If you have a sweet tooth and love the rich combination of chocolate and peanut butter, then you are absolutely going to adore the 1 Bowl Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Delight Recipe. This dessert is a delightful mash-up of creamy peanut butter, chocolate cake, and mini peanut butter cups all baked together in one dish. What’s truly magical about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together in a single bowl, making it perfect for any day you crave something indulgent without a ton of fuss. It’s the kind of treat that satisfies every craving while bringing a smile with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of the 1 Bowl Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Delight Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture, from the creamy peanut butter base to the rich chocolate cake to the sweet little bursts from the peanut butter cups and chocolate chips. These ingredients are straightforward, easy to find, and perfect for creating a dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours making it.
- Chocolate cake mix: The foundation that delivers a moist, tender crumb and a rich cocoa flavor.
- Creamy peanut butter: Adds a smooth, nutty layer at the bottom for depth and irresistible richness.
- Melted butter: Helps blend the batter and adds a luscious texture to the cake.
- Milk: Moisturizes the batter and makes every bite perfectly soft and fluffy.
- Mini peanut butter cups: Scatter these on top for gooey pockets of peanut butter and chocolate in every bite.
- Chocolate chips: Sprinkle over the top for extra bursts of melty chocolate goodness.
How to Make 1 Bowl Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake will bake evenly from the moment it goes in. Meanwhile, thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make sure your cake’s bottom does not get stuck—that peanut butter layer can be wonderfully sticky!
Step 2: Create the Peanut Butter Base
Spread the creamy peanut butter evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This layer creates a luscious, nutty foundation that will soak into the cake as it bakes, making every forkful rich and flavorful.
Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix with the melted butter and milk. Stir everything until it’s completely smooth with no lumps. This batter will be silky, ensuring the cake bakes up perfectly moist and tender.
Step 4: Layer the Batter
Pour the cake batter directly over the peanut butter layer in the baking dish. Let the batter spread out evenly so it bakes uniformly, melding with the peanut butter beneath.
Step 5: Add the Toppings
Sprinkle the mini peanut butter cups and chocolate chips evenly over the top of the batter. These create delightful pockets of sweetness and texture that will melt and caramelize during baking, giving the cake an extra wow factor.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. This ensures the cake is cooked through but still moist and fudge-like where the peanut butter mingles.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cake to cool before serving. This rest time sets the layers and makes it easier to cut into perfect squares ready to share with friends and family.
How to Serve 1 Bowl Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Delight Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can elevate your dump cake instantly. For extra indulgence, a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a perfect finish that complements the cake’s richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cake shines on its own but pairing it with fresh berries or a simple glass of cold milk balances the sweetness and adds a refreshing element. For a party, consider offering it alongside a scoop of salted caramel ice cream to introduce a contrasting salty-sweet flavor profile.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the 1 Bowl Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Delight Recipe in rustic individual ramekins for a charming touch or layer it in a trifle bowl with whipped cream and chopped nuts for an impressive dessert centerpiece. Turning it into mini parfaits also makes it portable and perfect for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cake keeps wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to five days. Storing it properly preserves the moist texture and prevents the peanut butter from drying out.
Freezing
This cake freezes exceptionally well. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen slices will maintain their flavor and texture for up to three months, making it easy to enjoy your 1 Bowl Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Delight Recipe anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen slices overnight in the fridge, then warm in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds until soft and melty. For a freshly baked taste, briefly warm it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid overheating to keep the cake moist.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
You can, but creamy peanut butter creates a smoother base and blends better with the cake batter. If you prefer crunchy, just be aware the texture will be slightly more rustic.
Is it necessary to grease the baking dish?
Absolutely. Greasing ensures the peanut butter layer doesn’t stick and your cake comes out cleanly when sliced.
Can I substitute the chocolate cake mix for another flavor?
Chocolate is ideal for this particular recipe because it pairs so well with peanut butter. You could try a yellow or vanilla cake mix, but the result will be less rich and chocolaty.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid baking too long to keep the cake moist.
Can I add nuts or other toppings?
Definitely! Chopped peanuts or pretzels add a lovely crunch, while a sprinkle of sea salt on top intensifies the peanut butter flavor.
Final Thoughts
The 1 Bowl Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Delight Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to desserts because it merges comfort, ease, and pure deliciousness in one simple dish. It’s perfect for when you want to impress without the stress and perfect for sharing as much as savoring alone. Give it a try, and I bet it will become a favorite in your recipe collection too!
Print
1 Bowl Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This 1 Bowl Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake Delight is an irresistible, easy-to-make dessert that combines rich chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter and melty chocolate chips. Using a dump-style method, this cake layers peanut butter and batter directly in the pan, making cleanup a breeze and the process quick. Perfect for peanut butter lovers, this delight serves 12 and offers a decadent balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time you are ready to bake.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal of the cake after baking.
- Layer Peanut Butter: Evenly spread 1 cup of creamy peanut butter across the bottom of the greased baking dish. This creates a rich, flavorful base layer.
- Mix Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the entire box of chocolate cake mix with 1/2 cup melted butter and 1 1/2 cups milk. Stir until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Pour Batter: Pour the prepared chocolate cake batter evenly over the peanut butter layer in the baking dish, covering it completely.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle 1 cup of mini peanut butter cups and 1/2 cup chocolate chips evenly over the top of the batter to add extra bursts of peanut butter and chocolate throughout the cake.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool before cutting and serving; this helps the layers set and enhances the flavors.
Notes
- For a fudgier texture, slightly underbake and allow to cool completely before serving.
- Mini peanut butter cups can be substituted with chopped regular peanut butter cups if mini are unavailable.
- Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth spread; chunky peanut butter may alter texture.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for 5 days.
- Reheat slices gently in the microwave for a warm, melty treat.

