Who can resist the irresistible combination of chocolate and peanut butter? If you’re craving a dessert that’s rich, gooey, and incredibly easy to make, this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is about to become your new favorite treat. With minimal prep and just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a decadent sweet treat that’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a cozy night in.

Imagine layers of moist chocolate cake, swirls of melted peanut butter, and chunks of peanut butter cups in every bite — it’s pure dessert bliss. Plus, since this is a no-fuss dump cake, there’s no need for fancy techniques or hours in the kitchen. Ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with a crowd-pleasing, homemade favorite? Let’s dive in!

Key Benefits of Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

Why will this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake become your go-to dessert? Let’s count the ways! This indulgent, no-fuss recipe checks all the right boxes — whether you’re short on time or just craving something sweet and satisfying.

Incredibly Easy to Make: No fancy techniques or special equipment needed! Just mix, dump, and bake — it’s perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
Rich, Gooey Texture: Every bite bursts with moist chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter swirls, and the irresistible crunch of peanut butter cups.
Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: This dessert always steals the show at potlucks, family dinners, and holiday gatherings. Trust me — there won’t be leftovers!
Quick Prep and Bake Time: With only 10 minutes of prep and about 35 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a decadent dessert ready in under an hour.
Versatile and Customizable: Want to switch things up? Add caramel drizzle, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-and-savory twist.

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy, impressive, and packed with chocolate-peanut butter goodness, this cake is the ultimate winner. Ready to get baking? Let’s do it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is how simple the ingredients are — and you might already have most of them in your pantry! Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this rich, gooey dessert:

½ cup chocolate chips (optional) – If you’re a serious chocolate lover, these add extra bursts of melty goodness.

1 box chocolate cake mix – The base of our cake! A rich, moist chocolate cake mix works best, but feel free to choose your favorite brand.

1 (3.9 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix – This adds extra moisture and creates that irresistible, fudgy texture.

1 ¾ cups milk – Whole milk works best for a creamy, decadent consistency, but you can substitute 2% if needed.

1 cup melted peanut butter – Creamy peanut butter melts beautifully into the cake, giving every bite that classic sweet-salty goodness.

1 (8 oz) container whipped topping – Cool Whip is a convenient choice, but you can also use homemade whipped cream for a fresher touch.

1 ½ cups chopped peanut butter cups – The star of the show! Roughly chop them so you get chunks of chocolate and peanut butter in every bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to make this rich and gooey Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake? Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a decadent dessert in no time. Don’t worry — no fancy techniques required!

Preheat and Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Make the Pudding Base:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and milk until the mixture thickens — about 2 minutes. You’re aiming for a smooth, creamy texture.
Combine the Cake Mix:
Gently fold the dry chocolate cake mix into the pudding mixture. Stir until just combined — it’s okay if the batter looks a little thick and lumpy! Avoid overmixing, as that can lead to a dense cake.
Spread the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Swirl in the Peanut Butter:
Slowly drizzle the melted peanut butter over the batter. Use a knife to gently swirl it through the cake mixture, creating ribbons of peanut butter goodness.
Add the First Layer of Peanut Butter Cups:
Sprinkle half of the chopped peanut butter cups evenly across the top of the batter. This ensures you get pockets of chocolate and peanut butter in every bite.
Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The cake should be set but still wonderfully soft and gooey.
Cool and Top:
Let the cake cool for about 10-15 minutes. Then, spread the whipped topping evenly over the slightly warm cake. This creates a light, creamy layer that balances the rich chocolate.
Finish with Toppings:
Sprinkle the remaining chopped peanut butter cups on top, and if you’re feeling extra indulgent, add the optional chocolate chips for an extra hit of sweetness.
Serve and Enjoy:
You can serve this cake warm for an ultra-gooey experience or chill it in the fridge for a firmer texture. Either way, it’s pure dessert heaven!

Pro Tips and Variations

Want to take your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake to the next level? Here are some expert tips and fun variations to help you customize this dessert and get perfect results every time.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Cake:

Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the dry cake mix with the pudding, stir just until combined. A few lumps are totally fine — overmixing can make the cake dense instead of soft and gooey.
Melt Peanut Butter Properly: For easy drizzling, microwave your peanut butter for 20–30 seconds, stirring until smooth and pourable. This helps it swirl beautifully into the batter.
Let It Cool Slightly: Allow the cake to cool for 10–15 minutes before adding the whipped topping. Spreading it on while the cake is too hot can cause it to melt and lose that fluffy texture.
Enhance the Presentation: Want those picture-perfect swirls? Use a butter knife or skewer to gently drag the melted peanut butter through the batter in a figure-eight motion.
Check for Doneness: A toothpick test is your best friend! Insert one into the center — it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Fun Variations to Try:

Caramel Lovers’ Twist: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the batter before baking and again on top for a sweet, buttery flavor boost.
Sweet and Salty Crunch: Sprinkle crushed pretzels or salted peanuts on top for a satisfying contrast to the rich, gooey cake.
Extra Chocolate Fix: Mix ½ cup of chocolate chips into the batter for even more melty goodness in every bite.
Make It Reese’s Overload: Swap half of the peanut butter cups for Reese’s Pieces — their candy shell adds a pop of color and crunch.
Add a Cookie Crust: Press a layer of crushed Oreo cookies mixed with melted butter into the bottom of the baking dish before adding the batter for a crunchy, cookie-like base.

No matter how you customize it, this dump cake is sure to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve made this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake, it’s time to think about how to serve it for maximum enjoyment! This dessert is delicious on its own, but with a few simple additions, you can take it from great to extraordinary. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make this dessert even more irresistible:

Pair with Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve a warm slice of cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chocolate ice cream. The cold ice cream perfectly complements the warm, gooey cake.
Add a Drizzle of Chocolate or Caramel: A generous drizzle of chocolate syrup or caramel sauce on top of each slice adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness.
Top with Whipped Cream: If you’re not using whipped topping in the cake, a dollop of fresh whipped cream on each slice adds a light, airy contrast to the rich layers.
Garnish with Extra Peanut Butter Cups: For a fun and festive touch, top your servings with extra chopped peanut butter cups or even a few mini peanut butter cups for that extra bite of chocolate and peanut butter.
Serve with Fresh Fruit: Looking for a slightly lighter contrast? Fresh strawberries or raspberries can offer a fresh, juicy burst that balances the richness of the cake.
Turn It into a Parfait: Layer slices of cake with whipped topping or ice cream in a glass for a fun and individual take on this dessert.

Conclusion

And there you have it — a Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake that’s rich, gooey, and packed with irresistible chocolate and peanut butter goodness! Whether you’re making it for a special occasion, a family dinner, or just because, this dessert is sure to impress. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, with minimal prep and no complicated steps.

This is the kind of recipe that’s perfect for when you need something quick but want to impress with a decadent dessert. Every bite is a sweet, indulgent experience, and the combination of moist chocolate cake, melted peanut butter, and crunchy peanut butter cups is pure magic.

Feel free to get creative with variations — the options are endless! Whether you choose to add caramel, swap out ingredients, or top it with ice cream, this dump cake is versatile and endlessly customizable.

If you’re looking for more dessert inspiration, check out these delightful recipes:

Easter Desserts: Perfect for springtime celebrations with delicious, festive treats.
Bunny Butt Oreo Balls: These fun, adorable treats are a hit for Easter or any occasion!
Classic Cherry Pie: A timeless dessert that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

I hope you enjoy making (and eating) this cake as much as I do. Don’t forget to share your creations with family and friends — they’ll be asking for the recipe in no time! Happy baking!

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake actually keeps really well. Once it’s cooled, you can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to make it even earlier, prepare it and refrigerate it before baking — just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

2. Can I substitute the chocolate cake mix?
Yes! While chocolate cake mix is the classic choice, you can use other flavors like devil’s food cake mix or even a gluten-free chocolate cake mix if needed. The rich texture and flavor will still shine through.

3. Can I use peanut butter from a jar?
Definitely! Just make sure to use creamy peanut butter for the best results. If you’re using natural peanut butter, give it a good stir to mix the oils back in before melting.

4. Is there a non-dairy substitute for whipped topping?
Yes! If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, you can use coconut whipped cream or non-dairy whipped topping as an alternative to Cool Whip. Just be sure to check the consistency and flavor to make sure it complements the cake!

5. Can I add other mix-ins to the batter?
Of course! You can stir in chocolate chips, caramel bits, or even chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor. Just keep in mind that more mix-ins may change the texture slightly, so it’s best to stick to about a ½ cup of extra ingredients.

6. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! You can freeze the cake after it has cooled completely. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then top with whipped topping before serving.

7. How can I make this cake more decadent?
To up the indulgence factor, drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce over the top before serving. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a handful of chopped Reese’s Pieces for extra flavor and texture.