Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake (Gooey, Chocolatey, Ridiculously Easy)

Top with dry cake mix: Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over everything (do not stir).
Tap the dish lightly to level the dry mix.

Butter drizzle: Pour melted butter evenly over the cake mix, covering as much surface as possible.
(If you see big dry patches, drizzle a little extra melted butter or add a few thin butter slices.)

Finish with extra cups: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup chopped peanut butter cups on top.
Add chopped peanuts if using.

Bake: Bake for 35–45 minutes until the top looks set and lightly crisp,
and the edges are bubbling. The center should still be slightly gooey (that’s the best part).

Cool slightly: Let rest 10–15 minutes before serving so it thickens a bit.

Serving & Storage

Serving Ideas

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (classic!)
Add hot fudge and extra peanut butter cups for a sundae vibe
Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts
Serve chilled for firmer, candy-bar-like slices

Storage

Room temperature: Cover and keep up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Store up to 5 days (best for firmer texture).
Freezer: Freeze portions up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Microwave: 15–25 seconds per serving for gooey warmth
Oven: 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to re-warm a larger portion

Tips

Don’t stir the layers: Dump cakes work because the layers bake into a gooey base + crisp topping.
Cover dry spots: Butter should reach most of the cake mix—add thin butter slices if needed.
Use mini cups: Mini peanut butter cups distribute better and melt into more bites.
Rest before serving: 10–15 minutes helps the dessert set so it scoops beautifully.
Want it extra gooey? Pull it out closer to 35 minutes.
Want it more cakey? Bake closer to 45 minutes.

Variations

Chocolate Peanut Butter Lovers: Add 1/2 cup peanut butter chips.
“Snickers” Style: Add chopped Snickers + a drizzle of caramel before serving.
Reese’s Pieces Crunch: Sprinkle 1/2 cup Reese’s Pieces on top during the last 10 minutes.
Salted Pretzel: Add crushed pretzels on top for salty crunch.
Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate cake mix and dark chips for a richer bite.
Brownie Mix Swap: Use brownie mix instead of cake mix (top will be denser and extra fudgy).

FAQ

Why is it called a “dump cake”?

Because you “dump” ingredients into the pan in layers—no mixing required—then bake. The layers turn into a gooey
base with a crisp, buttery topping.

Can I use any cake mix flavor?

Yes. Chocolate is classic, but devil’s food, fudge cake, or even yellow cake mix works (yellow makes it more
peanut-butter-forward).

What if my top looks powdery?

That usually means the butter didn’t cover enough of the cake mix. Next time, drizzle butter more evenly or add a
few thin butter slices to dry patches before baking.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes. Bake, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat portions as needed. Many people love it chilled because it slices like a
candy bar.

Do I have to use sweetened condensed milk?

It creates the signature gooey base and sweetness. If you skip it, the texture will be much drier and less rich.

Can I freeze it?

Absolutely. Freeze individual portions, then thaw overnight and warm briefly in the microwave.