Easy Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake: Gooey Chocolate & Peanut Butter Dessert

Looking for a dessert that’s outrageously easy and irresistibly delicious? This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake might just become your new go-to sweet treat. Packed with layers of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and melty peanut butter cups, it’s a dessert dream come true without the hassle. No mixing, no fancy tools just a few pantry staples and one baking dish. Whether you’re craving a last-minute indulgence or want to wow guests without stress, this cake delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the ooey-gooey goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe Easy Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

If you’re a fan of rich chocolate, gooey peanut butter, and desserts that practically make themselves, this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is going to be your new best friend. It’s the kind of treat that looks and tastes like it took hours but it’s as simple as dump, bake, and enjoy. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family gathering, a last-minute dessert for guests, or a weeknight indulgence, this cake checks every box. Minimal effort, maximum flavor, and that peanut butter-chocolate combo everyone loves.

Pure Comfort

There’s something irresistibly nostalgic and cozy about peanut butter cups baked into a warm, gooey chocolate cake. It’s like wrapping yourself in a sweet, soft blanket of flavor. This dump cake is the definition of comfort food, from the rich melted chocolate to the bursts of peanut butter in every bite. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’re in dessert heaven. No fancy skills needed just layers of love and decadence.

Ingredients of Easy Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

  • 1 box chocolate fudge cake mix
  • 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 2 cups milk (for the pudding)
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1 bag (10 oz) mini peanut butter cups, unwrapped and halved
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
  • Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving (optional)

What You Need for Easy Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

  • 9×13 inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups
  • Knife (for halving peanut butter cups)
  • Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the pan)

Time to Cook

  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 35-40 minutes
  • Cool time: 10 minutes
  • Total time: About 1 hour

Steps to Make It

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the Pudding Layer

In a medium bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and 2 cups of cold milk. Let it sit for about 2 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 3: Layer the Goodness

Pour the pudding into the bottom of your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the chopped peanut butter cups over the pudding.

Step 4: Add the Cake Mix

Evenly sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix directly over the pudding and candy layer. Do not stir!

Step 5: Add Peanut Butter and Butter

Drizzle the melted butter and the creamy peanut butter over the top of the dry cake mix. Try to cover as much as you can this will help it bake up moist and rich.

Step 6: Top It Off

Add the rest of the peanut butter cups and chocolate chips (if using) on top for extra chocolate-peanut butter goodness.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top looks baked and the edges are bubbling. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

Make It Perfect

  • Don’t mix the layers dump cakes are all about the magic of the layers baking together on their own.
  • If your peanut butter is too thick to drizzle, microwave it for about 20 seconds to make it more pourable.
  • You can use crunchy peanut butter if you like a bit of extra texture.

Mix It Up

  • Use dark chocolate cake mix for an even deeper flavor.
  • Swap mini peanut butter cups for chopped full-size ones or even peanut butter M&Ms.
  • Add chopped roasted peanuts on top for some crunch.

Perfect Partners

  • Vanilla bean ice cream is a classic match.
  • A drizzle of hot fudge or caramel sauce takes this to the next level.
  • Try it with a tall glass of cold milk or a steamy latte.

Busy Day Hero

On a hectic weekday when you barely have time to think about dessert, this dump cake saves the day. No mixers, no complicated steps just toss it together and let the oven work its magic. It’s impressive enough for guests but easy enough for a Tuesday night.

Work Ahead

You can prep the pudding and even assemble the layers (except for the final peanut butter drizzle) a few hours in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge and bake when you’re ready. Leftovers? Just warm it up in the microwave for 15-20 seconds and it tastes freshly baked.

Save Some For Later

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well just wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the microwave for a sweet treat anytime.

Everyone’s Happy

Whether you’re baking for picky eaters, chocolate lovers, or your peanut-butter-obsessed cousin, this recipe makes everyone smile. It’s that rare dessert that hits every craving at once: sweet, gooey, chocolaty, and just a little salty. Kids love it. Adults love it. You’ll love it.

Good For You Too

Alright, let’s be honest it’s not exactly health food. But mentally? This is the kind of dessert that nourishes the soul. And if you want to make it a bit lighter, try using sugar-free pudding mix and light peanut butter. Small swaps, big happiness.

Easy Clean Up

One bowl, one pan, and minimal mess. You’re not stuck cleaning mixers or ten different utensils. That’s the magic of dump cake simple, delicious, and stress-free. You might even get away with just rinsing the dish and calling it a day.

Switch It Up

Want to try a different twist?

  • Replace peanut butter cups with chopped Snickers or Reese’s Pieces.
  • Add a swirl of Nutella on top before baking.
  • Use white cake mix and swap in almond butter and white chocolate chips for a totally new flavor vibe.

Simply Perfect

This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake isn’t trying to be fancy. It doesn’t need to be. It’s the perfect mix of warm chocolate, melty peanut butter, and soft cake. Serve it warm from the oven, scoop it into bowls, and enjoy the simplest pleasure in the sweetest way possible.

FAQs Easy Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

Can I make this chocolate cake dump cake with Reese’s?

Absolutely! This chocolate cake dump cake is perfect with chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups. The combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter makes every bite irresistible.

Can I use a different cake mix for this cake with Reese’s?

Yes, you can! While chocolate cake mix is classic, feel free to try yellow cake mix or even brownie mix. It all works beautifully in this easy cake with Reese’s.

Is it possible to make this dump cake without peanut butter?

You can skip the peanut butter if needed, but it adds so much richness and depth to the flavor. You can also try almond butter or sunflower seed butter as an alternative in your chocolate cake dump cake.

How do I make this chocolate cake dump cake extra gooey?

To get that gooey texture, include chocolate pudding in the base, layer lots of chopped Reese’s, and don’t forget a generous drizzle of melted peanut butter before baking.

Can I use mini Reese’s instead of regular ones in this peanut butter dump cake?

Definitely. Mini Reese’s are a great time-saver and melt beautifully into the cake. They’re perfect for creating that soft, candy-filled center in your peanut butter dump cake.

Can I prepare this cake with cake mix ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble everything in advance—pudding, Reese’s, and cake mix layers—and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. It’s a smart way to prep your chocolate cake dump cake for guests or events.

What’s the best way to serve this cake with Reese’s and peanut butter?

Serve it warm for maximum gooeyness, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Whether warm or chilled, this cake with Reese’s and peanut butter is always a hit!

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is the ultimate no-fuss dessert that brings serious flavor to the table. With just a few pantry ingredients and almost zero prep, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing treat ready in under an hour. Whether it’s for a potluck, a cozy night in, or a sweet surprise after dinner, this cake delivers every time. Rich, gooey, comforting, and chocolatey this is one recipe you’ll keep coming back to.

More Indulgent Bakes You’ll Crave

If this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake hit your dessert sweet spot, just wait until you try these other easy and irresistible bakes! Dive into the soft, chewy magic of our Nestle Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe a classic everyone loves. For a fun twist on your favorite candy, don’t miss the gooey-goodness of our Double Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe – Nestlé Toll House. Want to impress with a layered treat? Our creamy Creme Brulee Cheesecake is surprisingly simple to make. And if you’re in the mood for something fruity and old-fashioned, the Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix delivers all the flavor with none of the fuss.

For chocolate-peanut butter fans, make sure to peek at the Mama Kelce Cookie Recipe easy, indulgent, and full of sweet nostalgia.

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Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake


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  • Author: Chef Tima
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 1012 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This rich, gooey Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is the ultimate chocolate and peanut butter lover’s dream. With just a few pantry staples and no mixing required, this easy dump cake is perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box chocolate fudge cake mix
  • 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold milk
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1 bag (10 oz) mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, halved
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
  • Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and milk. Let sit for 2 minutes to thicken.
  • Pour the pudding into the baking dish and spread evenly.
  • Sprinkle half of the chopped peanut butter cups over the pudding.
  • Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the candy layer. Do not stir.
  • Drizzle the melted butter and peanut butter on top of the cake mix.
  • Top with remaining peanut butter cups and chocolate chips (if using).
  • Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the top is set and the edges are bubbly.
  • Let cool for 10 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

  • Don’t stir the layers—this is what gives a dump cake its unique texture.
  • You can use any chocolate cake mix, and switch in chopped candy bars or different nut butters for variety.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated in the microwave.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approx.)
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 340mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

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