This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a decadent, no-fuss dessert loaded with layers of chocolate, peanut butter, and gooey richness. It’s one of those indulgent creations that’s perfect for potlucks, parties, or anytime I’m craving a sweet treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. There’s no need for fancy equipment or complicated steps—just layer, bake, and enjoy. The combination of melted chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and the crunch of candy pieces creates a texture explosion in every bite. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser—no one can resist a slice!
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Yellow cake mix
- Creamy peanut butter
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Mini peanut butter cups
- Chocolate chips
- Butter (melted)
- Chopped Reese’s or other peanut butter candies
- Chocolate syrup (optional for drizzling)
Directions
- I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- I scatter a layer of chopped peanut butter cups and chocolate chips across the bottom of the dish.
- I drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the candy layer.
- Next, I drop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter throughout—no need to be exact, just spread it around.
- I sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over everything, making sure not to stir it.
- I pour melted butter over the cake mix, trying to cover as much surface as possible.
- Then I bake it for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Once it's out of the oven, I let it cool slightly, then top it with extra chopped candy and drizzle with chocolate syrup for the ultimate finish.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 generous servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 40-45 minutes to bake, so in under an hour, I can have a rich, gooey dessert ready to serve.
Variations
Sometimes I swap the yellow cake mix for chocolate cake mix when I want even more chocolate flavor. I’ve also tried it with white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. If I’m feeling adventurous, I add crushed pretzels for a salty crunch that complements the sweet, creamy layers perfectly.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I pop a slice in the microwave for 15–20 seconds—it softens up the chocolate and makes it just as gooey as when it was freshly baked. If I need to reheat a larger portion, I warm it in the oven at 300°F for about 10–15 minutes.
FAQs
What kind of cake mix works best?
I usually go with yellow cake mix because it has a neutral flavor that lets the chocolate and peanut butter shine, but chocolate or even devil’s food cake mix also works great.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, I’ve used crunchy peanut butter before, and it adds a bit of texture that’s really satisfying.
Do I need to melt the peanut butter first?
Nope, I just dollop it straight from the jar. It melts beautifully in the oven and blends into the other layers perfectly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. I’ve made it a day in advance and just reheated it before serving—it tastes just as good, if not better, the next day.
What if I don’t have peanut butter cups?
No problem! I’ve substituted with chopped chocolate bars or even peanut butter M&Ms, and it still turns out delicious.
Conclusion
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is the ultimate dessert when I want something rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy to throw together. It’s always a hit with family and friends, and I love how versatile and forgiving it is. Whether I’m baking it for a celebration or just because I need a chocolate fix, it never disappoints.
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and gooey Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake layered with chocolate, peanut butter, and candy, perfect for a crowd-pleasing dessert that requires minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped Reese’s or other peanut butter candies
- Chocolate syrup (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Scatter chopped peanut butter cups and chocolate chips evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the candy layer.
- Dollop creamy peanut butter throughout the dish.
- Sprinkle yellow cake mix evenly on top without stirring.
- Pour melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Let cool slightly, then top with extra chopped candy and drizzle with chocolate syrup if desired.
Notes
- Swap yellow cake mix for chocolate for an extra rich flavor.
- Add white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
- Incorporate crushed pretzels for a salty crunch.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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