Name: Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (3.9 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix; 2 cups cold milk; 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz); 1 cup peanut butter (creamy); 1 ½ cups chopped peanut butter cups (plus more for topping); ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional); 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats

If you’re the kind of person who lights up at the mention of chocolate and peanut butter (hi, same!), then this peanut butter cup dump cake is about to become your new dessert obsession. It’s everything we love about an indulgent sweet treat: gooey, melty, chocolatey goodness layered with that irresistible peanut butter flavor. Plus, it’s outrageously simple to throw together no fancy mixers, no stress, and barely any cleanup. This chocolate peanut butter dump cake is basically what dessert dreams are made of, and trust me, you’re going to want seconds (or thirds).

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

🎂 One-bowl wonder – Just dump, layer, and bake. No extra dishes!
🍫 Decadent chocolate + peanut butter combo – Like a giant molten peanut butter cup.
🕒 Quick to prep – Perfect for last-minute cravings or parties.
🍽️ Crowd-pleasing – Serve it at potlucks, game nights, or just because.
❄️ Freezer-friendly – Save a few slices for a future sweet tooth moment.
🧁 Customizable – Use different cake mixes or candy for fun twists.
🌱 Can be made dairy-free – Just sub in your favorite plant-based butter and chocolate.

Ingredients for Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this ooey-gooey masterpiece. These aren’t exact measurements—just a little sneak peek! (For full measurements, check the recipe card at the end of the post.)

Boxed chocolate cake mix – The base of our dump cake magic.
Mini peanut butter cups – Chopped or whole, they melt into gooey perfection.
Peanut butter chips – Boosts that nutty flavor.
Creamy peanut butter – Swirled in for extra richness.
Milk or evaporated milk – Adds moisture to the cake mix.
Butter – Helps get those golden, crispy edges.
Optional: Chocolate chips or drizzle – Because more chocolate is never a bad idea.

💡 Psst! Don’t forget—the exact measurements are in the recipe card below.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat and prep your pan

Get that oven heating to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. We want easy removal and no sticking!

Step 2: Add your peanut butter candy layer

Spread chopped peanut butter cups and peanut butter chips across the bottom of your dish. These melt down and create gooey pockets of joy.

Step 3: Sprinkle chocolate cake mix on top

Evenly pour the dry chocolate cake mix straight from the box over your peanut butter layer. Yep, no mixing required!

Step 4: Drizzle in butter and milk

Pour melted butter and milk (or evaporated milk) over the top—try to cover as much of the cake mix as possible so it bakes evenly.

Step 5: Swirl in creamy peanut butter

Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter over the top and gently swirl it into the mixture. Think marbled heaven.

Step 6: Bake your chocolate peanut butter dump cake

Pop it in the oven for about 40–45 minutes. The top should be golden, with a few bubbly spots and melty chocolate peeking through.

Step 7: Let your peanut butter cup dump cake rest

Let it rest for 10–15 minutes (if you can wait!). Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and get ready for the applause.

Pro Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Dump Cake

For the ultimate gooey texture, use evaporated milk instead of regular milk.
Want more peanut butter flavor? Add a few spoonfuls of peanut butter chips on top before baking.
Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before serving so it firms up just enough without losing its melty core.
If you’re using natural peanut butter, make sure it’s well-stirred and not too oily.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

This baby was made for serving warm, straight out of the oven. Add a big scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on top, and maybe even a drizzle of hot fudge or extra peanut butter. Want to get fancy? A sprinkle of crushed peanuts or chopped peanut butter cups takes it over the top.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips for Peanut Butter Dump Cake

Storing Leftovers

Let the cake cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for 5 days.

Freezing

Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Warm slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.

FAQs About Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Absolutely! While chocolate cake mix brings out that classic peanut butter cup vibe, yellow cake or devil’s food cake also work wonderfully. Play around and find your favorite combo!

Do I have to use mini peanut butter cups?

Nope! You can use full-size ones chopped up, or even swap in peanut butter M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, or chopped chocolate bars with peanut butter filling.

Can I make this peanut butter dump cake dairy-free?

You bet. Use dairy-free chocolate chips, plant-based butter, and a non-dairy milk like oat or almond. It’ll still be rich and indulgent!

Why is it called a dump cake?

Because you literally “dump” all the ingredients into the baking dish—no mixing, no fuss. It’s baking magic for lazy days (and we’re here for it).

More Sweet Treats to Try

Craving more desserts? Check out the rich Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie or the fruity Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake. For something warm and gooey, try Hot Fudge Brownie Bread. Cool off with Banana Pudding Ice Cream or dig into a cozy Pecan Pie Cobbler.

Conclusion

And there you have it your new favorite indulgence: the peanut butter cup dump cake. It’s rich, ridiculously easy, and guaranteed to wow anyone lucky enough to grab a slice. Whether you’re baking it for a party, a cozy night in, or just because you need chocolate and peanut butter in your life (we get it), this recipe’s a total win. Go on, treat yourself you’ve earned it!