If you love easy desserts that taste unbelievably decadent with minimal effort, this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is about to become your new favorite treat. Warm chocolate cake, creamy pudding, and melty peanut butter cups bake together into a rich dessert that tastes somewhere between a gooey brownie and a molten chocolate cake.
This recipe is perfect for busy days, last-minute gatherings, movie nights, or anytime you want a comforting dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. Every bite is loaded with chocolate and peanut butter flavor, and when served warm with ice cream, it feels completely irresistible.
Flavor & Texture Highlights
This dump cake is rich, soft, and extra fudgy with gooey pockets of melted peanut butter cups throughout. The chocolate pudding creates a moist, brownie-like texture while the candy pieces add creamy peanut butter flavor in every bite.
Jump to Section
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- What You’ll Need
- How to Make It
- Expert Tips
- Storage & Reheating
- What to Serve With
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy dessert with minimal prep
- Rich chocolate and peanut butter flavor
- Soft, gooey, brownie-like texture
- Perfect for parties and family gatherings
- Only a few simple ingredients needed
- Delicious served warm with ice cream
What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe
Chocolate cake mix creates the rich base of this dessert while keeping the recipe wonderfully simple and quick to prepare.
Instant chocolate pudding mix adds extra moisture and creates that incredibly soft, fudgy texture that makes this cake so irresistible.
Milk helps bring the batter together and gives the cake its creamy consistency.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups melt into the cake while baking, creating pockets of creamy peanut butter and chocolate throughout every slice.
Exact ingredient measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and milk until smooth and creamy.
Add the chocolate cake mix and stir until fully combined. The batter will be thick and rich.
Step 3: Add the Peanut Butter Cups
Fold 1 cup of the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 4: Transfer to the Baking Dish
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining chopped peanut butter cups over the top so they become slightly melty and delicious while baking.
Step 5: Bake Until Gooey and Delicious
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out mostly clean.
The kitchen will smell rich, chocolatey, and completely irresistible.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve
Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comforting dessert experience.
Expert Tips
- Do not overbake if you want a soft gooey texture.
- Chop the peanut butter cups into smaller pieces for even distribution.
- Serve warm for the best melty chocolate texture.
- Drizzle melted peanut butter or chocolate syrup on top for extra indulgence.
- Use mini peanut butter cups for even more chocolate-peanut butter goodness.
How to Store and Reheat It
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave individual portions for about 15 to 20 seconds until warm and soft again.
This dessert is especially delicious slightly warm with ice cream on top.
What to Serve With
This rich dump cake pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, cold milk, or hot coffee.
For extra indulgence, drizzle each serving with warm chocolate syrup or melted peanut butter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes. Devil’s food cake or dark chocolate cake mix work wonderfully in this recipe.
Can I use homemade pudding instead?
Instant pudding works best because it helps create the thick fudgy texture quickly and easily.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes. Wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Why is it called a dump cake?
Dump cakes are known for their simple preparation where ingredients are quickly combined or layered with minimal effort.
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1¾ cups milk
- 1½ cups chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together chocolate pudding mix and milk until smooth.
- Add chocolate cake mix and stir until well combined.
- Fold in 1 cup of chopped peanut butter cups.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining peanut butter cups over the top.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the center is set.
- Cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
For an extra indulgent dessert, drizzle warm melted peanut butter or chocolate syrup over each serving.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is rich, gooey, chocolatey comfort food at its absolute best. With its soft fudgy texture and pockets of melted peanut butter cups throughout, it’s the kind of dessert that disappears quickly anytime it’s served. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, this cozy chocolate dessert is guaranteed to become a family favorite.