Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

If you’re a fan of chocolate and peanut butter, this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is about to become your new obsession. It’s rich, gooey, and packed with flavor—all without the hassle of complicated steps. The best part? You don’t need to be an experienced baker to whip this up. With a box of chocolate cake mix, instant pudding, and some peanut butter cups, you’ll have a dessert that looks like it came straight from a bakery.

This cake is the perfect solution when you’re craving something indulgent but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or even just a cozy night in when your sweet tooth hits. And yes—it tastes even better the next day (if you can resist eating it all at once).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless: No mixer, no frosting, no layers—just dump, bake, and enjoy.
Decadent Flavor: Chocolate + peanut butter = dessert heaven.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves Reese’s peanut butter cups, making this cake an instant favorite.
Customizable: Add toppings, fillings, or serve with ice cream for endless variations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 (15.25 oz) box chocolate cake mix (any brand works, Devil’s Food or Fudge are great choices)
1 (3.4 oz) box chocolate instant pudding mix
1 ¾ cups milk (whole milk makes it extra rich, but 2% works too)
½ cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup chopped peanut butter cups (plus more for topping)
½ cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra gooeyness)
½ cup melted butter
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (for serving, optional but highly recommended)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This ensures your dump cake doesn’t stick and comes out easily.

Step 2: Layer the Goodness

Spread the chopped peanut butter cups evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top (optional, but adds extra melty pockets of chocolate).

Step 3: Make the Pudding Layer

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk until smooth and slightly thickened. Pour this mixture over the peanut butter cups and chocolate chips.

Step 4: Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pudding layer. Do not stir—dump cakes work by layering, and this will give you that gooey, cobbler-like texture.

Step 5: Peanut Butter & Butter Drizzle

Warm up the peanut butter in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds so it becomes pourable. Drizzle it over the top of the cake mix. Then pour the melted butter evenly over the entire dish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is set and golden brown but the inside is still gooey.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Top with more chopped peanut butter cups and a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips for Success

Don’t stir the layers: The magic of a dump cake comes from the layering process.
Use mini peanut butter cups: They melt evenly and spread deliciously through the cake.
For extra peanut butter flavor: Swirl in a few spoonfuls of peanut butter into the pudding mixture before layering.
Make it ahead: This cake actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours because the flavors meld together.

Variations to Try

Peanut Butter Lovers: Use peanut butter cake mix instead of chocolate for a twist.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped peanuts or pretzels for extra crunch.
Oreo Peanut Butter Cake: Sprinkle crushed Oreos along with the peanut butter cups.
Holiday Twist: Use seasonal peanut butter cups (like white chocolate or dark chocolate versions).

Serving Ideas

This cake is rich enough to stand on its own, but if you want to take it over the top:

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a hot-and-cold contrast.
Add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.

Storage & Reheating

Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps well for 4–5 days (just cover tightly).
Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for 30–45 seconds before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is the kind of dessert that looks impressive but takes almost no effort. With its gooey center, crunchy top, and perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter, it’s bound to become one of your go-to recipes. Whether you’re making it for a party, family dinner, or just to treat yourself, this cake is guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face.