You know those days? The ones where you need chocolate and peanut butter, like, right now. You don’t want to measure a dozen things or get every bowl in the kitchen dirty.
You just want a warm, gooey dessert with almost zero effort.
This is that dessert. A dump cake is exactly what it sounds like. You dump a few things in a pan and bake it. It’s messy, it’s easy, and it’s one of the best things you’ll ever eat.
The Easiest Peanut Butter Chocolate Dump Cake
This recipe is about as close to magic as you can get in the kitchen. It breaks all the rules. You don’t even stir it. Trust me, it works.
What You’ll Need
- 1 box (about 15 ounces) chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped peanut butter cups
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups hot water
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Small bowl
- Spatula or spoon
How to Make It
Step 1: Heat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease your 9×13 inch pan.
Step 2: Dump the dry cake mix into the pan. Spread it out into an even layer.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter and milk together until it’s a bit thinner and easier to drop.
Step 4: Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture all over the dry cake mix.
Step 5: Sprinkle the chocolate chips and chopped peanut butter cups over everything.
Step 6: Slowly and evenly, pour the melted butter over the top. Try to cover as much as you can.
Step 7: Carefully pour the hot water over the entire surface. Do not stir anything!
Step 8: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The edges will be bubbly and the center should be mostly set.
Step 9: Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. It will be very hot and gooey.
Pro Tips
Don’t skip these. They make a real difference between a good cake and a great one.
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Seriously, Don’t Stir. The whole point of a dump cake is the layers. The dry mix on the bottom mixes with the liquids to form a cakey layer, while the top gets crispy. Stirring ruins it.
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Thin the Peanut Butter. Mixing peanut butter with a little milk is key. If you just drop in thick globs, they will sink to the bottom. Thinning it helps it stay spread out.
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Even Pouring. Take your time pouring the melted butter and hot water. If you dump it all in one spot, you’ll get dry, powdery patches. A slow, even drizzle is what you want.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 5 Minutes |
| Cook Time | 35 Minutes |
| Servings | 10-12 |
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is easy to change up. Don’t be afraid to try something new.
- Cake Mix: A Devil’s Food cake mix gives a deeper chocolate flavor. A yellow or white cake mix works too.
- Nut Butter: Almond butter or cashew butter can be used instead of peanut butter.
- Toppings: Add a handful of chopped peanuts, pecans, or a swirl of caramel sauce on top before baking.
| Diet Swap | How to Do It |
|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Use a GF chocolate cake mix. |
| Dairy-Free | Use dairy-free butter and milk. |
| Lower Sugar | Use a sugar-free cake mix. |
Leftovers and Storage
If you have any leftovers, cover the pan with foil or plastic wrap.
You can leave it on the counter for about 2 days. For any longer, stick it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
It’s great cold right out of the fridge, or you can warm up a slice in the microwave for 20 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. My cake has dry spots. What did I do wrong?
Ans: You probably didn’t get the butter or water spread out evenly. A slow pour is really important to make sure all the dry cake mix gets wet.
Q2. Can I use a different size pan?
Ans: Yes, but you’ll have to watch the baking time. An 8×8 or 9×9 pan will make a thicker cake and need more time, maybe 45-50 minutes.
Q3. Can I assemble this ahead of time?
Ans: It’s best to bake it right after you put it together. If you let it sit, the cake mix will start absorbing the liquid and the texture will be off.
Wrapping Up
That’s all there is to it. You’re just a few simple steps away from a dessert that will make everyone happy. It’s perfect for a last-minute get-together or just a Tuesday night.
Give it a try. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Leave a comment below and tell me if you made any fun changes
