If you’re craving a dessert that’s rich, indulgent, and ridiculously easy to make, this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is about to become your new obsession. Imagine the classic combo of creamy peanut butter and melty milk chocolate chips, paired with the nostalgic sweetness of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, all layered into a warm, gooey masterpiece with a slightly crispy top. This chocolate cake mix recipe takes the simplicity of a dump cake and elevates it into an easy dessert that’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a cozy night in. No fancy mixing required—just dump, bake, and enjoy!
What Makes This Dump Cake Special?
Dump cakes are the ultimate cheat code for busy bakers, and this peanut butter dessert takes it to the next level. With just a handful of ingredients—1 box chocolate cake mix, 1 cup peanut butter, 1/2 cup melted butter, 2 cups milk chocolate chips, 1 cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and 1 can sweetened condensed milk—you’ll create a gooey chocolate treat that tastes like it took hours but comes together in minutes. The magic happens in the oven, where these layers melt and mingle into a dessert that’s both decadent and effortless. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to whip up this irresistible Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake. Your original list is intact, with a few notes for flexibility and flavor:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (about 15.25 oz, any brand) – Devil’s food, dark chocolate, or classic chocolate all work beautifully. No need to follow the box instructions—just use the dry mix!
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky) – Creamy gives a smooth texture, while chunky adds a bit of crunch. Use your favorite brand or even homemade if you’re feeling fancy.
- 1/2 cup butter (melted, about 1 stick) – Salted or unsalted works; salted adds a subtle contrast to the sweetness.
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips – These melt into gooey pockets of chocolatey bliss. Semi-sweet chips can substitute if you prefer a less sweet vibe.
- 1 cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (or any peanut butter cups) – Roughly chop them for bursts of peanut butter-chocolate goodness. Mini cups work too—just toss them in whole!
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz) – The secret to that luscious, fudgy texture that ties everything together.
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts – For extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Mix into the melted butter for a hint of warmth.
Equipment Needed:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan (for melting butter)
- Oven
Instructions
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is as simple as it gets—dump, layer, and bake. Here’s how to bring this easy dessert to life in about 45 minutes, including prep and baking time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter. This keeps the cake from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. A well-greased pan ensures every gooey bite comes out intact!
Step 2: Layer the Chocolate Cake Mix
Open your box of chocolate cake mix and pour the dry mix directly into the greased baking dish. No water, eggs, or oil needed—trust the process! Spread it out evenly with a spoon or your hands so it forms a uniform base. This dry layer will soak up the liquids as it bakes, creating that signature dump cake texture.
Step 3: Add the Peanut Butter
Grab your 1 cup peanut butter and dollop it in spoonfuls across the top of the cake mix. Don’t worry about spreading it perfectly—the heat will melt it into the layers, creating ribbons of peanut buttery goodness. If you’re using creamy peanut butter, it’ll blend smoothly; chunky will leave little pockets of texture. Either way, it’s a win!
Step 4: Sprinkle Chocolate Chips and Peanut Butter Cups
Evenly sprinkle 2 cups milk chocolate chips over the cake mix and peanut butter. These will melt into the cake, adding bursts of chocolate in every bite. Next, scatter 1 cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups on top. Try to distribute them evenly so every scoop gets that iconic peanut butter-chocolate combo. This step is where the peanut butter dessert really starts to shine!
Step 5: Pour the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Crack open your 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk and pour it slowly and evenly over the entire dish. This sticky, sweet liquid is the glue that binds the layers together, turning the dry mix into a gooey chocolate treat. Take your time to cover as much surface area as possible—it’ll seep into every nook and cranny as it bakes.
Step 6: Drizzle the Melted Butter
Melt your 1/2 cup butter in the microwave (about 30-40 seconds) or on the stovetop, then drizzle it evenly over the top. This adds richness and helps the surface crisp up into a golden, slightly crunchy layer. If you’re adding vanilla extract, stir it into the melted butter first for an extra flavor boost.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are bubbly, the top is golden brown, and the kitchen smells like a peanut butter-chocolate dream. The center will stay soft and gooey, while the top forms a light crust—pure perfection! If it looks too wet after 40 minutes, give it an extra 5, but don’t overbake; the gooeyness is the charm.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake cool for 10-15 minutes before digging in. It’ll be molten hot straight from the oven, and cooling helps the layers set just enough to scoop. Serve it warm for the ultimate experience—pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of hot fudge if you’re feeling extra indulgent. This easy dessert is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers (if you have any!) are just as tasty.
Tips for the Best Dump Cake
This chocolate cake mix recipe is foolproof, but a few pointers can make it even better:
- Even Layers: Spread the dry mix and toppings as evenly as possible for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Peanut Butter Consistency: If your peanut butter is thick, warm it slightly in the microwave for easier dolloping.
- Don’t Stir: Resist the urge to mix the layers—dumping is the method here, and it works!
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to revive the gooeyness.
- Freezing: Assemble the cake in a foil pan, freeze unbaked, then bake from frozen at 350°F for 45-50 minutes when ready.
Why This Peanut Butter Dessert Stands Out
What makes this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake a cut above other desserts? It’s the effortless brilliance of a dump cake combined with the unbeatable pairing of peanut butter and chocolate. The chocolate cake mix provides a fudgy base, the sweetened condensed milk adds a caramel-like richness, and the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups elevate it to candy-bar heaven. It’s a gooey chocolate treat that feels homemade yet requires almost no work—perfect for when you want maximum flavor with minimum fuss.
This recipe is also endlessly adaptable. Swap the milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate, use a different candy like Snickers, or add a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-salty twist. It’s forgiving, fun, and guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Variations to Explore
Love experimenting? Try these spins on the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake:
- Triple Chocolate: Use a triple chocolate cake mix and add white chocolate chips.
- Nutty Crunch: Toss in 1/2 cup chopped peanuts or pecans for texture.
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top after baking.
- Banana Twist: Layer sliced bananas under the peanut butter for a PB&B vibe.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and check your peanut butter cups.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Per serving (based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Sugar: 45g
This is a treat, not a health food, but it’s worth every indulgent bite!
Serving Suggestions
This peanut butter dessert shines on its own, but these pairings take it over the top:
- Toppings: Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Sides: Fresh strawberries or a glass of cold milk to balance the richness.
- Occasions: Potlucks, birthdays, or a late-night snack attack.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
I first tried a dump cake at a friend’s house and was hooked on how something so simple could taste so good. When I saw your ingredients—peanut butter, Reese’s, and chocolate cake mix—I knew this was a chance to recreate that magic with a peanut butter twist. It’s now a go-to in my kitchen, and I hope it becomes one in yours too!
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is the ultimate easy dessert—a chocolate cake mix recipe that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. With 1 cup peanut butter, 2 cups milk chocolate chips, and 1 cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, every bite is a gooey chocolate treat you’ll crave again and again. Bake it, scoop it, and watch it disappear—happy baking!
