Table of Contents
Description
This peanut butter cup dump cake is rich, gooey, and incredibly easy to make — a crowd-pleasing dessert with zero mixing and maximum flavor!
Introduction
If you love chocolate, peanut butter, and desserts that practically make themselves, this peanut butter cup dump cake is about to steal your heart. ❤️ This is one of those easy recipes that feels almost magical — you simply layer the ingredients, pop the pan in the oven, and let it transform into a warm, gooey dessert that tastes like you spent hours baking.
Dump cakes are a lifesaver for busy days, potlucks, or when you want something sweet without the stress. This version takes things up a notch by adding classic peanut butter cups, rich chocolate cake mix, and buttery goodness. The result? A dessert that’s soft and fluffy on top, creamy and molten underneath, and packed with irresistible peanut butter flavor.
Whether you’re baking for family night, a holiday gathering, or a last-minute craving, this peanut butter cup dump cake delivers comfort in every bite. It’s not exactly keto or low-carb — but it is indulgent, nostalgic, and absolutely worth it. And with a few swaps, you can easily make lighter or sugar-free versions too.
Let’s walk through everything you need to make this foolproof dessert that everyone will ask you to make again.
Recipe Equipment
You don’t need fancy tools for this recipe — another reason to love it!
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Measuring cups
- Spoon or spatula
- Knife (for chopping peanut butter cups)
- Oven mitts
Recipe Stat Sheet (Quick Overview)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Recipe Name | Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Bake Time | 40–45 minutes |
| Total Time | 55 minutes |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
| Servings | 10–12 |
| Cuisine | American Dessert |
| Method | Oven-Baked |
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (regular or sugar-free)
- 1 cup peanut butter cups, chopped
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for richness)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Why These Ingredients Work
The chocolate cake mix forms a soft, fluffy topping, while peanut butter cups melt into creamy pockets. Butter and milk create that signature gooey dump cake texture everyone loves.
Ingredient Notes
- Cake Mix: Chocolate fudge or devil’s food works best for deep flavor.
- Peanut Butter Cups: Mini cups melt more evenly, but regular ones work too.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter blends smoothly into the base.
- Milk: Heavy cream makes the cake extra rich; almond milk works in a pinch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Create the Base
Pour the milk and vanilla extract into the baking dish. Add spoonfuls of peanut butter and swirl gently to distribute.
3. Add the Chocolate Layers
Sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups and chocolate chips evenly across the dish. This creates pockets of creamy, melty goodness.
4. Add the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix over the top. Do not stir — this is key to the dump cake method.
5. Finish with Butter
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, making sure most of the surface is covered.
6. Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the top looks set and slightly crispy, with gooey chocolate bubbling underneath.
7. Cool Slightly and Serve
Let the cake rest for 10 minutes before serving. The texture will be warm, rich, and irresistibly creamy.
Pro Tips & Variations
For extra indulgence, drizzle warm chocolate syrup or peanut butter sauce over the top before serving. Want a crunch? Sprinkle chopped peanuts or Reese’s Pieces on top after baking. To make this recipe lighter, use sugar-free cake mix and reduced-sugar peanut butter cups. For a fun twist, try using a brownie mix instead of cake mix. Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, making this dessert just as good the next day.
Serving Suggestions
This peanut butter cup dump cake is best served:
- Warm with vanilla ice cream 🍨
- Topped with whipped cream
- Drizzled with chocolate or caramel sauce
- As a party dessert or potluck favorite
It’s rich enough to share but tempting enough not to!
Storage Information
- Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months
- Reheating: Microwave until warm and gooey again
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Estimated)
- Calories: 420
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 24g
- Protein: 7g
(Values may vary based on ingredients used.)
This peanut butter cup dump cake proves that incredible desserts don’t need complicated steps or fancy techniques. It’s cozy, chocolatey, and bursting with peanut butter flavor — the kind of dessert that brings people together.
If you try this easy recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how it turned out! ⭐ Share it with friends, save it for later, and enjoy every gooey bite.
Happy baking! 🥜🍫