If you are looking for a rich, indulgent dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is the answer. This dessert combines the irresistible pairing of chocolate and peanut butter into a warm, gooey cake that practically makes itself. The beauty of a dump cake lies in its simplicity—no complicated mixing, no layering techniques, and no special skills required. I first made this recipe for a last-minute gathering when I needed something quick yet impressive, and it disappeared within minutes. The melted peanut butter cups create pockets of creamy sweetness, while the chocolate cake base turns soft and fudgy underneath a slightly crisp topping. It is perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra peanut butter. Whether for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight cravings, this dessert is always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dessert requires only a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation time. The chocolate and peanut butter combination is timeless and universally loved. It is perfect for beginner bakers because there is no complicated mixing process. The texture is beautifully balanced between gooey and slightly crisp. It can easily be customized with different mix-ins or toppings to suit your taste.
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake: The Easiest Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a rich, gooey dessert made with layers of chocolate cake mix, creamy peanut butter, and chunks of peanut butter cups baked together into an easy, decadent treat with minimal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups chopped peanut butter cups
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
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 baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, milk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter evenly over the peanut butter layer without mixing.
- Sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups and chocolate chips evenly over the top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the center is set and the top is slightly crisp.
- Allow to cool for at least 10–15 minutes before serving. Serve warm for a gooey texture.
Notes
- For extra richness, drizzle melted peanut butter over the top before serving.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- You can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- 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 and provides a rich, chocolatey foundation. Choose a high-quality mix for deeper flavor.
Peanut butter cups
Chopped peanut butter cups melt into the cake as it bakes, creating creamy pockets of peanut butter throughout. I prefer using mini peanut butter cups for even distribution.
Sweetened condensed milk
This ingredient adds sweetness and contributes to the gooey, fudgy texture that makes this cake so indulgent.
Creamy peanut butter
Drizzled over the layers, peanut butter enhances the richness and intensifies the nutty flavor profile.
Unsalted butter
Thinly sliced butter is placed on top before baking. As it melts, it helps create a slightly crisp topping while keeping the cake moist underneath.
Chocolate chips
These add extra bursts of chocolate flavor and improve the overall texture of the finished dessert.
Vanilla extract
A small amount of vanilla enhances both the chocolate and peanut butter flavors, rounding out the sweetness.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the chopped peanut butter cups evenly across the bottom of the dish. Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the top, ensuring even coverage.
Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the mixture without stirring. Drizzle the creamy peanut butter over the cake mix in thin ribbons. Scatter chocolate chips across the surface for additional richness.
Slice the butter thinly and arrange the pieces evenly over the top of the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible to ensure even moisture distribution during baking.
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top appears set and slightly crisp while the inside remains soft and gooey. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm for the best texture, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped 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 serves approximately 10 to 12 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 20–30 seconds to restore the gooey texture. For larger portions, warm in a 300°F oven for about 10–15 minutes.
Variations and Customizations
There are countless ways to customize Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake. For a deeper chocolate flavor, use a dark chocolate cake mix instead of regular chocolate. I once substituted a triple chocolate mix, and the result was incredibly rich and decadent.
If you prefer a crunchier texture, add chopped peanuts or crushed pretzels to the top before baking. The salty crunch contrasts beautifully with the sweet filling.
You can also swirl in some caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness. A peanut butter and caramel combination creates a flavor reminiscent of candy bars.
For a slightly lighter option, use reduced-fat sweetened condensed milk and natural peanut butter. While still indulgent, it reduces some of the richness.
White chocolate chips can be added for contrast, or you can substitute peanut butter chips for an intensified peanut butter flavor. For holiday gatherings, consider adding festive sprinkles to the top just before serving.
If you need a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix. The texture remains equally moist and satisfying.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 12 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein (g) | 9 |
| Carbs (g) | 60 |
| Fat (g) | 28 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 14 |
| Fiber (g) | 3 |
| Sugar (g) | 42 |
| Sodium (mg) | 380 |
Values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do Not Stir
The beauty of a dump cake is in layering. Avoid mixing to preserve the signature texture.
Distribute Butter Evenly
Ensure butter slices cover most of the surface to prevent dry patches.
Serve Warm
This cake tastes best when slightly warm, allowing the peanut butter cups to remain soft.
Let It Rest Briefly
Allowing the cake to sit for 10 minutes helps the layers settle for easier serving.
Enhance Presentation
Add a drizzle of melted peanut butter or chocolate sauce before serving for an elegant finish.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it earlier in the day and gently reheat before serving.
Can I freeze Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What if I only have chunky peanut butter?
Chunky peanut butter works well and adds additional texture.
Can I reduce the sweetness?
You can use dark chocolate chips and reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly.
Can I use homemade cake mix?
Yes, just ensure the dry mixture equals the standard boxed cake mix quantity.
Is this dessert suitable for parties?
Absolutely. It is easy to transport and serves a crowd effortlessly.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a simple yet indulgent dessert that combines chocolate and peanut butter into one irresistibly gooey treat. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it is perfect for gatherings, holidays, or satisfying sweet cravings at home. Once you try it, it is sure to become a regular favorite in your dessert rotation.
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