If you’re a peanut butter lover or just need a ridiculously easy dessert that tastes like it came straight from a bakery, then Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is calling your name. This indulgent treat combines the gooey texture of a classic dump cake with rich peanut butter flavor and melty chocolate chunks. It’s the kind of dessert that gets people asking for seconds—and the recipe.
No fancy techniques, no complicated layering, and absolutely no stress. Just “dump,” bake, and enjoy! Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or just want to treat yourself, this trending dessert is guaranteed to be the showstopper.
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
- Ridiculously Easy to Make: Just dump, layer, and bake. No mixer or special skills required.
- Only a Few Ingredients: Most of the items are pantry staples or easily found at your grocery store.
- Irresistibly Gooey Texture: Thanks to the melted peanut butter cups and rich cake base.
- Perfect for Parties or Potlucks: It serves a crowd and wows everyone with flavor.
- Customizable: Add nuts, swap the cake mix flavor, or make it dairy-free—it’s super flexible!
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to create this decadent dessert:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (or devil’s food for a richer flavor)
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups chopped peanut butter cups (mini or regular)
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs (optional for topping)
- 1/4 cup chopped salted peanuts (optional for crunch)
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
Ingredient Alternatives:
- Gluten-Free? Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix.
- Dairy-Free? Opt for coconut condensed milk and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Less Sweet? Reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly or use dark chocolate chips.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the sweetened condensed milk evenly across the bottom of the pan.
- Dollop the peanut butter over the milk and lightly swirl using a knife.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the peanut butter layer. Do not mix.
- Top with chopped peanut butter cups and chocolate chips.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly across the top to help everything bake together.
- Optional: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers and chopped peanuts for extra crunch and texture.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm, possibly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Pro Tip: For extra gooey texture, slightly underbake by 2–3 minutes and let it set before slicing.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Add a caramel swirl: Drizzle caramel sauce before baking for an extra rich bite.
- Use different cake mix flavors: Try yellow cake or brownie mix for a twist.
- Make it s’mores-style: Add mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers.
- Go nut-free: Skip the peanuts and use sunbutter cups for allergy-friendly variation.
- Add texture: Crushed pretzels add a salty crunch that balances the sweetness.
How to Store & Reheat
- To Store: Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Use an airtight container to keep it moist.
- To Reheat: Microwave individual slices for 15–20 seconds or warm the whole dish in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.
Freezer-Friendly? Yes! Freeze in airtight portions for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re obsessed with easy, crowd-pleasing desserts like this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake, you’ll definitely want to try a few of these other favorites too:
- Kefir Sheet Cake Recipe – Delicious, Healthy, and Easy to Make: A light and fluffy cake with gut-friendly benefits, perfect for weeknight treats.
- Strawberry Honeybun Cake Recipe: Sticky-sweet, glazed, and bursting with fruity flavor—this one’s a southern-inspired dream.
- Cream Cheese Cake Recipe: Rich, creamy, and absolutely irresistible with every bite.
These recipes are all easy enough for beginners but impressive enough to serve guests!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but it may be oilier or less sweet. Stir well before using for best results.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It stores well and tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
Do I need to prepare the cake mix first?
Nope! Dump cake recipes use the dry cake mix straight from the box.
Can I use other candy instead of peanut butter cups?
Totally! Try chopped Snickers, Reese’s Pieces, or even Rolos.
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is pure comfort in dessert form. Easy, decadent, and crowd-pleasing—what more could you want from a cake? Give it a try this weekend, and don’t forget to snap a photo and tag your masterpiece! Craving more simple dessert wins? Follow for more sweet recipes that make life delicious.
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Ingredients
- – 1 box chocolate cake mix 15.25 oz
- – 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- – 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- – 2 cups mini or chopped peanut butter cups
- – 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
- – 1/4 cup chopped salted peanuts optional
- – 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs optional
- – 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk into the dish and spread evenly.
- Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter over the milk and gently swirl.
- Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the top—do not stir.
- Top with chopped peanut butter cups and chocolate chips.
- Drizzle melted butter across the entire surface.
- Add peanuts and graham crumbs for extra crunch, if using.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy as-is or with ice cream!
Notes
– Swap peanut butter for Nutella or almond butter for a twist.
– For a dairy-free version, use coconut condensed milk and vegan butter/chocolate.