Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe That Chocolate Lovers Can’t Resist

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s rich, indulgent, and almost effortless to make, this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is going to become your new favorite. With layers of chocolate cake mix, creamy peanut butter, melted butter, and plenty of peanut butter cups, this recipe is the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the irresistible duo of chocolate and peanut butter.

I’ve always said on my About page that recipes don’t have to be complicated to be special — and dump cakes are a perfect example. You literally “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish, bake, and out comes a dessert that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. If you loved my Buckeye Bars, you’re definitely going to fall head over heels for this cake, since it has the same peanut butter-chocolate magic in an even easier form.

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

• Effortless baking: No mixing bowls needed — just layer and bake.
• Rich and indulgent: Packed with chocolate and peanut butter in every bite.
• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or holidays.
• Customizable: Easy to swap toppings or add mix-ins.
• Quick prep: Less than 10 minutes of hands-on time.

Ingredients

1 box of chocolate cake mix
1 cup of creamy peanut butter
1 cup of milk
1 cup of unsalted butter, melted
1 package of peanut butter cups, chopped
1 cup of chocolate chips
1 cup of chopped peanuts

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Layer the Peanut Butter

Spread creamy peanut butter evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. This creates a luscious, nutty base.

Step 3: Add Milk and Peanut Butter Cups

Pour the milk over the peanut butter layer, then sprinkle half of the chopped peanut butter cups evenly on top.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix

Evenly scatter the dry chocolate cake mix over the top. Do not stir.

Step 5: Pour the Butter

Slowly drizzle the melted butter across the cake mix, making sure to cover as much of the surface as possible. This helps create a gooey, crisp topping.

Step 6: Top with Chocolate and Peanuts

Sprinkle the remaining chopped peanut butter cups, chocolate chips, and chopped peanuts on top.

Step 7: Bake and Serve

Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Pro Tips

• Don’t stir: Dump cakes work best when layers remain distinct.
• Cover dry spots: If any cake mix looks dry mid-bake, drizzle a little extra melted butter or milk on top.
• Use high-quality peanut butter: Creamy and smooth peanut butter melts better into the cake.
• Serve warm: This cake is best enjoyed warm with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream.

Variations

• Different candy: Swap peanut butter cups for Snickers, Reese’s Pieces, or chopped Twix bars.
• Nut-free option: Skip peanuts and use sunflower butter or cookie butter instead of peanut butter.
• Extra gooey: Add ½ cup of sweetened condensed milk on top before baking.
• Marble effect: Swirl the peanut butter slightly into the cake mix layer before baking.

Pairings

• Drinks: Serve with a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or a chocolate latte.
• Sides: Fresh strawberries or bananas balance the richness.
• Dessert spread: Pair with lighter options like lemon zucchini muffins for contrast.

Storage

• Room temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps well in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds to bring back the gooey texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture.

2. Do I prepare the cake mix first?
No — use the cake mix dry. That’s what makes this a dump cake.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it a day ahead. Just reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes before serving.

4. Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely. Yellow cake mix, devil’s food, or fudge brownie mix work great.

5. Why is my cake still powdery on top?
That usually means the butter didn’t cover all areas. Next time, drizzle more evenly or add a touch more butter/milk.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, 12 servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420
Protein	7 g
Fat	25 g
Carbohydrates	42 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	28 g
Sodium	290 mg

Conclusion

This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is everything a dessert should be — rich, indulgent, and unbelievably easy to make. Whether you whip it up for a weeknight treat or serve it at a holiday party, it’s guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who loves chocolate and peanut butter.

Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think! Did you stick with peanut butter cups or experiment with a different candy? And if you’re a chocolate-peanut butter fan, don’t miss my Buckeye Bars recipe for another irresistible treat.