The Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a warm, indulgent dessert that combines two of the most beloved flavors in baking: chocolate and peanut butter. With only a handful of pantry staples and virtually no prep, this cake comes together in layers of gooey pudding, rich cake mix, and melty peanut butter cups that make each bite irresistible. Whether you’re a novice baker or just need a quick treat for unexpected guests, this dump cake is your golden ticket to dessert perfection.
This recipe is incredibly forgiving and flexible. It’s the kind of dessert that looks rustic but delivers restaurant-level decadence. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate comfort dessert. The result? A crowd-pleasing, sweet, and salty masterpiece that satisfies every craving without any fuss.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
-
1 box chocolate cake mix
-
1 (3.9 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix
-
2 cups cold milk
-
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
-
1 1/2 cups chopped peanut butter cups (about 12 mini cups)
-
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
-
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
-
Whipped cream or ice cream for serving (optional)
Directions:
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
In a large bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until it begins to thicken.
-
Spread the pudding evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
-
Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the pudding.
-
Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix—do not stir.
-
Drop dollops of peanut butter over the top and sprinkle with chopped peanut butter cups and chocolate chips.
-
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly crisped.
-
Allow to cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. Best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 415 kcal per serving | Servings: 12
If there’s one dessert that screams indulgence with minimal effort, it’s the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake. This dessert is a celebration of two timeless flavors—rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter—brought together in the easiest way imaginable. Perfect for busy home bakers, potluck heroes, or anyone with a sweet tooth, this cake doesn’t require a mixer, frosting, or even precise layering. Just dump, bake, and enjoy. It’s that simple.
A Bit of Background: The Dump Cake Concept
The term “dump cake” may not sound glamorous, but its rustic charm is exactly what has made this type of dessert a beloved classic in American kitchens since the mid-20th century. Traditionally, a dump cake is made by literally “dumping” ingredients—typically a boxed cake mix, fruit or filling, and butter—into a pan and baking it without mixing. The result? A dessert that has the gooeyness of a cobbler and the richness of a cake, all without the time-consuming prep.
The Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a delicious twist on the original. Instead of fruit, it uses chocolate pudding and peanut butter cups, creating layers of melty, fudgy goodness. It taps into the nostalgia of candy bars while also offering the comfort of a warm, baked treat. It’s both playful and satisfying—a modern classic that feels indulgent but is easy enough for even beginner bakers to tackle.
Why This Recipe is the Best
There are countless dump cake variations out there, but this one stands apart for several reasons:
1. Perfect Flavor Pairing:
Chocolate and peanut butter are a match made in dessert heaven. The bittersweet cocoa balances out the salty, nutty richness of peanut butter, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that’s nearly impossible to resist.
2. Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Impact:
With just a handful of grocery staples—cake mix, pudding, butter, peanut butter, and chocolate chips—you create something that tastes like a bakery-quality dessert. No specialty ingredients or complicated steps required.
3. No Fancy Equipment:
This recipe doesn’t require a stand mixer, food processor, or any high-tech kitchen gear. A simple baking dish and a spoon are all you need, making it accessible for college students, busy parents, or those with minimal kitchen tools.
4. Foolproof for Beginners:
Even if you’ve never baked before, you can make this cake. There’s no worrying about overmixing, collapsing soufflés, or complicated techniques. It’s a forgiving recipe where slight imperfections only add to its charm.
5. Crowd-Pleasing Qualities:
Bring this to a potluck, holiday gathering, or birthday party, and it’ll be the first dessert to disappear. The peanut butter cups become molten and gooey while the cake edges get delightfully crisp. It’s pure decadence in every bite.
Customization Ideas
One of the best parts about this dump cake is how adaptable it is. Here are a few fun ways to switch it up:
- Add chopped pretzels for a salty crunch that complements the peanut butter.
- Swap out peanut butter cups for other candy like Snickers, chopped Reese’s Pieces, or mini peanut butter M&Ms.
- Use a brownie mix instead of chocolate cake for a denser, more brownie-like texture.
- Try crunchy peanut butter for added texture, or swirl in Nutella for a hazelnut twist.
- Top with marshmallows during the last 10 minutes of baking to make a s’mores-inspired version.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is best served warm—fresh from the oven or slightly reheated. For extra indulgence, top it with:
- A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
- A dollop of whipped cream
- A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce
- Crushed peanuts or chocolate shavings
If you’re feeling extra festive, serve it in mason jars for individual servings or layer it in parfait glasses with whipped cream for a trifle-style treat.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerated for up to five. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for 20–30 seconds to bring back that gooey, fresh-from-the-oven texture.
Pro tip: This dessert actually tastes amazing cold too, with a firmer texture that’s reminiscent of a fudgy candy bar. It’s a totally different experience but just as satisfying.
Nutritional Benefits (Surprising, but Real!)
While this is undeniably a treat, it does offer some perks:
- Protein from peanut butter: Peanut butter contains healthy fats and a decent amount of plant-based protein, which adds a bit of satiating power to this otherwise decadent dish.
- Mood boost from chocolate: Chocolate (especially dark chocolate if you use dark cake mix or semi-sweet chips) contains compounds that can promote the release of feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine.
- No need for frosting or icing: Because this cake is already layered with gooeyness and sweetness, there’s no need for additional sugary toppings—making it a slightly lighter option than traditional frosted cakes.
Perfect for Special Occasions
The Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake shines on special occasions like birthdays, movie nights, game-day parties, and holidays. Because it feeds a crowd and looks impressive straight out of the oven, it’s a great way to impress guests with very little effort. Kids love it, adults go back for seconds, and it always sparks recipe requests.
If you’re making a dessert bar, pair it with lighter treats like fruit skewers or cookies. This cake brings the richness—so it plays well with simpler sweets.
Final Thoughts
What makes the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake so lovable is its balance between comfort and decadence. It’s easy to prepare, yet the end result tastes like something far more complex. With layers of flavor, texture, and gooey deliciousness, it ticks all the boxes for what a great dessert should be.
Whether you’re baking with kids, hosting a casual gathering, or simply need a quick dessert fix, this cake is your go-to recipe. It’s a guaranteed success every time—and one that will become a staple in your sweet-treat rotation.
Conclusion
The Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is the perfect fusion of indulgence and simplicity—a dessert that proves you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something truly memorable. With its rich layers of chocolate, gooey pockets of peanut butter, and the irresistible crunch of candy pieces, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family dinner, or just treating yourself after a long day, this cake delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Its versatility and foolproof method make it a go-to recipe you’ll turn to time and time again. Serve it warm, top it with your favorite ice cream, and enjoy the sweet, melty magic in every bite.