Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe

July 20, 2025Maria

Introduction To Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

If you’re a dessert lover who craves minimal effort with maximum payoff, this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is about to become your go-to indulgence. It’s rich, gooey, chocolatey, and loaded with everyone’s favorite candy—Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. The magic of a dump cake is in its simplicity: just layer the ingredients in a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and out comes a decadent, gooey masterpiece that tastes like it took hours to make.

Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a birthday, or just need a no-fuss sweet fix, this peanut butter and chocolate dream delivers big on flavor with almost no prep. It’s a sweet tooth’s dream and a time-crunched baker’s best friend. With layers of peanut butter, chocolate pudding, chopped peanut butter cups, and a buttery cake mix topping, every spoonful of this dump cake is an explosion of nostalgic, candy-bar bliss.

Why Is This Recipe So Popular?

There’s no denying the winning combination of chocolate and peanut butter. It’s one of the most iconic dessert pairings, and when transformed into a gooey, melty dump cake, it’s pure heaven. What makes this particular dump cake so popular is not just its flavor—it’s also its ease. You don’t need a mixer, you don’t need to measure out dozens of ingredients, and you don’t even have to stir. Simply layer and bake. It’s also endlessly adaptable: use different cake mix flavors, toss in extra candies, or drizzle with chocolate syrup for a personal twist. This dessert is beloved by kids and adults alike and disappears fast from any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

✅ No Mixing Bowls Required – Just layer the ingredients in one pan
✅ Rich and Indulgent – Chocolate, peanut butter, and cake come together in perfect harmony
✅ Candy Lover’s Dream – Packed with peanut butter cups in every bite
✅ Perfect for Beginners – Foolproof and impossible to mess up
✅ Crowd-Pleaser – Great for parties, potlucks, holidays, or last-minute treats
✅ Customizable – Add nuts, drizzle caramel, or try it with different candies or cake mixes

Ingredients:

These ingredients come together to form a powerhouse of gooey, chocolatey peanut butter goodness:

🥜 1 (15 oz) jar creamy peanut butter (you can use natural or classic)
🍫 1 (3.9 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix
🥛 2 cups cold milk
🎂 1 box chocolate cake mix (or devil’s food cake mix)
🧈 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
🍬 2 cups chopped peanut butter cups (Reese’s or store-brand)
🧁 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional for extra richness)
🍫 1/4 cup peanut butter chips or white chocolate chips (optional topping)
🍦 Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional for serving)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Dish 🔥

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix Pudding Layer 🍫🥛

In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk until thickened, about 2 minutes. This forms the rich, chocolatey base of the cake.

Step 3: Layer Pudding and Peanut Butter 🥜🍫

Pour the chocolate pudding into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Warm the peanut butter slightly in the microwave (about 20–30 seconds) to make it more spreadable. Dollop spoonfuls of peanut butter over the pudding layer and gently swirl it through with a knife for a marbled effect. Don’t mix—just swirl.

Step 4: Add Peanut Butter Cups and Chips 🍬

Sprinkle the chopped peanut butter cups evenly over the pudding and peanut butter mixture. Add chocolate chips or peanut butter chips if using. These will melt into gooey pockets of joy as the cake bakes.

Step 5: Add Cake Mix Layer 🎂

Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the entire surface. Do not stir or pat down. You want an even, fluffy layer of dry mix covering the peanut butter candy base.

Step 6: Pour Butter Over the Top 🧈

Drizzle the melted butter evenly across the dry cake mix layer. Try to cover as much of the cake mix as possible. The butter will soak into the mix and help it bake into a crumbly, brownie-like topping.

Step 7: Bake and Cool 🔥

Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling around the edges. The center should be set but still soft. Remove from oven and let cool slightly—about 15 minutes. This allows the layers to set and makes scooping easier.

Step 8: Serve Warm With Toppings 🍦

Scoop into bowls and serve warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Drizzle with more peanut butter or chocolate syrup for the ultimate decadent treat.

Variation:

Oreo Peanut Butter Dump Cake – Add a layer of crushed Oreos on top of the pudding
Brownie Mix Instead of Cake – Swap the cake mix for brownie mix for a fudgier finish
Caramel Swirl – Add spoonfuls of caramel sauce with the peanut butter for even more richness
Nutty Delight – Add chopped peanuts, pecans, or walnuts to the candy layer for crunch
S’mores Version – Add mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs on top after baking

COOKING Note:

These dump cakes are very forgiving, but a few tips ensure gooey perfection every time:

Use cold milk when mixing the pudding—it thickens faster and holds better
Swirl the peanut butter for visual effect but don’t mix or combine completely
Melted butter should be hot to evenly soak the cake mix layer
If you notice dry patches of cake mix after baking, drizzle with extra melted butter or milk and return to the oven for 5 minutes
Letting the cake cool slightly before serving helps the layers set

Serving Suggestions:

🍦 Vanilla Ice Cream – Classic pairing for warm dump cake
🥛 Glass of Cold Milk – Complements the richness perfectly
☕ Hot Coffee or Mocha – For adult dessert vibes
🍫 Drizzle with Chocolate Syrup – Extra decadence
🍓 Top with Fresh Berries – Adds a pop of freshness

Tips:

Use Reese’s Minis or unwrapped snack-size cups for easier prep
You can use chunky peanut butter if you prefer a little texture
Add a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty combo
For a firmer top layer, use slightly less butter; for gooier results, use the full amount
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently in the microwave

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving Approximate):

Calories: 480
Protein: 7g
Fat: 29g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Sugar: 32g
Sodium: 380mg
Fiber: 2g

FAQs:

Can I use sugar-free pudding mix?

Yes, but the texture may be slightly different. It will still work well in the recipe.

Do I have to use chocolate cake mix?

Not at all—devil’s food, fudge, or even peanut butter cake mix all work beautifully.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can assemble it a few hours ahead and bake when ready.

Can I freeze dump cake?

Yes. Let it cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 1 month. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

How do I make it more peanut buttery?

Add extra peanut butter chips, swirl more peanut butter into the pudding layer, or serve with peanut butter drizzle on top.

Conclusion:

Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert that brings together the best of chocolate and peanut butter in a warm, gooey, candy-packed delight. It’s perfect for last-minute gatherings, easy weeknight indulgence, or a showstopping treat that requires almost no effort. With its rich, layered textures—from creamy pudding to crunchy peanut butter cups and buttery cake topping—this dessert satisfies on every level. It’s endlessly customizable and guaranteed to please chocolate lovers and peanut butter fanatics alike. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or sneaking bites straight from the pan, this dump cake is sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.