Last updated on April 25th, 2025
Have you ever found yourself craving something intensely chocolaty but without the energy for complex baking? That’s exactly why I fell in love with this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake. It’s the answer to those desperate chocolate emergencies when you need something decadent but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This magical combination of rich chocolate cake and creamy peanut butter cups creates a gooey, molten dessert that tastes like you spent all day perfecting it. I’ve been making this for my family for years, and it’s become our go-to dessert for everything from movie nights to last-minute dinner guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re wondering whether to try this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake, let me give you a few compelling reasons:
- Ridiculously simple with just 6 ingredients you probably already have
- No mixer required just dump, layer, and bake
- Incredible flavor combination of chocolate and peanut butter in every bite
- Perfect for beginners literally impossible to mess up
I first discovered this recipe during a particularly stressful week when I needed comfort food but had zero energy. Subsequently, it’s become my secret weapon for those times when I need to bring a dessert somewhere but am short on time.
Pure Comfort
There’s something about the combination of warm chocolate cake and melty peanut butter that speaks directly to the soul. This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is the essence of comfort baking simple, unpretentious, and soul-satisfying. It’s the dessert equivalent of a warm hug.
This cake shines brightest on cold winter evenings when you need something to warm you from the inside out, but I’ve found it’s equally welcome at summer barbecues topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The beauty of this recipe is how it transforms ordinary ingredients into something that feels special enough for celebrations yet simple enough for random Tuesday nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Before we get started, let’s gather everything you’ll need for this magical dessert. Fortunately, the ingredient list is refreshingly short:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (any brand works fine)
- 1½ cups milk
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 2 cups miniature peanut butter cups, chopped and divided
- ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
- Optional: vanilla ice cream for serving
The key to this recipe’s success is using actual peanut butter cups rather than just peanut butter chips. They create little pockets of peanut butter goodness throughout the cake that make each bite an adventure. If you have dietary restrictions, you can substitute plant-based milk and butter, and there are several allergen-friendly chocolate cake mixes available.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now let’s break down exactly how to create this decadent dessert with minimal effort.
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Unwrap and roughly chop the peanut butter cups, setting aside ½ cup for topping later.
- In a large bowl, combine the dry cake mix, milk, and melted butter. The mixture will be slightly lumpy, which is exactly what we want.
- Warm the peanut butter in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until it’s easy to drizzle.
Cooking Method
- First, pour half of the cake batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- Next, sprinkle 1½ cups of the chopped peanut butter cups evenly over the batter.
- Drizzle half of the warmed peanut butter in thin streams across the peanut butter cup layer.
- Then, pour the remaining Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake batter over the top, trying to cover most of the candy layer.
- Finally, drizzle the remaining peanut butter over the top and sprinkle with the reserved chopped peanut butter cups.
How to Know When It’s Done
Bake for 30-35 minutes until the edges look set but the center still looks slightly underdone. You’ll know it’s perfect when a toothpick inserted 2 inches from the edge comes out with moist crumbs. The center should still be gooey that’s the magic of a dump cake!
Finishing Touches
Allow the cake to cool for about 15 minutes before serving. This resting time lets the cake set up slightly while still remaining wonderfully warm. For the ultimate experience, serve each portion with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that will melt into all the nooks and crannies of the warm cake.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Never overmix the batter lumps are your friend in this recipe and create the perfect texture.
- Use room temperature milk for better incorporation with the cake mix.
- For extra decadence, add a handful of chocolate chips to the middle layer along with the peanut butter cups.
Additionally, resist the urge to overbake! The center should still be soft when you remove it from the oven.
Variations to Try
Want to customize your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake? Here are a couple of easy variations:
- Triple chocolate version: Use a fudge cake mix and add ½ cup chocolate chips to each layer
- Salt lovers’ edition: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking and use chopped salted peanuts as a garnish
FAQ About Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Can I make this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, warm individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
How do I store leftovers and for how long?
Cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. The cake will keep at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The texture will become more fudgy as it sits.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! This dump cake freezes beautifully. Cut into portions, wrap individually in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm before serving.
What substitutions work for peanut butter cups?
If you need alternatives, try
- Chocolate-covered caramels
- Cookie butter cups
- Almond butter cups for a different nut flavor
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
It can be! Simply use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix as the base. Just ensure your peanut butter cups are also certified gluten-free, as not all brands are.
Time to Get Cooking!
Furthermore, with this incredibly simple Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake recipe in your arsenal, you’re always just 40 minutes away from chocolate-peanut butter bliss. The minimal effort-to-reward ratio makes this the perfect recipe for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros who need a break from complicated techniques.
I’d love to hear how your dump cake turns out or see your creative variations! If you enjoyed this easy chocolate peanut butter masterpiece, you might also love my Oreo Mug Cake Recipe or Protein Cookie Dough Recipe for more quick dessert fixes.
