If you love rich chocolate desserts and creamy peanut butter treats, Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is about to become your new favorite indulgence. This ultra-simple, crowd-pleasing dessert combines the bold flavor of chocolate cake with melty peanut butter cups, creating a gooey, decadent masterpiece with minimal effort.
Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, game days, and holiday gatherings across the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake delivers bakery-style results using pantry-friendly ingredients. Best of all, there’s no complicated mixing or layering — just dump, bake, and enjoy.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn how to make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake step by step, discover tasty variations, and pick up expert tips for achieving the perfect texture every time.
What Is a Dump Cake?
A dump cake is exactly what it sounds like: a dessert where ingredients are simply “dumped” into a baking dish and baked. There’s no need for elaborate mixing, creaming, or special techniques.
Traditional dump cakes often use:
Boxed cake mix
Butter
Pie filling or chocolate layers
In this version, we elevate the concept by adding chopped peanut butter cups to create an indulgent Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake packed with gooey chocolate and nutty richness.
Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
1. Incredibly Easy to Make
No stand mixer. No complicated steps. Just layer the ingredients and bake.
2. Perfect Flavor Combination
Chocolate and peanut butter is a timeless pairing beloved throughout North America and the UK.
3. Ideal for Any Occasion
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake works for:
Birthday parties
Family gatherings
Game day celebrations
Holiday dessert tables
Late-night cravings
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Here’s what you’ll need:
1 box chocolate cake mix
1½ cups chopped peanut butter cups
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1½ cups milk
½ cup melted butter
Optional toppings:
Vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream
Extra chopped peanut butter cups
Chocolate drizzle
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Spread the chopped peanut butter cups evenly across the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top.
Pour the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the candy layer — do not stir.
Step 3: Add Peanut Butter
Warm the peanut butter slightly in the microwave until pourable. Drizzle it evenly over the cake mix layer.
Step 4: Add Liquids
Slowly pour the milk over the top. Drizzle melted butter evenly across the surface.
Resist the urge to mix — the magic of Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake happens during baking.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly crisp while the inside remains soft and gooey.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve
Let the cake rest for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow it to firm up slightly.
Texture and Flavor Profile
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake offers a unique texture experience:
Crisp, slightly crackled top
Gooey chocolate center
Melty peanut butter pockets
Soft cake-like structure
The sweetness of chocolate cake balances beautifully with the salty richness of peanut butter cups.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Use Full-Fat Ingredients
Full-fat peanut butter and whole milk create a richer, creamier result.
Don’t Overbake
Overbaking can dry out the cake. It should remain slightly soft in the center.
Spread Liquids Evenly
Ensure the milk and butter cover as much of the dry cake mix as possible to avoid powdery spots.
Add a Pinch of Salt
A light sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances the chocolate-peanut butter flavor.
Delicious Variations
One of the best things about Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is how adaptable it is.
Fudge Lovers Version
Add ½ cup hot fudge sauce between layers for an extra gooey texture.
Crunchy Twist
Mix in crushed pretzels or chopped peanuts for texture contrast.
Caramel Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Drizzle caramel sauce over the peanut butter layer before baking.
Gluten-Free Option
Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix for a celiac-friendly dessert.
Slow Cooker Version
Place all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2–3 hours for a hands-off option.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake tastes amazing on its own, but these toppings make it even better:
A scoop of vanilla ice cream
Warm chocolate syrup
Fresh berries for contrast
Whipped cream and chopped peanuts
Serve warm for maximum gooey goodness.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds to restore that melty texture.
Freezing
Freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutritional Notes
While Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is indulgent, you can make small adjustments:
Use reduced-sugar cake mix
Choose natural peanut butter
Reduce chocolate chip quantity slightly
Serve smaller portions with fresh fruit
Remember, this dessert is meant to be enjoyed as an occasional treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade cake mix?
Yes, but ensure the dry-to-liquid ratio remains similar to boxed mix instructions.
What type of peanut butter works best?
Creamy peanut butter creates smooth layers, while crunchy adds texture.
Why is my cake powdery?
The liquids may not have been evenly distributed. Pour slowly and cover the surface thoroughly.
Why Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Is So Popular
Across the US, UK, and Canada, convenience desserts are increasingly popular. Families want delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen. Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake fits perfectly into this lifestyle — easy preparation, minimal cleanup, and maximum flavor.
Its nostalgic chocolate-peanut butter flavor combination appeals to all generations, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is the ultimate easy dessert for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. With its gooey center, crisp top, and rich flavor, it’s a guaranteed hit for gatherings, holidays, or cozy nights at home.
Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and indulgent results make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake a must-try recipe for any dessert enthusiast. Whether you serve it warm with ice cream or enjoy it straight from the pan, this decadent treat is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
If you’re looking for a foolproof, crowd-pleasing dessert that delivers bold flavor with almost no effort, Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection.