A rich and gooey dessert layered with chocolate, peanut butter, and candy, this dump cake comes together in minutes and bakes into a crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for potlucks or simple weeknight indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dump cake delivers maximum flavor with almost no effort. There’s no mixing bowl to wash or complicated steps to follow—just layer the ingredients, bake, and watch it transform into a bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece. The combination of chopped peanut butter cups, gooey sweetened condensed milk, and creamy peanut butter creates irresistible pockets of flavor, while the boxed cake mix and melted butter form a perfectly crisp topping. It’s one of my go-to desserts when I want something indulgent without the fuss.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 box yellow cake mix

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

• 1 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped

• 1 cup chocolate chips

• ½ cup butter, melted

• 1 cup chopped Reese’s or other peanut butter candies

• Chocolate syrup (optional, for drizzling)

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. I scatter the chopped peanut butter cups and chocolate chips evenly across the bottom of the dish.

3. I drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the candy layer, making sure it covers as much as possible.

4. I drop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter atop the layers—no need to be precise; it will melt and spread during baking.

5. I sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over everything without stirring.

6. I pour the melted butter in an even stream over the cake mix, ensuring all dry spots get moistened.

7. I bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden brown, bubbling, and the cake mix is cooked through.

8. Once it’s out of the oven, I let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to settle.

Servings and timing

• Yield: 12 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 40–45 minutes

• Total Time: 50–55 minutes

Variations

I often switch things up by trying different cake mixes and add-ins:

• Chocolate cake mix: For an extra chocolate punch, I replace the yellow cake mix with devil’s food.

• Crunchy peanut butter: I sometimes use crunchy peanut butter for little bursts of texture.

• Nuts or pretzels: I sprinkle chopped peanuts or crushed pretzels over the candy layer for a salty crunch.

• Salted caramel drizzle: I swap the chocolate syrup for salted caramel for a sweet-salty twist.

• Gluten-free: I grab a gluten-free yellow cake mix so everyone at the table can enjoy it.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I either microwave individual portions for 20–30 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until the center is heated through and the top regains its crispness. It’s also delicious served cold straight from the fridge.

FAQs

What kind of cake mix works best?

I usually choose a yellow cake mix because its neutral flavor lets the chocolate and peanut butter stand out, but chocolate or devil’s food cake mixes work beautifully too.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. I’ve prepared it the day before and simply reheated it before serving—it tastes just as decadent the next day.

Do I have to stir the layers together?

Nope. The charm of a dump cake is that you layer everything and let the oven do the mixing. Stirring would deflate the crisp topping.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, I wrap the cooled cake tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.

What’s the best way to serve it?

I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness.

Conclusion

This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is my go-to when I crave something rich, satisfying, and practically foolproof. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or treating myself, it comes together in minutes and bakes into a show-stopping dessert that never fails to impress.