Get ready for a dessert that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort! This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Imagine a warm, gooey cake bursting with melted peanut butter cups and rich chocolate, all from a few simple ingredients. It's truly a magical dessert that practically makes itself!
Dump cakes are famously easy, requiring little more than 'dumping' ingredients into a pan and baking. This recipe takes that simplicity and infuses it with irresistible candy bar goodness. Perfect for a busy weeknight indulgence, a potluck, or just satisfying that intense sweet craving, this cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
What Makes This Dump Cake So Special?
- Effortless Bliss: Seriously, if you can open a box of cake mix, you can make this. No fancy techniques or extensive baking skills required.
- Peanut Butter Perfection: Creamy peanut butter is mixed directly into the chocolate batter, ensuring every bite is infused with that beloved nutty flavor.
- Candy Bar Dream: Generous amounts of chopped peanut butter cups melt into the cake, creating pockets of gooey, chocolatey peanut butter heaven. For another delightful peanut butter dessert, try these Irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe.
- Versatile & Adaptable: Easily customize with different mix-ins or toppings.

Gather Your Ingredients
You'll be amazed at how few ingredients are needed to create such a spectacular dessert!
- Chocolate Cake Mix: One box of your favorite chocolate cake mix forms the delicious base.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the show! Choose a good quality creamy peanut butter for the best texture and flavor.
- Milk: Helps create a moist and tender cake crumb.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These add an extra layer of chocolatey richness throughout the cake.
- Chopped Peanut Butter Cups: The iconic candy that makes this cake truly special. Reese's are a popular choice! Did you know the first peanut butter cup was created in 1928? Learn more about its history here.
- Unsalted Butter, Melted: For that perfectly moist and rich dump cake texture.
- Optional Toppings: Whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or an extra drizzle of chocolate syrup can take this cake to the next level.
Step-by-Step Baking Guide
Creating this delicious Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a breeze. Just follow these simple instructions for a perfect dessert every time!
Tips for the Best Dump Cake
- Don't Overmix: When combining the cake mix, milk, and melted butter, mix just until combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine and will bake out.
- Even Distribution: Try to spread the peanut butter cups and chocolate chips as evenly as possible so every slice gets a good share.
- Serve Warm: While delicious at any temperature, this dump cake is truly phenomenal served warm when the chocolate and peanut butter are still melted and gooey.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to get creative! Swap out the chocolate cake mix for a yellow or vanilla one, or try different chocolate candies like M&M's or chopped Snickers. For another fun dump cake idea, check out our Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, individual slices can be warmed in the microwave for 15-20 seconds until gooey. You can also warm the entire cake (covered) in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Indulge in Every Delicious Bite
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is more than just a dessert; it's a celebration of simple joys and incredible flavors. Its effortless preparation means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the smiles it brings. So go ahead, whip up this delightful treat, and prepare for pure, unadulterated peanut butter and chocolate bliss!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cake mix for this dump cake?
Absolutely! While chocolate cake mix is traditional for this recipe, you can experiment with vanilla, yellow, or even devil's food cake mix for a unique twist. The key is to match it with the rich peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
What are some good topping ideas for Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake?
This dump cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, an extra sprinkle of chopped peanut butter cups, or a drizzle of chocolate fudge or caramel sauce. Get creative!
How should I store leftover Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, especially if topped with dairy, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Reheat individual servings gently in the microwave.
Can I make this dump cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the chocolate cake mix with your favorite gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Ensure all other ingredients, like peanut butter cups, are also certified gluten-free if strict dietary requirements are needed.

Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake combines rich chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter and melted peanut butter cups for an irresistible, gooey dessert.
Ingredients
1 (15.25 oz) box chocolate cake mix
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup milk
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped peanut butter cups
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional toppings: whipped cream, additional peanut butter cups, or chocolate syrup
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, milk, and melted butter. Stir until just combined; it's okay if there are a few lumps.
Step 3: Gently fold in the creamy peanut butter until evenly distributed throughout the batter. You can leave some swirls for a marbled effect if desired.
Step 4: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the chopped peanut butter cups and chocolate chips over the batter, distributing them evenly.
Step 5: Pour the remaining cake batter over the top of the peanut butter cups and chocolate chips, spreading it gently to cover.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Allow the dump cake to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm, topped with whipped cream, additional peanut butter cups, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup if desired.
Notes
For an extra indulgent treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm fudge sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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