Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
Introduction
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is an easy, no-fuss dessert that combines rich chocolate with creamy peanut butter and sweet caramel. It’s perfect for a quick treat and requires minimal prep, making it ideal for busy home cooks craving something indulgent.

Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1 1/2 cups chopped mini peanut butter cups, divided
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or melting chocolate, melted
- 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers or cookies (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: Pour the dry chocolate cake mix evenly into the prepared dish without stirring.
- Step 3: Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk and melted peanut butter across the top. Use a spoon to lightly swirl them together.
- Step 4: Sprinkle half of the chopped peanut butter cups evenly over the mixture and drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Step 5: Bake the cake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the edges are set but the center remains slightly gooey.
- Step 6: Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes, then top with the remaining chopped peanut butter cups, melted chocolate, and crushed graham crackers or cookies if using.
- Step 7: Serve warm, optionally with ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Tips & Variations
- For a crunchier texture, sprinkle chopped nuts such as peanuts or pecans on top before baking.
- Use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth for added texture.
- Swap caramel sauce for peanut butter sauce if you prefer a stronger peanut flavor.
- Try dark chocolate chips to enhance the chocolate intensity.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat individual servings gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to enjoy warm again. This cake is best enjoyed fresh but still delicious after chilling.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
While chocolate pairs best with peanut butter and caramel, you can experiment with other flavors like chocolate fudge or even vanilla for a different twist.
Do I need to refrigerate this dump cake?
Not necessarily if you plan to eat it within a couple of days. However, refrigeration can extend its freshness and help maintain texture, especially if your kitchen is warm.
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Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is an indulgent, easy-to-make dessert combining rich chocolate cake mix, creamy peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, caramel sauce, and chopped peanut butter cups. Baked until gooey and topped with melted chocolate and optional crushed cookies, it’s a perfect crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups chopped mini peanut butter cups, divided
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or melting chocolate, melted
- 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers or cookies (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Layer cake mix: Evenly pour the dry chocolate cake mix into the prepared baking dish. Do not stir or mix; this creates a layered effect as the other ingredients cook on top.
- Add wet ingredients: Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake mix. Then pour the smooth peanut butter across the top and lightly swirl with a spoon to create a marbled effect without combining the layers fully.
- Add peanut butter cups and caramel: Sprinkle half of the chopped mini peanut butter cups evenly over the top. Drizzle the 1/2 cup of caramel sauce over everything to add gooey sweetness.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The cake’s edges should be set while the center remains slightly gooey for the perfect texture.
- Cool and add final toppings: Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes after baking. Then, top with the remaining half of the chopped peanut butter cups, drizzle melted chocolate over the top, and sprinkle with optional crushed graham crackers or cookies for added crunch.
- Serve: Serve the peanut butter cup dump cake warm for the best experience. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Do not stir the layers after adding the cake mix and wet ingredients to maintain the dump cake texture.
- The caramel sauce can be homemade or store-bought according to preference.
- For a nut-free version, substitute the peanut butter cups with plain chocolate chips or candies.
- Letting the cake cool slightly helps toppings adhere better and improves slicing.
- Optional crushed graham crackers add a nice texture contrast but can be omitted if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake, chocolate cake, peanut butter dessert, easy bake dessert, quick chocolate peanut butter cake

