Name: Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 ounces); 1 package (3.9 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix; 2 cups milk; 1 cup peanut butter chips; 1 cup chopped peanut butter cups (plus more for topping); 1/2 cup melted butter; Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 3.9 from 48 reviews

If you are a fan of the dreamy combination of chocolate and peanut butter, this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe is going to become your new obsession. Imagine a luscious, gooey cake layered with rich chocolate pudding, melty peanut butter chips, and chunks of peanut butter cups all baked together to perfection in one simple dish. It’s the kind of dessert that brings comfort with every bite, boasting an irresistible mix of velvety chocolate and nutty sweetness that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds). Plus, it’s incredibly easy to throw together, making it a perfect treat for those busy days when you want something amazing but with minimal fuss.

Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly straightforward. Each element plays a critical role, from the box of rich chocolate cake mix that forms the crisp, buttery topping to the pudding that keeps the center luxuriously moist and creamy. The peanut butter chips and chopped peanut butter cups add delightful bites of flavor and texture that elevate this dump cake from simple to spectacular.

Chocolate cake mix (15.25 ounces): Acts as the topping, creating a golden, slightly crisp crust that perfectly contrasts the filling.
Instant chocolate pudding mix (3.9 ounces): Provides a rich, velvety base that keeps the cake wonderfully moist and indulgent.
Milk (2 cups): Combined with the pudding mix to form the smooth, chocolatey filling layer.
Peanut butter chips (1 cup): Adds bursts of creamy peanut butter flavor throughout the cake.
Chopped peanut butter cups (1 cup plus extra for topping): Contributes gooey, melt-in-your-mouth pieces that bring texture and intense flavor.
Melted butter (1/2 cup): Drizzled on top to help the dry cake mix crisp up beautifully during baking.
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional): Perfect for serving, adding a cooling, creamy contrast to the warm, rich cake.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Pudding Base

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your dessert won’t stick and makes serving a breeze. Next, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix together with the milk until it thickens slightly, about two minutes. This chocolatey pudding layer will provide the luscious center that makes this dump cake so delightfully moist and rich.

Step 2: Layer the Cake Mix and Chocolate Peanut Butter Goodies

Pour the pudding mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out to cover the bottom. Now comes the fun part — sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the pudding layer. Resist the urge to stir. The dry cake mix will bake into a crispy topping that complements the gooey underneath perfectly. Next, scatter the peanut butter chips and chopped peanut butter cups evenly over the top, spreading the flavor throughout the entire cake.

Step 3: Add Butter and Bake

Drizzle the melted butter across the surface in an even pattern, which helps the dry cake mix crisp up with a buttery, golden finish. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is set, bubbly around the edges, and slightly crisp to the touch. Let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the layers to set just right before you dig in.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, sprinkle some extra chopped peanut butter cups over each slice. This not only looks inviting but adds an irresistible textural crunch. A generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully on the warm cake, balancing its richness with creamy coolness.

Side Dishes

This dessert is so satisfying on its own that it rarely needs a side. However, if you want to round out your treat, consider serving with fresh berries or a small fruit salad to add a light, refreshing contrast that brightens up the decadent flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow guests? Serve individual portions in pretty dessert glasses layered with whipped cream and extra peanut butter cups for a deconstructed take. Or add a drizzle of warm peanut butter sauce over each slice for an extra indulgent twist that amplifies the peanut butter flavor without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which might be rare!), store the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay deliciously moist and gooey for up to 3 days, perfect for sneaking an afternoon treat or serving chilled on a warm day.

Freezing

This dump cake also freezes well. After it cools completely, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. Frozen, it will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Warm up leftovers in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. The gooey layers come back to life beautifully, and a quick reheat will have it tasting just like freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Absolutely! While chocolate cake mix is perfect for this recipe, you can experiment with dark chocolate or even devil’s food cake mix to bring a deeper chocolate flavor. Just keep in mind the flavor pairing with peanut butter to maintain that classic combo.

Is there a nut-free alternative for this recipe?

This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe relies on peanut butter flavors, so it’s tough to substitute. However, you could swap peanut butter chips with chocolate chips and use a nut-free candy in place of peanut butter cups, though it won’t deliver the exact same flavor experience.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can try using a dairy-free chocolate cake mix and a plant-based milk alternative with a compatible instant pudding mix. Just be sure your peanut butter chips and peanut butter cups are dairy-free as well to keep the dessert free of dairy products.

Why do I not stir the cake mix into the pudding layer?

The dry cake mix left on top creates a beautiful crisp, golden crust while baking. Stirring it in would blend the layers and lose the contrast of textures that make this dump cake so special.

What’s the best way to cut the cake for serving?

Because this dessert is rich and dense, let it cool slightly before cutting to get clean slices. Use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts to keep the edges neat and each piece distinct.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe is effortlessly delicious, combining familiar flavors in a way that feels both nostalgic and exciting. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a potluck, or simply treating yourself after a long day, this dump cake will bring comfort and smiles every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how simple ingredients can come together into such an unforgettable dessert experience!