Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

If you love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is the dessert you need to try. It’s rich, gooey, chocolatey, and loaded with creamy peanut butter and peanut butter cups—all with incredibly little effort.

Unlike traditional cakes that require mixing, measuring, and carefully following multiple steps, a dump cake is wonderfully simple. You basically layer the ingredients in a baking dish, pop everything into the oven, and let the heat transform those simple ingredients into a warm, decadent dessert.

This version combines chocolate cake mix, chocolate pudding, creamy peanut butter, peanut butter cups, and chocolate chips for a dessert that tastes almost like a giant warm peanut butter cup. Serve it with vanilla ice cream while it’s still warm, and you have an irresistible dessert for family dinners, parties, potlucks, or late-night cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

• Super easy: No complicated cake batter or mixer required.
• Chocolate and peanut butter: A classic combination that never disappoints.
• Rich and gooey: The center stays wonderfully soft and fudgy.
• Perfect for gatherings: Easy to prepare and serves a crowd.
• Minimal cleanup: Everything bakes in one dish.
• Great with ice cream: Warm cake and cold vanilla ice cream are the perfect match.

Ingredients

For the Dump Cake

• 1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
• 1 package (3.9 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup miniature peanut butter cups, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup peanut butter chips, optional
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Serving

• Vanilla ice cream
• Extra chopped peanut butter cups
• Chocolate syrup
• Peanut butter drizzle
• Whipped cream, optional

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter.

A 9×13-inch dish gives the cake enough room to bake evenly while still creating a deliciously gooey center.

Step 2: Make the Pudding Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and milk.

Whisk for about 1–2 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken.

Stir in the vanilla extract.

The pudding helps create the rich, soft texture that makes this dump cake so delicious.

Step 3: Add the Peanut Butter

Warm the peanut butter slightly in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds, just until it becomes easier to spread.

Spoon the peanut butter over the pudding mixture in small dollops.

Don’t worry about making a perfect layer. It will soften and spread as the cake bakes.

Step 4: Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the top.

Do not prepare the cake mix according to the box directions. Use the dry mix directly from the package.

Try to distribute it as evenly as possible so the finished cake cooks consistently.

Step 5: Add the Butter

Pour the melted butter slowly and evenly over the dry cake mix.

Try to cover as much of the surface as possible. The butter provides the moisture needed to transform the cake mix into a soft, rich topping.

If a few dry spots remain, that’s okay.

Step 6: Add Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cups

Sprinkle the chocolate chips, chopped miniature peanut butter cups, and peanut butter chips over the top.

Spread them evenly so that every serving gets plenty of chocolate and peanut butter goodness.

You can reserve a small handful of peanut butter cups to sprinkle over the cake after baking.

Step 7: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 35–45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is still slightly soft and gooey.

Avoid overbaking. The center should have a soft, fudgy texture rather than becoming completely firm like a traditional cake.

If the top begins browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the final portion of baking.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove the dump cake from the oven and let it rest for approximately 10–15 minutes.

The cake will continue to set slightly as it cools, while the chocolate and peanut butter remain deliciously gooey.

For the ultimate dessert, scoop warm portions into bowls and top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Drizzle with chocolate syrup or melted peanut butter and sprinkle with extra chopped peanut butter cups.

Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

Use Creamy Peanut Butter

Regular creamy peanut butter spreads easily and creates a smooth, rich layer throughout the dessert.

Avoid using natural peanut butter that separates heavily unless you stir it extremely well first.

Don’t Mix the Layers

One of the best things about dump cake is that you don’t need to stir everything together.

Layer the ingredients as directed and let the oven do the work.

Don’t Overbake

The center should remain soft and gooey. If you bake the cake until it looks completely firm, you may lose the fudgy texture that makes this dessert special.

Let It Rest

Giving the cake 10–15 minutes to cool slightly makes it easier to serve while keeping it warm and gooey.

Easy Variations

Add More Peanut Butter Cups

For an even more indulgent dessert, add an extra handful of chopped peanut butter cups to the top before baking.

Use Dark Chocolate

Replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer, less-sweet flavor.

Add Chopped Peanuts

Sprinkle roasted, salted peanuts over the top before baking for a crunchy contrast.

Try a Different Cake Mix

Chocolate fudge cake mix works beautifully and creates an especially rich dessert.

Make It Extra Peanut Butter-y

Add additional peanut butter chips or swirl a few tablespoons of warmed peanut butter over the top before serving.

What to Serve With Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

This dessert is rich enough to enjoy on its own, but a few toppings make it even more delicious.

Try serving it with:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Chocolate ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate syrup
• Warm peanut butter drizzle
• Caramel sauce
• Chopped peanuts
• Extra peanut butter cups

The best combination is a warm serving of dump cake topped with cold vanilla ice cream. The ice cream slowly melts into the chocolate and peanut butter layers, creating an incredibly delicious bite.

How to Store Leftovers

Allow the cake to cool completely before covering the baking dish tightly or transferring leftovers to an airtight container.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds, or until warm.

For the best texture, add fresh ice cream just before serving.

Can You Freeze Dump Cake?

Yes. Allow the cake to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers.

Freeze for up to 2–3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dump cake without pudding mix?

Yes, but the pudding adds moisture and creates a softer, richer texture. If you leave it out, the finished cake may be less gooey.

Do I have to use miniature peanut butter cups?

No. Regular peanut butter cups can be chopped into smaller pieces and used instead.

Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?

Yes. You can assemble it several hours ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Because the ingredients will be cold, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Why is my dump cake dry?

The cake may have been overbaked, or the melted butter may not have been distributed evenly over the dry cake mix. Make sure to pour the butter across as much of the cake mix as possible and avoid baking longer than necessary.

Can I serve it cold?

Absolutely. While it’s especially delicious warm, chilled leftovers have a fudgy, brownie-like texture that is also delicious.

Final Thoughts

Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is the ultimate easy dessert for anyone who loves chocolate and peanut butter. With chocolate cake mix, creamy peanut butter, rich pudding, melted chocolate, and plenty of peanut butter cups, every bite is decadent and satisfying.

The best part is how little work it takes. There’s no complicated batter, no decorating, and no fancy techniques. Just layer the ingredients, bake until warm and gooey, and serve with your favorite toppings.

For an extra-special treat, don’t forget the vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate or peanut butter sauce. This simple dump cake is guaranteed to disappear quickly!