Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a rich, decadent dessert made with layers of gooey chocolate, peanut butter, and chopped peanut butter cups—all topped with a buttery cake layer. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s the perfect treat for peanut butter lovers and anyone who wants a fuss-free dessert that tastes like a million bucks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly easy to make—just layer and bake
• Requires minimal cleanup and no mixing bowls
• Packed with rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter flavor
• Great for potlucks, parties, or a casual dessert night
• Crowd-pleasing combo of cake, candy, and melty goodness

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chocolate cake mix
• Peanut butter cups, chopped
• Creamy peanut butter
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Butter, melted
• Chocolate chips (optional for extra richness)

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Pour sweetened condensed milk into the bottom of the pan and spread evenly.
3. Drop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter over the milk.
4. Sprinkle half of the chopped peanut butter cups over the peanut butter layer.
5. Evenly spread the dry chocolate cake mix over the top—do not stir.
6. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix, covering as much as possible.
7. Top with remaining chopped peanut butter cups and chocolate chips if using.
8. Bake for 35–40 minutes until the top is set and golden. Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 12 people.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: ~50 minutes

Variations

• Use a brownie mix instead of cake mix for a fudgier texture
• Swap in mini peanut butter cups or white chocolate Reese’s for variety
• Add chopped peanuts for crunch
• Mix in caramel bits or a drizzle of caramel on top
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To reheat, microwave individual portions for 20–30 seconds. For a gooey texture, enjoy slightly warmed.

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter?

Yes, but the texture will be slightly different—still delicious with added crunch.

Do I mix the layers together?

No, this is a true dump cake. Just layer everything and let it bake as-is.

Can I use a different flavor cake mix?

Sure! Yellow cake, fudge, or devil’s food all work well with peanut butter cups.

What size peanut butter cups should I use?

Miniatures are easiest to chop and layer, but you can use regular-sized and chop them into small pieces.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 2.5 to 3 hours until the top is set.

Is this dessert overly sweet?

It is sweet and indulgent, but the chocolate and peanut butter balance each other well.

Can I add a swirl of Nutella?

Definitely! Add spoonfuls on top of the peanut butter layer before the cake mix.

How do I prevent dry spots in the cake mix?

Make sure to evenly drizzle the melted butter over the entire surface of the dry cake mix.

Is it safe to eat slightly underbaked?

Yes, it’s meant to be gooey, but make sure it’s baked enough to set the top and edges.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, cool completely, cut into portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat before serving.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate and peanut butter fans. With a simple “dump and bake” process and crave-worthy layers of flavor, it’s a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself, this cake brings big flavor with minimal effort.

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