Print

Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe

4.7 from 86 reviews

Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is an easy-to-make, decadent dessert combining rich chocolate cake mix, creamy peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, and melty peanut butter cups. This no-mix, layered treat bakes into a gooey, chocolatey delight topped with caramel, chocolate drizzle, and optional crushed graham crackers or cookies for a satisfying crunch. Perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers looking for a quick yet indulgent dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Dessert Base

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

Peanut Butter Layer

  • 1 cup smooth peanut butter
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped mini peanut butter cups, divided

Toppings

  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips or melting chocolate, melted
  • 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers or cookies (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Add Cake Mix: Pour the dry chocolate cake mix evenly into the prepared baking dish. Do not stir the cake mix; leave it as a dry layer at the bottom.
  3. Drizzle Wet Ingredients: Evenly drizzle the sweetened condensed milk and the melted peanut butter over the top of the dry cake mix. Use a spoon to lightly swirl these ingredients together, creating a marbled effect without mixing thoroughly.
  4. Add Peanut Butter Cups and Caramel: Sprinkle half of the chopped mini peanut butter cups evenly over the top, then drizzle with the caramel sauce to add extra sweetness and gooey texture.
  5. Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Bake until the edges are set while the center remains slightly gooey to retain moistness and indulgence.
  6. Cool and Add Toppings: Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes. Then, evenly spread the remaining chopped peanut butter cups on top, drizzle with the melted chocolate, and sprinkle with the optional crushed graham crackers or cookies for crunch.
  7. Serve: Serve warm for the best flavor and texture. Enhance the dessert by adding ice cream or whipped cream if desired for an extra creamy contrast.

Notes

  • Do not stir the cake mix with the other ingredients; layering the dry and wet ingredients creates the dump cake’s signature texture.
  • Allowing the cake to cool slightly before adding toppings prevents the chocolate and peanut butter cups from melting excessively.
  • For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure all toppings are gluten-free.
  • This dessert pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.

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