I’ll be the first to admit it: chocolate and peanut butter together are my kryptonite. There's something about that perfect balance of sweet and salty, creamy and gooey, that gets me every time. So, when I came across a Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake recipe, I was sold immediately. I mean, the name alone tells you everything you need to know—rich chocolate, melty peanut butter, and, best of all, minimal effort! If you're a fan of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or just crave that iconic combination, you’ll fall in love with this recipe just like I did.
When I made this cake for the first time, I was amazed at how easy it was. All I had to do was dump everything into a baking dish—no mixing bowls, no electric mixers, nothing complicated. This is a dessert that anyone, even those who rarely bake, can whip up with confidence. Plus, the reward at the end is a warm, gooey, peanut butter-chocolate heaven that’s perfect for any occasion. Let me walk you through how to make it, with a few personal tips I’ve picked up to make this cake extra special.
Why I Love This Recipe
What’s great about this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is that it’s so incredibly forgiving and flexible. For those of us who love desserts but don’t always have the time or energy to make a complicated recipe, this dump cake is a lifesaver. It’s my go-to for parties, potlucks, or whenever I need a quick sweet fix.
Here’s why I think this cake is absolutely amazing:
- It’s Quick and Effortless: There’s no need to measure out dozens of ingredients. Just a few simple items, all of which you can find in your pantry or at any grocery store.
- Packed with Flavor: The rich chocolate cake mix, creamy peanut butter, and chunks of Reese’s cups create a beautiful blend of flavors.
- Perfect for Peanut Butter Lovers: If you’re like me and can’t get enough peanut butter, the addition of melted peanut butter and Reese’s cups takes this cake over the top.
- Customizable: You can add or skip certain ingredients based on your preferences (more on that below).
My Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix – I used a simple chocolate cake mix, but you can experiment with devil’s food or brownie mix for a darker, richer taste.
- 1 cup milk – Use milk as directed on the cake mix box, though some mixes might call for water. I personally think milk adds an extra layer of creaminess.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter, melted – Make sure to melt the peanut butter so it spreads nicely across the cake.
- ½ cup butter, melted – This adds a rich, buttery texture to the cake.
- 1 bag (12 oz) mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, halved – The more Reese’s, the better, in my opinion. Cutting them in half helps them melt into the cake.
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional) – I like to sprinkle these on top for an extra chocolatey touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Pan
First, I like to gather all my ingredients in one place—it makes the process smooth and fast. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. A little bit of prep now ensures that your cake doesn’t stick later.
Step 2: Pour the Cake Mix and Milk
Start by spreading the dry chocolate cake mix evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. Then, pour the milk directly over the cake mix. The milk will soak into the cake mix, which will help it form a moist, gooey layer during baking.
Step 3: Add the Melted Peanut Butter
Next, drizzle the melted peanut butter over the cake mix and milk. If you’re a peanut butter fan like me, this step is incredibly satisfying. I love watching the peanut butter spread out, covering the chocolate layer beneath it. You don’t need to stir—just let it sit as it is.
Step 4: Butter and Reese’s
Pour the melted butter over the entire dish, covering as evenly as possible. The butter helps create a wonderfully rich and gooey texture in the cake. After that, sprinkle the halved mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups across the top. Try to spread them out so that every bite has some Reese’s goodness.
Step 5: Optional Chocolate Chips
If you’re craving a bit more chocolate (like I often do), sprinkle a handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips on top. They add an extra layer of indulgence that melts beautifully into the cake. Trust me, this simple addition is worth it!
Step 6: Bake
Now, it’s time to let the oven do its magic. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it—when the edges look set and the center is still slightly gooey, it’s ready to come out. I’ve found that a slightly undercooked center gives this cake its signature gooey texture.
Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the cake cool for just a few minutes. While it’s still warm, serve up big spoonfuls. The peanut butter, chocolate, and melted Reese’s will be gooey, rich, and irresistible. Sometimes I top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which melts into the cake and adds a creamy contrast to the chocolate and peanut butter.
Tips and Tricks I’ve Learned
Don’t Overbake
One of the keys to a perfect dump cake is taking it out of the oven while it’s still slightly gooey in the center. Overbaking will make it less moist, so keep an eye on it during the last few minutes.
Adjust the Peanut Butter
If you’re a huge peanut butter lover, feel free to add an extra drizzle over the top after baking. Or, for an even richer flavor, swirl more peanut butter throughout the layers before baking.
For an Extra Crunch
Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of crushed pretzels or chopped peanuts on top for a bit of texture. The salty crunch pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the chocolate and peanut butter.
Why This Cake is Perfect for Any Occasion
I’ve brought this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake to family gatherings, work parties, and even made it just for a cozy night in. It’s the kind of dessert that’s universally loved because it’s simple, nostalgic, and combines two of the best flavors out there. Plus, since it’s a dump cake, it’s incredibly low maintenance—you don’t need any special equipment, and it’s hard to mess up.
Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick dessert or just craving a rich, gooey treat, this cake will satisfy every chocolate and peanut butter craving. It’s as easy as “dump, bake, and enjoy!”
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake. It’s the kind of dessert that brings smiles to faces and gets everyone reaching for seconds. For me, it’s not just about the taste (though that’s definitely a major factor!)—it’s also about the simplicity and ease that make it accessible to anyone.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Don’t be afraid to make it your own with extra toppings or a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Happy baking, and may your cake be as gooey and delicious as mine always is!
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box 15.25 oz chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup milk or as directed on the cake mix box
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter melted
- ½ cup butter melted
- 1 bag 12 oz mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, halved
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips optional, for extra chocolate flavor
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Pan
- First, I like to gather all my ingredients in one place—it makes the process smooth and fast. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. A little bit of prep now ensures that your cake doesn’t stick later.
Step 2: Pour the Cake Mix and Milk
- Start by spreading the dry chocolate cake mix evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. Then, pour the milk directly over the cake mix. The milk will soak into the cake mix, which will help it form a moist, gooey layer during baking.
Step 3: Add the Melted Peanut Butter
- Next, drizzle the melted peanut butter over the cake mix and milk. If you’re a peanut butter fan like me, this step is incredibly satisfying. I love watching the peanut butter spread out, covering the chocolate layer beneath it. You don’t need to stir—just let it sit as it is.
Step 4: Butter and Reese’s
- Pour the melted butter over the entire dish, covering as evenly as possible. The butter helps create a wonderfully rich and gooey texture in the cake. After that, sprinkle the halved mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups across the top. Try to spread them out so that every bite has some Reese’s goodness.
Step 5: Optional Chocolate Chips
- If you’re craving a bit more chocolate (like I often do), sprinkle a handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips on top. They add an extra layer of indulgence that melts beautifully into the cake. Trust me, this simple addition is worth it!
Step 6: Bake
- Now, it’s time to let the oven do its magic. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it—when the edges look set and the center is still slightly gooey, it’s ready to come out. I’ve found that a slightly undercooked center gives this cake its signature gooey texture.
Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve
- Once out of the oven, let the cake cool for just a few minutes. While it’s still warm, serve up big spoonfuls. The peanut butter, chocolate, and melted Reese’s will be gooey, rich, and irresistible. Sometimes I top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which melts into the cake and adds a creamy contrast to the chocolate and peanut butter.
