textures and bursts of peanut butter cup goodness.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion.
- Minimal Cleanup: Since everything is layered directly in the baking dish, there’s almost no mess.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chocolate cake mix
- Mini peanut butter cups, chopped
- Peanut butter chips
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Butter, melted
- Optional: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
Directions

- Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Spread the chopped peanut butter cups evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the peanut butter cups.
- Scatter peanut butter chips over the cake mix layer.
- Add the Liquids:
- Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the dry ingredients.
- Pour the melted butter evenly across the top to help create a rich, moist texture as it bakes.
- Bake:
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is set and slightly golden. The center will still be gooey, which is what makes this dessert so irresistible.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the cake cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe serves 12-16 people.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Triple Chocolate: Add chocolate chips on top for an extra dose of chocolate.
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the top before serving.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped peanuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Reese’s Lovers: Use Reese’s Pieces in addition to peanut butter cups for extra peanut butter flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix for a gluten-free version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 15-20 seconds until warm and gooey.
- Freezing: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes, yellow or peanut butter-flavored cake mix works wonderfully.
2. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best served warm. Reheat portions in the microwave to restore the gooey texture.
3. What can I substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
Evaporated milk mixed with sugar can work, but sweetened condensed milk gives the best richness and sweetness.
4. Can I add other candies?
Absolutely! Try adding chopped Snickers, Twix, or M&M’s for a fun twist.
5. How do I keep the cake from being too dry?
Ensure the sweetened condensed milk and melted butter are evenly distributed for a moist, gooey texture.
6. Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cake mix, dairy-free chocolate, and coconut condensed milk as substitutes.
7. Can I use large peanut butter cups?
Yes, chop them into smaller pieces for even distribution.
8. What’s the best way to serve this dessert?
Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.
9. Can I add peanut butter to the recipe?
Yes, drizzle melted peanut butter over the layers for an extra peanut butter punch.
10. How do I know when the cake is done?
The edges should be set and slightly golden, but the center will remain gooey.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With layers of chocolate, peanut butter, and gooey goodness, this cake is a must-try for dessert lovers. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a sweet treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Give it a try and enjoy the ultimate chocolate-peanut butter experience!
PrintPeanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a decadent dessert that combines the gooey richness of chocolate with the nutty creaminess of peanut butter. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dessert is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or wowing a crowd at your next gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1½ cups chopped peanut butter cups (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- Optional: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
- Spread the creamy peanut butter evenly over the bottom of the prepared dish.
Layer the Ingredients:
- Sprinkle half of the chopped peanut butter cups over the peanut butter layer.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the candy layer.
- Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the top.
Add Butter and Bake:
- Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, covering as much as possible.
- Sprinkle the milk chocolate chips and the remaining chopped peanut butter cups over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and slightly crisp.
Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool for 10–15 minutes. Serve warm, topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.
Notes
- For extra crunch: Add chopped peanuts or pretzels to the top before baking.
- Substitute options: Use Reese’s Pieces or mini peanut butter cups for variation.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.