If you love the unbeatable combo of chocolate and peanut butter, you are going to adore this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe. It’s one of those effortless yet indulgent desserts that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Imagine a gooey chocolate cake base layered with creamy peanut butter pudding, studded with peanut butter chips and chopped peanut butter cups, all topped with a golden, buttery crust. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or craving a cozy night in sweet treat, this dump cake delivers on flavor and comfort without any complicated steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dessert lies in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each item adds its own character—rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter meld perfectly together, a velvety pudding base anchors everything, and the melted butter makes that irresistible crisp topping.
- Chocolate cake mix (1 box, 15.25 ounces): This provides the chocolatey, moist cake layer—it’s the foundation of the dessert’s rich flavor and texture.
- Instant chocolate pudding mix (1 package, 3.9 ounces): Adds smooth creaminess and intense chocolate flavor, creating a luscious middle layer.
- Milk (2 cups): Required to whisk with the pudding mix, transforming it into the silky layer that balances the cake’s density.
- Peanut butter chips (1 cup): Little bursts of peanut butter flavor that offer a delightful texture contrast throughout.
- Chopped peanut butter cups (1 cup, plus extra for topping): The secret indulgent gems that enhance the chocolate and peanut buttery goodness.
- Melted butter (1/2 cup): Drizzled generously over the top, it crisps up the cake mix to create that coveted crunchy surface.
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional): Perfect finishing touches that add creaminess and temperature contrast when serving.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple prep ensures the cake will bake evenly and release easily when served. It’s a quick step but sets you up for success.
Step 2: Whisk the Pudding Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and milk for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. This pudding layer is the unsung hero here, providing moisture and a rich, creamy texture that contrasts perfectly with the dry cake mix you’ll add next.
Step 3: Layer the Pudding
Pour the pudding mixture evenly into your greased baking dish. Spreading it out evenly is key for that perfect texture balance between creamy and cakey as the dessert bakes.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix and Peanut Butter Goodies
Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the pudding layer without stirring. Then scatter the peanut butter chips and chopped peanut butter cups evenly on top. Resist the urge to mix them in! This layered approach creates those delightful pockets of gooey chocolate and peanut butter throughout.
Step 5: Drizzle With Butter and Bake
Drizzle the melted butter carefully and evenly over the entire surface. This step is crucial because as the cake bakes, the butter helps the dry cake mix transform into a golden, irresistibly crispy crust. Bake for about 40 to 45 minutes until the top is set and slightly crisp. Once out of the oven, let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes to set perfectly before serving.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle additional chopped peanut butter cups on top. Not only do they add extra flavor bursts, but they make the dish look downright irresistible. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates the experience with creamy, cool contrast to the warm cake.
Side Dishes
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe is so rich and satisfying, it pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to add brightness and balance. You might also serve it alongside a cup of strong coffee or milk to complement those sweet, peanut buttery notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or family? Serve this dessert in individual glass ramekins topped with peanut butter cups and a drizzle of warm peanut butter sauce. Or layer warmed dump cake with ice cream in tall parfait glasses for a fun twist. The versatility of this recipe makes presentation options endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, though the topping may lose a bit of its crispness. Gently reheating helps restore some of that fresh-baked charm.
Freezing
This dump cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions or the whole cake tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently in the oven.
Reheating
To enjoy this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe warm, reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, so you keep the contrast between the soft pudding layer and the crisp, buttery top.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Absolutely! While chocolate complements the peanut butter perfectly, using a dark chocolate cake mix intensifies the richness, and even a devil’s food variety works beautifully for an extra fudgy result.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional cake mixes usually contain gluten, so to make this gluten-free, you’ll want to choose a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and pudding mix. Many brands offer these options, and they work just as well for this delicious dessert.
Can I substitute peanut butter chips with something else?
If peanut butter chips aren’t available, chopped peanut butter cups alone give plenty of that signature flavor. You could also try chopped Reese’s pieces or even swirl in some creamy peanut butter before baking for a similar effect.
How do I know when the dump cake is fully baked?
The top should be set and golden with some crispy edges around 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll notice the cake mix has absorbed the pudding underneath and formed a cohesive crust. If it jiggles too much in the center, give it a few more minutes.
Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?
This dump cake is best enjoyed warm, so you can prepare the pudding mixture and assemble the layers a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Then bake just before serving for that fresh, satisfying texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe is one of those rare desserts that feels like a treat but is surprisingly simple to make. It brings together layers of luscious chocolate and peanut butter goodness in a friendly, approachable way that will have everyone asking for seconds. If you want a dessert that satisfies those sweet cravings with minimal fuss, definitely give this one a try—you might just have a new favorite on your hands!
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and gooey Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake combining layers of chocolate cake mix, instant chocolate pudding, peanut butter chips, and chopped peanut butter cups, all baked to perfection and served warm with optional whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Cake & Pudding
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- 1 package (3.9 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
Toppings & Add-ins
- 1 cup peanut butter chips
- 1 cup chopped peanut butter cups (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Serving (optional)
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix pudding layer: In a bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and milk until the mixture thickens slightly, about 2 minutes.
- Layer pudding: Pour the pudding mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the first layer.
- Add cake mix: Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the pudding layer, ensuring not to stir or mix the layers together.
- Add peanut butter chips and cups: Scatter the peanut butter chips and chopped peanut butter cups evenly across the cake mix layer for added texture and flavor.
- Drizzle butter: Evenly drizzle the melted butter over the entire surface to moisten and help create a crisp topping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is set and a little crisp.
- Cool slightly and serve: Let the cake cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Top with additional chopped peanut butter cups and a scoop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.
Notes
- This dessert is rich and gooey—best enjoyed warm.
- For a twist, try using dark chocolate cake mix for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- You can add a drizzle of warm peanut butter before serving for extra indulgence.
