Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a rich, indulgent dessert layered with chocolate cake mix, gooey chocolate pudding, and chunks of peanut butter cups. True to its name, this recipe is all about “dump, layer, and bake,” yet it tastes like hours of effort went into it. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or whenever you crave a decadent chocolate-peanut butter treat, this version from deesviral delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chocolate cake mix | 1 box (15.25 oz) |
| Instant chocolate pudding mix | 1 box (3.9 oz) |
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Chopped peanut butter cups | 1 1/2 cups (about 12 full-size) |
| Peanut butter chips | 1 cup |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 1/2 cup |
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 1/2 cup |
| Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional) | For serving |
Tip: Use either full-size or mini peanut butter cups. For an extra decadent touch, drizzle melted peanut butter on top before serving.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the pudding: Whisk the chocolate pudding mix with milk in a medium bowl until smooth and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Layer the candy: In the prepared dish, spread half of the chopped peanut butter cups and half of the peanut butter chips evenly on the bottom.
- Add the pudding: Pour the prepared pudding mixture evenly over the candy layer.
- Top with cake mix: Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix over the pudding layer. Do not stir.
- Add butter and toppings: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Scatter chocolate chips and the remaining peanut butter cups and chips on top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the edges are bubbly and the top is set.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly, then serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds to restore the gooey texture.
- Best enjoyed warm to savor the melty chocolate and peanut butter layers.
Why This Recipe Works
- Dump-and-bake simplicity: Minimal prep makes it easy for bakers of all skill levels.
- Layered indulgence: Chocolate pudding, cake mix, and peanut butter cups create rich, fudgy layers.
- Customizable: Swap in other candies like Reese’s Pieces or Snickers for fun variations.
- Crowd-pleasing: Perfect for serving a group with almost no effort.
Tips
- Add peanut butter cups on top just before serving for a fresh look and extra texture.
- If using sugar-free pudding mix, slightly reduce the milk for a thicker consistency.
- Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting to allow the layers to settle.
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is a quick, indulgent dessert that satisfies any chocolate and peanut butter craving with gooey, fudgy perfection.