Name: Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box chocolate fudge cake mix (15.25 oz); 1 (3.9 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix; ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 2 cups whole milk; ½ cup creamy peanut butter (melted); ½ cup unsalted butter (sliced); 1 ½ cups chopped mini peanut butter cups; Whipped cream or ice cream for serving (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 3.9 from 28 reviews

If you’re a fan of bold, rich flavors combined in one easy-to-make dessert, this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe is a total game-changer. Imagine layers of chocolate pudding, fudgy cake mix, and a generous scattering of chopped peanut butter cups, all baked to gooey perfection with buttery accents and drizzled peanut butter. It’s the kind of dessert that feels both decadent and comforting, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without any fuss. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or indulging in a solo treat, this cake packs intense flavor and delightful textures in every bite.

Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but absolutely essential for creating the magic of this dessert. Each element plays a special role, from the smooth pudding base to the crunchy peanut butter cups topping, contributing to the perfect blend of creamy, chocolatey, and peanut buttery goodness.

Chocolate fudge cake mix (15.25 oz): This forms the cakey, fudgy layer that holds everything together.
Instant chocolate pudding mix (3.9 oz): Adds creaminess and a luscious, thick texture underneath the cake mix.
Whole milk (2 cups): Necessary to turn the pudding mix into that velvety layer you’ll love.
Chopped mini peanut butter cups (1 ½ cups): These bring bursts of nutty, chocolatey flavor and an exciting texture contrast.
Creamy peanut butter (½ cup, melted): Drizzled to create pockets of rich peanut butter flavor that jazz up the cake.
Unsalted butter (½ cup, sliced): Melted throughout the top to make the crust golden and buttery.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (½ cup): Sprinkled on top to enhance the chocolate intensity and add some melty pockets.
Whipped cream or ice cream (optional): Perfect for serving, adding a cool, creamy counterbalance to the warm, rich cake.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Pudding Layer

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and whole milk in a medium bowl for 1 to 2 minutes until it’s smooth and slightly thickened. Pour this velvety pudding mixture evenly into the baking dish, creating the luscious base of your dump cake.

Step 2: Layer the Dry Cake Mix and Peanut Butter

Sprinkle the dry chocolate fudge cake mix evenly over the pudding layer without stirring. Next, drizzle the melted creamy peanut butter across the cake mix—this swirl will infuse the batter with creamy pockets of peanut flavor while baking.

Step 3: Add the Peanut Butter Cups and Chocolate Chips

Scatter the chopped mini peanut butter cups evenly on top, ensuring every bite has that perfect peanut butter and chocolate combo. Follow with a sprinkle of semi-sweet chocolate chips to add even more melty chocolate bites throughout the cake’s surface.

Step 4: Dot with Butter and Bake

Distribute the slices of unsalted butter over the top layer—the butter melts during baking, creating a rich, golden crust with a tender crumb underneath. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top looks set and inviting. Let the cake rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set perfectly.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe even more, consider adding a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm cake, making each bite absolute heaven. For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped peanuts or drizzle additional melted peanut butter on top.

Side Dishes

This dessert shines on its own, but you can serve it alongside fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to add a refreshing balance. A cup of strong coffee or rich hot chocolate also pairs wonderfully with the rich peanut butter and chocolate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the dump cake in individual ramekins or clear glass cups to show off the layers. You could even turn it into a trifle by layering pieces with whipped cream and chopped peanut butter cups. Presentation is a great way to make this easy dessert feel extra special for guests or family celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil in the refrigerator. The flavors develop even more after a day, and it stays moist and delicious for up to 3 days.

Freezing

If you want to keep this delight for longer, you can freeze the baked dump cake in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving to enjoy the same comforting taste.

Reheating

Reheat slices in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds or warm portions in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through. Top with ice cream or whipped cream after reheating for that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a little more texture to the drizzled peanut butter layer, which some people really enjoy for extra nutty bites within the cake.

Is it necessary to use whole milk for the pudding?

Whole milk provides the best texture and richness for the pudding layer, but you can substitute with 2% or even almond milk for a lighter or dairy-free option. Just expect a slight change in creaminess.

Can I make this dump cake gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure your pudding mix is gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dessert adaptable.

Do I have to add the chocolate chips on top?

While the chocolate chips add melty richness and enhance the chocolate flavor, you can skip them if you want a less chocolate-intensive dessert. The peanut butter cups and cake mix already create a delicious experience.

How do I prevent the cake from becoming too soggy?

Make sure to evenly distribute the butter slices on top before baking, as this helps create a beautiful crust and prevents sogginess. Also, giving the cake time to rest after baking allows excess moisture to settle.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe is truly one of those feel-good desserts that’ll quickly become a favorite in your baking rotation. Its simplicity combined with the irresistible combo of peanut butter and chocolate makes it a joy to create and even more fun to eat. I encourage you to give it a try — it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen.