Introduction

This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Delight is the ultimate no-fuss dessert for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. With layers of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate cake, and melty peanut butter cups, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together in minutes. Perfect for quick weeknight treats or sweet gatherings.

A thick slice of dessert with three layers sits on a white plate against a white marbled background. The bottom layer is dark brown and dense with visible nut pieces, looking like a rich brownie. Above this is a sandy peanut butter layer with a rough texture. The top layer is a mix of dark chocolate and peanut butter swirled together, creating a soft, marbled effect. Thin rivers of glossy melted chocolate drizzle over the top. On the surface, there are three miniature peanut butter cups—one whole and two cut in half—showing their smooth peanut butter center inside a milk chocolate shell. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 box chocolate cake mix (Devil’s Food recommended, but any chocolate works)
1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy; creamy for smoother layers)
1/2 cup melted butter (real butter preferred for best flavor)
1 1/2 cups milk (whole milk for richest results)
1 cup mini peanut butter cups
1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Let the peanut butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes for easy spreading. Spread it evenly over the bottom of the prepared pan using a butter knife or offset spatula.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and milk. Whisk gently until smooth, leaving a few small lumps. Adjust the batter thickness with a splash of milk or a tablespoon of flour if needed.
Step 4: Pour the chocolate batter over the peanut butter layer, spreading it out evenly.
Step 5: Sprinkle mini peanut butter cups and chocolate chips evenly over the batter surface; they will sink slightly during baking.
Step 6: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges pull away slightly and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
Step 7: Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the layers set properly.

Tips & Variations

Warm the peanut butter at room temperature for easy spreading and a smoother layer.
Swap mini peanut butter cups for chopped regular-size cups if you prefer chunkier pockets of peanut butter.
Use milk chocolate chips for a sweeter taste or dark chocolate for a richer contrast.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking to enhance the chocolate-peanut butter flavor.

Storage

Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to enjoy the melty texture again. The cake can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A thick slice of cake sits on a white plate with a white marbled surface below. The cake has three layers: the bottom layer is dark, moist chocolate cake, the middle layer is creamy peanut butter with a grainy texture and swirls of chocolate, and the top layer is a smooth, shiny chocolate ganache that drips slightly down the sides. On top of the slice, there are several pieces of peanut butter cups, some whole and some cut in half, revealing their creamy peanut butter centers. In the background, the rest of the cake can be seen, decorated similarly with chocolate ganache and peanut butter cups. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter works well and adds a nice texture contrast, though creamy will give a smoother peanut butter layer.

Do I need to chop the peanut butter cups before adding them?

No chopping is needed. Mini peanut butter cups melt perfectly as they bake, creating delightful pockets of gooey chocolate and peanut butter.

Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Delight Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 127 reviews

A decadent and effortless Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Delight featuring layers of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate cake batter, and melty peanut butter cups and chocolate chips baked to perfection for a fudgy, irresistible dessert.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes for peanut butter to soften)
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Peanut Butter Layer

1 cup peanut butter (creamy recommended for smoother layers)

Cake Batter

1 box chocolate cake mix (preferably devil’s food)
1/2 cup melted butter (real butter preferred)
1 1/2 cups milk (whole milk for richest results)

Toppings

1 cup mini peanut butter cups
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (milk chocolate also works)

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Prepare Peanut Butter Layer: Allow peanut butter to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes for easier spreading. Spread the creamy peanut butter evenly over the bottom of the greased baking dish using a butter knife or offset spatula, creating a fudgy base layer.
Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and milk. Whisk until smooth but do not overmix; a few small lumps are acceptable. Adjust thickness by adding a splash more milk if batter is too thick or a tablespoon of flour if too thin.
Assemble Cake: Pour the chocolate batter over the peanut butter layer, allowing it to spread evenly. Evenly sprinkle mini peanut butter cups and chocolate chips over the top, which will melt slightly during baking.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness when edges slightly pull away and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes to allow the layers to set before serving.

Notes

Use real butter for best flavor and texture.
Allow peanut butter to soften at room temperature before spreading to achieve even layers.
Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
Use devil’s food cake mix for a richer chocolate flavor.
Cooling the cake helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.

Keywords: peanut butter cup cake, dump cake, chocolate cake, easy dessert, peanut butter dessert, quick chocolate cake