Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

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Rich, gooey, and unapologetically indulgent, this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is the ultimate chocolate-peanut butter dessert dream. Picture this: layers of moist chocolate cake, pockets of melted peanut butter, and crushed Reese’s cups scattered throughout, all baked into a warm, melty masterpiece. It comes together with minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

What makes this dump cake irresistible is its texture—a combination of fudgy brownie-like bottom, soft cookie dough center, and gooey peanut butter ribbons swirled into every bite. Topped with extra peanut butter cups that caramelize as they bake, this dessert is a chocolate lover’s paradise and a peanut butter fanatic’s fantasy.

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Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

• Foolproof and Fast: No mixer or special technique required. You simply layer and bake.
• Versatile: Serve warm with ice cream, or chilled for a dense, chewy treat.
• Crowd Pleaser: It’s rich, decadent, and feeds a party.
• One Pan Wonder: Less mess, more yum.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To ensure your Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake turns out perfect, gather the following essential tools:

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: This size provides the ideal depth for the cake to bake evenly and allow those gooey layers to form.
• Rubber Spatula: Great for spreading layers and scraping out every bit of peanut butter.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy matters when balancing gooey and cakey textures.
• Mixing Bowl (optional): For those who prefer mixing the cake mix with butter or pudding before layering (but not required).
• Non-Stick Spray or Butter: Keeps the layers from sticking to the dish, ensuring easy serving.

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Ingredients for the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

• Chocolate Cake Mix – Forms the rich, chocolatey base and binds everything together. A boxed mix makes it easy.
• Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – These are the star ingredient, providing melty peanut butter-chocolate bursts in every bite.
• Peanut Butter (creamy) – Adds richness and gooey texture. Spoon it in between layers for extra indulgence.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – Keeps the cake moist and enhances the gooey factor.
• Butter (melted) – Helps bring the dry cake mix together and creates that perfect golden top.
• Chocolate Chips (optional) – Sprinkle over the top for extra decadence.

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How To Make the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Layer the Cake Mix

Pour the dry chocolate cake mix evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. No need to mix anything yet.

Step 3: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk

Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the dry cake mix. It will start to soak in, adding that classic dump cake texture.

Step 4: Distribute the Peanut Butter Cups

Chop the mini Reese’s peanut butter cups in halves or quarters, then scatter most of them across the pan. Save a handful for the top.

Step 5: Swirl in the Peanut Butter

Spoon dollops of creamy peanut butter throughout the dish. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it into the mix.

Step 6: Drizzle the Butter

Pour the melted butter across the top, covering as much surface as possible to ensure a golden finish.

Step 7: Top with Chocolate Chips and Extra Reese’s

Sprinkle the chocolate chips (if using) and reserved peanut butter cups across the top.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. The center should be set but gooey.

Step 9: Cool Slightly & Serve

Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Best enjoyed warm, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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Serving and Storing Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

This cake is best served warm, when the peanut butter is melty and the chocolate is still gooey. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a next-level dessert experience.

To store leftovers, let the cake cool completely and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven texture.

You can also freeze it in individual squares—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm up before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the dump cake is done?

The top should be golden and bubbling slightly, and the center should be just set. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist crumbs but not raw batter.

Can I use homemade cake mix?

Absolutely. If you prefer to avoid boxed cake mix, your favorite homemade chocolate cake dry mix will work well in this recipe.

Can I substitute almond butter or Nutella?

Yes! Almond butter works well for a twist, and Nutella makes it even more indulgent with a hazelnut-chocolate kick.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake it ahead and store it for up to 2 days at room temperature. For best results, reheat before serving.

Do I need to stir the layers?

No stirring is needed! That’s the magic of dump cakes. The layering and baking create the perfect gooey texture naturally.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Only if you use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

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Want More Dessert Ideas?

If you love this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake, here are more irresistible treats to keep your dessert cravings satisfied:

• Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for a fruity, creamy twist.
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread when you want breakfast to taste like dessert.
• Brownie Refrigerator Cake for a no-bake option that’s pure chocolate bliss.
• Chocolate Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake if you’re craving layers of gooey caramel and chocolate.
• Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake for something creamy with a warm spice swirl.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you double the peanut butter cups? Did you sneak in extra chocolate chips?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

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