🥜🍫 Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake (Complete Step-by-Step Recipe)
This version includes exact layering order, texture cues, and baking tips so it turns out perfectly gooey every time.
🛒 Ingredients
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1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix (dry — do NOT prepare)
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1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix (dry)
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2 cups cold milk
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1 cup creamy peanut butter
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1 (10–12 oz) bag peanut butter cups, chopped
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½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional but recommended)
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
🧁 Equipment
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9×13-inch baking dish
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Medium mixing bowl
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Whisk
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Spoon
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Measuring cups
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2️⃣ First Layer – Dry Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix across the bottom of the pan.
Spread gently with a spoon to make an even layer.
👉 Do NOT mix with anything yet.
3️⃣ Second Layer – Pudding
In a bowl, whisk together:
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Dry pudding mix
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2 cups cold milk
Whisk until smooth (about 1–2 minutes).
Pour evenly over the dry cake mix.
👉 Again, do NOT stir.
4️⃣ Peanut Butter Layer
Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter evenly over the top.
You can lightly swirl with a knife if you want peanut butter in every bite.
5️⃣ Candy & Chocolate
Sprinkle:
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Chopped peanut butter cups
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Chocolate chips
Distribute evenly for maximum gooey pockets.
6️⃣ Butter Finish
Slowly drizzle melted butter evenly over the entire top.
Try to cover as much dry cake mix as possible.
7️⃣ Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes.
✔ Edges should look set
✔ Center should be slightly soft and gooey
✔ Top will look crackly and chocolatey
Do NOT overbake — it firms up as it cools.
8️⃣ Cool & Serve
Let rest 10–15 minutes before serving.
Best served warm with:
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Vanilla ice cream
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Whipped cream
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Extra peanut butter drizzle
🧊 Storage
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Cover and refrigerate up to 4 days
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Reheat individual servings 20–30 seconds in microwave
🔥 Pro Tips for Extra Gooey Texture
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Add ¼ cup heavy cream to the pudding mixture for extra richness
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Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top after baking
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Use mini peanut butter cups for better distribution
If you’d like, I can also give you:
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A from-scratch (no cake mix) version
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A slow cooker version
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Or a 5-ingredient quick dump cake 😊