Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Okay, hold onto your fork because you are about to meet your new favorite dessert. Imagine a gooey, peanut butter-packed cake with rich chocolate, all wrapped up in one super easy-to-make treat. This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is like a warm hug in a dish, and trust me, you’re going to love it. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or impressing your friends at a party, this cake is the kind of dessert that guarantees smiles, second helpings, and maybe even a few “what’s the recipe?” requests.
Now, let me be clear: this isn’t your average cake. It’s a dump cake, which means you pretty much just throw everything into one pan and let the oven do all the heavy lifting. No fancy layers, no complicated steps—just pure, unadulterated indulgence. If you’re a peanut butter lover (and let’s be real, who isn’t?), this one’s a game-changer. Imagine sinking your spoon into layers of melted chocolate, gooey peanut butter, and that irresistible cakey texture. Yup, it’s as good as it sounds. Now, let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
This recipe isn’t just about ingredients—it’s about the joy of easy baking and the comfort of a dessert that feels as good as it tastes. Whether you’re hosting a movie night or simply need something sweet to satisfy your cravings, this cake fits the bill. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile
Whether you’re making this for a casual family dinner or a celebration, this dump cake has got your back. Picture this: You walk into the kitchen, throw the ingredients together, and voila—dessert’s ready in no time. It’s so easy, you could even whip it up last-minute when guests are on the way. The best part? It’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Budget-Friendly
You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to make this dessert shine. Most of the items are things you probably already have in your pantry. It’s a great option when you’re on a budget but still craving something rich and decadent.
Quick and Easy
Let’s be honest: who has time for complex desserts? Not you, not me. This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is as straightforward as it gets—mix, dump, bake, and enjoy. No stress, no fuss. Even beginners in the kitchen will feel like pros.
Customizable
While the classic peanut butter and chocolate combo is a winner, you can always play around with different flavors! Want to make it a little more festive? Add some crushed pretzels for crunch. Or, if you’re a white chocolate fan, feel free to switch out the chocolate chips for white chocolate chunks.
Crowd-Pleasing
It’s a dessert that works for everyone, whether you’re 5 or 95. Chocolate, peanut butter, and cake? What’s not to love? This dump cake hits all the right notes, making it the perfect thing to share with friends and family. It’s comfort food with a twist!

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Ingredients in Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Now, here’s where the magic happens—this cake is made from simple ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Let’s break it down:
Chocolate Cake Mix
The base of this cake comes from a good old box of chocolate cake mix. It’s quick, easy, and gives the dessert that perfect cake-like texture without any hassle. Plus, the chocolate flavor is the perfect match for the peanut butter.
Peanut Butter Cups
This is the part that takes it over the top. Chopped peanut butter cups are scattered through the cake, melting into that warm, gooey goodness that makes each bite irresistible. The peanut butter-to-chocolate ratio? Spot on.
Peanut Butter
Because we’re all about that peanut butter love, right? A dollop (or two) of creamy peanut butter will melt into the cake as it bakes, creating pockets of peanut buttery goodness that’ll have you swooning.
Butter
Butter is the secret to achieving that golden, crispy top. It adds richness and moisture to the cake, ensuring each bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Chocolate Chips
For even more chocolatey goodness, we’re adding some chocolate chips into the mix. As they melt, they’ll form gooey pockets of chocolate that complement the peanut butter perfectly.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this indulgent masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your cake bakes evenly and gives you that perfect texture.
Prepare Your Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to keep the cake from sticking. This step also makes cleaning up afterward a breeze!
Dump and Mix Ingredients
Now comes the fun part: dumping everything together! In your prepared baking dish, layer the dry cake mix, peanut butter cups, and chocolate chips. Next, spoon dollops of peanut butter evenly across the top. Don’t worry about being precise—it’s all going to melt together beautifully. Lastly, pour the melted butter over the entire mixture. No stirring necessary! Just spread it out evenly and let the oven work its magic.
Bake to Perfection
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean (with a few chocolatey crumbs, of course). The edges should be crispy, and the middle should be gooey and decadent.
Let It Cool
Once the cake is done baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s tempting to dive right in, but giving it a brief rest allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to scoop out perfect servings.
Serve and Enjoy
Scoop a big, warm portion of this dump cake onto a plate, and if you’re feeling extra indulgent, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. You deserve it!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
This cake is already a showstopper on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate your dessert experience:
Ice Cream
Top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the richness of the cake. The cold, creamy ice cream is the perfect contrast to the warm, gooey cake.
Whipped Cream
A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, fluffy contrast to the dense, chocolatey richness of the cake. You could even sprinkle it with a little cocoa powder for an extra touch of elegance.
A Dusting of Powdered Sugar
If you’re feeling fancy, give your servings a light dusting of powdered sugar. It adds a touch of sweetness and looks adorable for serving guests.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead
You can prep the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, just add the wet ingredients and follow the steps.
Spice It Up
If you want to add a little something extra, sprinkle in a bit of cinnamon or a pinch of sea salt. The cinnamon will add warmth, while the salt enhances the sweetness.
Dietary Adjustments
If you’re looking to make it gluten-free, simply swap in a gluten-free cake mix. For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free butter and substitute peanut butter cups with dairy-free chocolate.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also store it in the fridge for up to a week if you prefer it chilled.
Double the Batch
This dump cake is so good, you might want to make extra! Just double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan. You’ll have plenty to share (or keep for yourself—no judgment).
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute peanut butter cups with another candy?
A1: Absolutely! You can use chopped Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chunks, or even caramel candies if you’re looking to switch it up.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: This cake is best fresh, but you can prep the dry ingredients ahead of time to save some minutes when you’re ready to bake.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you have a lot left, keep them in the fridge for a longer shelf life.
Q4: Can I freeze this cake?
A4: Yes! Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Reheat in the microwave or oven when you’re ready for more.
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Absolutely! Just make sure to use a larger pan and adjust the baking time slightly if needed.
Q6: Can I add other flavors to the dump cake?
A6: Definitely! You could try adding butterscotch chips, crushed pretzels, or even caramel for a different twist.
Conclusion
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a dream dessert that takes almost no effort but delivers big flavor. It’s the kind of treat that makes you want to grab a spoon and dive right in. With its peanut butter and chocolate goodness, it
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A decadent and easy-to-make peanut butter and chocolate cake featuring Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, with a rich and creamy texture.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1¾ cups milk
- 1½ cups chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and milk until smooth. Add the chocolate cake mix and stir until well combined; the batter will be thick.
- Fold in 1 cup of the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into the batter.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of chopped peanut butter cups over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle the warm cake with melted peanut butter or chocolate syrup before serving.
- If you don’t have instant pudding, you can omit it, but the texture may not be as rich and creamy.
- Try using a mix of peanut butter cups and chocolate chips for added chocolate flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg