Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake : Fast & Easy Chocolate Dessert

When you’re craving a sweet treat that tastes like pure comfort but doesn’t take hours in the kitchen, look no further than this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake. It’s rich, gooey, and bursting with chocolatey peanut butter flavor. The best part? You only need a handful of ingredients and almost no effort to create this indulgent dessert.

This recipe is perfect for quick desserts for company, an easy weekday dessert, or even a dessert for work that you can bring to share with colleagues. If you love chocolate and peanut butter recipes, this dump cake will easily make it to the top of your list.

For more quick dessert inspiration, try our Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies or gooey Pumpkin Brownies—both are equally indulgent and crowd-pleasing.

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Why This Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake Works Every Time

Dump cakes have earned their name for being exactly what they sound like—you just dump in the ingredients, bake, and enjoy. This recipe takes that simplicity and elevates it with the unbeatable combination of chocolate and peanut butter cups.

Here’s why this recipe works so well:

• Minimal prep: You don’t need mixers, bowls of frosting, or complicated steps.
• Affordable pantry ingredients: Cake mix, peanut butter cups, and butter are all you need.
• Crowd-friendly: Great for potlucks, parties, or bake sales.
• Customizable: Can be adapted into a Take 5 dessert with caramel and pretzels.
• Satisfying: The peanut butter and chocolate combo never disappoints.

For another quick and cozy dessert, don’t miss our Apple Crisp With Oatmeal—it’s warm, buttery, and perfect with a scoop of ice cream.

Perfect For: Quick Desserts for Company & Easy Weeknight Treats

This dump cake recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.

• Quick desserts for company: Impress guests without the stress.
• Easy weekday desserts: Simple enough to whip up on a Tuesday night.
• Dessert for work: Bakes in one pan, easy to slice and share.
• Cozy fall meal desserts: Pairs perfectly with hearty soups and casseroles.

If you’re planning a full cozy dinner, serve it after a bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew or Mississippi Pot Roast.

Ingredients for Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible dessert:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 1 ½ cups chopped peanut butter cups (mini or regular size)
• ½ cup peanut butter chips (optional for extra richness)
• 1 ½ sticks unsalted butter, thinly sliced
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces)

Optional toppings include whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of melted peanut butter.

For another easy dessert with pantry staples, try our Pumpkin Dump Cake—a fall-inspired twist on the same concept.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need much for this simple recipe:

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Measuring cups
• Knife and cutting board
• Spatula for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

Step 1: Prep the Pan
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Spread chopped peanut butter cups evenly in the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle peanut butter chips over the candy.

Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Pour the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the peanut butter layer—do not stir.

Step 4: Pour the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Drizzle the entire can evenly over the top of the cake mix.

Step 5: Add the Butter
Place thin slices of butter across the surface to cover most of the cake mix.

Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until bubbling around the edges and golden brown on top.

Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with ice cream for maximum indulgence.

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Tips for the Best Chocolate and Peanut Butter Recipes

• Use mini peanut butter cups for easier chopping and better distribution.
• Don’t stir the layers—the magic of a dump cake comes from layering.
• Add crunch by sprinkling chopped pretzels on top for a Take 5 twist.
• Make it gooier by adding an extra drizzle of sweetened condensed milk before serving.
• Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.

If you love indulgent treats, you might also enjoy our Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles—bite-sized and decadent.

Serving Suggestions: Dessert for Work or Cozy Nights

This dump cake is so versatile, it works in many settings.

• Dessert for work: Slice into squares and pack in airtight containers.
• Casual family dessert: Serve straight from the baking dish with spoons.
• Cozy night in: Pair with hot cocoa or tea for the perfect evening treat.
• Potluck hero: Bring to gatherings—it’s always a hit.

If you want more dessert-for-a-crowd ideas, try our Mini Pumpkin Bread With Cinnamon Swirl or Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead Options

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days, which makes it ideal for unrefrigerated desserts.
Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Make-Ahead: Assemble layers in the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Variations: Take 5 Dessert, No-Bake Options & More

• Take 5 Dessert: Add caramel drizzle and pretzels before baking.
• Brownie Twist: Swap cake mix for brownie mix for a fudgier texture.
• No-Bake Peanut Butter Dessert: Skip the oven and make layered peanut butter cup trifle with pudding and whipped cream.
• Extra Chocolatey: Stir in chocolate chips for even more richness.
• Holiday Touch: Swap peanut butter cups for peppermint patties at Christmas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Easy Weekday Desserts

• Not spreading butter evenly: Leads to dry patches in the cake.
• Stirring layers: Prevents the dump cake texture from forming.
• Overbaking: The cake should be set but gooey, not dry.
• Using cold candy: Let peanut butter cups come to room temperature for easier chopping.

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FAQs About Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

Can I use a different flavor cake mix?
Yes—yellow cake, devil’s food, or even brownie mix works.

Do I have to use sweetened condensed milk?
It’s highly recommended for gooey texture, but you can use evaporated milk for a lighter version.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of candy?
Sure! Just swirl it into the cake mix before baking.

How do I know when it’s done?
The top should be golden and the edges bubbling with melted candy.

Is this dessert portable?
Yes! Once cooled, it slices easily for bake sales or potlucks.

Final Thoughts + Share & Subscribe Call-To-Action

This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is proof that dessert doesn’t need to be complicated to be unforgettable. With just a few pantry staples and your favorite peanut butter cups, you can create a dessert that’s rich, gooey, and perfect for any occasion—from casual weeknights to potluck parties.

If you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more easy desserts, peanut butter recipes, and quick weeknight treats.

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