Name: Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-491718H54M54S
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box (15.25 oz) Devil’s Food cake mix; 1.5 cups whole milk; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

The Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake is a rich, gooey dessert that’s deceptively simple to make. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a luscious treat combining deep chocolate flavor and creamy peanut butter pockets. Perfect for potlucks or any time you crave a quick, decadent dessert.

The image shows a thick, square slice of cake on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is dark brown, moist chocolate cake. Above it is a layer of white marshmallow, partially covered by a caramel sauce that oozes down the sides. On top of the marshmallow is a shiny dark chocolate layer with a mix of crushed light brown nuts and chunks of chocolate candy sprinkled over it. The caramel sauce drips over the top and sides, adding a glossy look. The background is softly blurred and blue-toned. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 box Devil’s Food cake mix (approx. 15.25 oz)
1.5 cups whole milk
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish generously with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Pour the whole milk evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish.
Step 3: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the milk.
Step 4: Drop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter evenly across the chocolate chips.
Step 5: Sprinkle the dry Devil’s Food cake mix evenly over the peanut butter and chocolate chips. Do not stir.
Step 6: Pour the melted butter evenly over the entire surface of the dry cake mix, covering as much as possible.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the edges are bubbly and the top is slightly crisp.
Step 8: Let the cake cool for about 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream.

Tips & Variations

Do not stir the layers; the magic happens as the butter melts and combines with the cake mix during baking.
For even butter coverage, some prefer slicing cold butter into thin pats and placing them over the dry mix instead of pouring melted butter.
Try mixing chocolate chips and peanut butter chips or use chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups instead of peanut butter dollops for extra decadence.
Add 1/2 cup chopped peanuts or pecans over the cake mix before adding butter for a crunchy texture.
Swap the Devil’s Food cake mix for chocolate, yellow, or spice cake mixes to create different flavor profiles.

Storage

Store leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat a single serving in the microwave for 30-45 seconds until warm and gooey. While you can eat it cold, reheating improves the texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A close-up slice of a layered dessert on a white plate with a white marbled texture background. The bottom layer is thick, dark brown, and crumbly, resembling moist chocolate cake. Above it is a gooey, melty white marshmallow-like layer mixed with a golden caramel swirl. The top part is rich and shiny dark chocolate sauce, dripping down the sides. Crushed peanuts and chopped pieces of chocolate candy bars with a creamy filling are scattered over the top, adding texture and color contrast. A golden caramel sauce runs down the side of the slice, making it look sticky and rich. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dump cake in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make dump cake in a slow cooker, but this particular recipe is designed for the oven for that crisp, slightly crunchy top. If using a slow cooker, expect a different texture and skip the butter topping or use it sparingly.

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Absolutely. While Devil’s Food cake mix provides a rich chocolate base, you can substitute with chocolate, yellow, or spice cake mixes for new flavors. Just keep the quantities the same.

How do I know when the dump cake is fully cooked?

The cake is done when the edges are bubbly and the top is set with a slightly crisp texture. The center will be gooey but not runny. Allow it to cool for 15 minutes before serving so it firms up a bit.

How should I store leftover Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake?

Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It stays fresh for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for best enjoyment.

What exactly is a dump cake?

A dump cake is a simple dessert where you “dump” layers of ingredients—typically a cake mix, butter, and fruit or other fillings—into a baking dish and bake without stirring. The result is a layered, easy dessert with a crispy top and moist interior.