Irresistible Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake (Only 10 Minutes Prep!)

If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a busy mom and late-night dessert craver, it’s this: dump cakes are the answer to approximately 87% of life’s problems. And this Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake? It’s the solution to the rest.

It’s gooey, melty, peanut-buttery perfection baked right into a single pan. No mixers. No fuss. No hours of cleanup. Just layers of chocolate cake mix, creamy peanut butter, and chopped peanut butter cups, all coming together in a warm, decadent mess of happiness.

This is the kind of dessert that disappears from the potluck table in under 10 minutes, that gets your neighbors texting you for the recipe, and that makes your kids think you’re some kind of magical baking wizard. And the best part? You pretty much just dump and bake. That’s it.

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Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake

• No mixing bowls required – one pan, zero mess
• 10-minute prep – perfect for last-minute cravings
• Rich, gooey texture – like a peanut butter lava cake
• Customizable – use creamy or chunky PB, add more chocolate, go wild
• Crowd-pleasing – great for birthdays, holidays, or “just because” nights

If you’re a fan of low-effort, high-reward desserts (who isn’t?), this one’s going on repeat.

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Ingredients

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky—your vibe, your choice)
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup peanut butter cups, chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Whipped cream (optional, for serving)
• Extra peanut butter cups or chocolate syrup (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously—nobody wants sticky corners.
2. Layer the Cake Mix:
   Sprinkle the chocolate cake mix evenly into the baking dish. No need to stir—this is a dump cake, after all.
3. Add Butter & Sweetened Condensed Milk:
   Drizzle the melted butter right over the cake mix. Then pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly across the top. It’s going to look messy. That’s exactly what you want.
4. Mix the Peanut Butter Layer:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Pour this golden goodness over the cake base.
5. Top with Candy & Chocolate:
   Sprinkle the chopped peanut butter cups and chocolate chips over the top. Don’t skimp.
6. Bake:
   Bake for 35–40 minutes until the edges are golden and bubbly and the center looks gloriously gooey.
7. Serve:
   Let cool slightly (if you can wait). Serve warm with whipped cream, more peanut butter cups, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

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Melania’s Tips for Perfect Dump Cake

• Use a metal spoon to gently swirl the layers once it’s all in the pan (don’t mix—just swirl). It gives you little ribbons of flavor throughout.
• Crunchy peanut butter adds a surprise texture that I secretly love.
• Add a pinch of salt on top before baking for that salty-sweet hit.
• Want it extra gooey? Pull it at 35 minutes.

Still craving cake? You’ll also love my Death by Chocolate Sheet Cake for a fudgy fix.

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Bake It With the Littles

This recipe is a hit with kids because:

• They can sprinkle the candy
• Dumping ingredients feels rebellious
• They get to lick the spoon (don’t fight it)

Make it a movie night treat or rainy day project—they’ll love being part of the fun, and you’ll love the minimal mess.

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Meal-Prep Magic

Technically, yes—you can meal-prep dessert. Here’s how:

• Make Ahead: Bake the dump cake, cool, and store covered at room temp for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
• Freeze: Freeze in squares for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat for a gooey comeback.

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Healthier Swaps Without Losing the Magic

Okay, this is indulgent. But you can lighten it just a smidge:

• Use low-fat sweetened condensed milk
• Swap in natural peanut butter
• Sub almond milk or oat milk for dairy
• Try sugar-free chocolate chips if you’re cutting back on sugar

For more better-for-you dessert tricks, check out EatingWell’s healthy dessert ideas.

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Leftover Remix

If you happen to have any leftovers (rare, but it could happen):

• Dump Cake Sundae: Warm a scoop, top with vanilla ice cream, drizzle with caramel
• Cake Milkshake: Blend with milk and ice cream for the most decadent shake ever
• PB Cup Trifles: Layer in jars with whipped cream and crushed graham crackers

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Gift It Like a Pro

This peanut butter dump cake makes a ridiculously good gift:

• Pour into a disposable pan for new parents, sick friends, or that neighbor who always shovels your snow
• Include a jar of whipped cream and a spoon—because dessert waits for no one
• Write a note: “Just dump, bake, and enjoy. No stress allowed.”

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FAQs

Can I use a yellow cake mix instead of chocolate?
Totally. It’ll be a little more Reese’s Pieces than chocolate lava, but still delicious.

Can I add bananas or other fillings?
Why not? Sliced bananas or a spoonful of Nutella layered in wouldn’t hurt anybody.

Do I have to use sweetened condensed milk?
Yes. It’s the sticky-sweet backbone of any good dump cake.

How do I know when it’s done?
The edges should be bubbly, and the center should look set-ish. It’s meant to be gooey!

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Final Thought

This Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake is what happens when a craving meets your laziness and they both win. It’s indulgent, easy, and practically foolproof—like a hug in cake form. So the next time you need dessert fast, pull out this recipe, dump your ingredients, and let the oven do its thing.

Because honestly? Life’s too short not to bake with peanut butter cups.

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