Name: Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box chocolate cake mix; 2 cups mini peanut butter cups (or chopped regular-size cups); 1 cup peanut butter chips; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk; 1/2 cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Optional: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving

A rich, gooey, ultra-decadent dessert that brings together all the best things—chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter, and melty peanut butter cups—in one easy, no-fuss pan. I love how effortlessly this dump cake comes together with just a few pantry staples and a single baking dish. If I’m craving something sweet, indulgent, and crowd-pleasing with minimal prep, this recipe always hits the mark.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 box chocolate cake mix

2 cups mini peanut butter cups (or chopped regular-size cups)

1 cup peanut butter chips

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk

1/2 cup melted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Pour the dry chocolate cake mix evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. I don’t stir it—just spread it out dry.

Scatter the mini peanut butter cups and peanut butter chips evenly over the cake mix.

In a small saucepan over low heat, I melt the creamy peanut butter with the evaporated milk and vanilla extract, stirring constantly until smooth.

Pour the peanut butter mixture evenly over the top of the cake mix and candy layers.

Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the entire surface.

Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the top is bubbly and the edges are set. The center will stay a little gooey—and that’s part of the magic.

I let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. It’s especially delicious warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories per serving: Approximately 390 kcal

Variations

I like to play with this recipe depending on what I have in the pantry. Sometimes I swap in a devil’s food or fudge cake mix for extra richness. If I want a little crunch, I add chopped roasted peanuts or even a layer of crushed pretzels before baking. For a twist, I’ve used white chocolate chips or swirled in Nutella for added depth. It’s easy to personalize, and no matter what, it always turns out delicious.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When I’m ready for another slice, I warm individual portions in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds—just enough to bring back that gooey, molten center. If I’m reheating the whole pan, I cover it with foil and bake it at 300°F for about 10–15 minutes.

FAQs

What is a dump cake?

A dump cake is a simple dessert where I “dump” all the ingredients into one pan without mixing them. The ingredients bake into a cake-like, cobbler-style dessert that’s typically gooey and rich.

Can I use a different kind of cake mix?

Yes, I’ve had great results using fudge, devil’s food, or even yellow cake mix for a slightly different flavor. Chocolate tends to complement the peanut butter best, but feel free to experiment.

Do I need to stir the layers?

No, I don’t stir anything once it’s in the pan. That’s the beauty of a dump cake—the layering and baking do all the work for me.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I can make it a few hours ahead and reheat just before serving. It’s best served warm, but it holds up well if I need to prep earlier in the day.

What toppings go well with this dump cake?

I like it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, but sometimes I add a drizzle of chocolate syrup or crushed peanuts for extra flair.

Conclusion

When I need a quick, indulgent dessert that everyone will love, I always turn to this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake. It’s easy, rich, and packed with flavor—everything I want in a sweet treat without the hassle. Whether it’s for a family dinner, party, or a quiet night in, this recipe delivers gooey, chocolate-peanut butter goodness every single time.

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