Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake – A Gooey, Irresistible Dessert You’ll Make on Repeat

If you’re a fan of the classic chocolate and peanut butter combo (and who isn’t?), then this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is about to become your new go-to dessert. It’s rich, decadent, and ridiculously easy to make — no mixers, no fancy steps, just layers of deliciousness baked into a warm, gooey treat.

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser at any party, potluck, or holiday gathering. With the convenience of a boxed cake mix and the indulgence of peanut butter cups, it’s the kind of no-fail dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen — even though it comes together in less than an hour.

Let’s get baking!

Ingredients (Makes 12 servings)

This dump cake recipe is beautifully simple, with just a few pantry staples and lots of flavor:

1 box chocolate cake mix (any brand will do)
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup milk
1/2 cup butter, melted
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
1 cup peanut butter cups, chopped (Reese’s work great!)
1 cup powdered sugar (optional, for frosting drizzle)

Want to make it extra gooey? Add a handful of mini marshmallows between the layers for a s’mores-inspired twist!

Prep & Bake Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Calories: Approx. 370 kcal per serving
Yields: 12 generous slices

Directions: How to Make the Ultimate Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Mix the cake batter

In a large bowl, combine the following:

Chocolate cake mix
Melted butter
Eggs
Milk
Vanilla extract

Whisk or stir until the batter is smooth and thick. You can do this by hand or use a hand mixer if you like, but it’s truly easy enough with just a spoon.

Step 3: Layer the ingredients

Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Next, spoon dollops of creamy peanut butter across the batter — no need to be perfect! This will melt into ooey-gooey ribbons.

Sprinkle half of the chocolate chips and half of the chopped peanut butter cups over this layer.

Step 4: Add the top layer

Pour the remaining cake batter gently over the top. Use a spatula to spread it evenly so it covers the peanut butter and candy layer.

Top it all off with the rest of the chocolate chips and peanut butter cups.

Step 5: Bake it up!

Place the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a little gooey is okay — that’s part of the charm!).

Let the cake cool for 15–20 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and intensify in flavor.

Step 6: Optional drizzle (but highly recommended!)

While the cake is cooling, you can make a quick frosting drizzle:

In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons of milk until smooth and pourable.
Drizzle over the cooled cake for an extra-sweet touch that looks gorgeous and adds a little bakery-style flair.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is heaven on its own, but if you want to level it up, serve with:

A scoop of vanilla ice cream
A dollop of whipped cream
A drizzle of warm chocolate or caramel sauce

It’s the perfect dessert after pizza night, for a birthday party, or just because you’re craving something chocolatey and rich.

Storage & Leftovers

Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days
Or refrigerate for up to 5 days
To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for 15–20 seconds for that just-baked feel

This cake also freezes well — wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before enjoying!

Tips & Variations

Want to customize it? Try these fun variations:

Use a brownie mix instead of cake mix for extra fudgy layers
Swap peanut butter cups for mini Snickers, Rolos, or chopped Reese’s Pieces
Add a swirl of Nutella or caramel sauce between the layers
Make it gluten-free by using a GF cake mix

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No-fail recipe — Just mix, layer, bake, and enjoy
Rich chocolate + creamy peanut butter = dessert bliss
Perfect for feeding a crowd
Kid-approved and adult-obsessed
Make-ahead friendly and freezer-safe

This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is everything you love in a dessert — it’s gooey, chocolatey, peanut buttery, and indulgent in all the best ways. And the best part? It’s as easy to make as it is to eat.

Save & Share!

Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next party or family dessert night! It’s one of those “wow-factor” recipes that feels special — but takes minimal effort. Share it with friends, pin it, print it, and make it part of your dessert rotation. Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Herb Pasta

This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake