There’s something magical about the moment chocolate and peanut butter come together—and this Death by Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake captures that magic in every bite. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s outrageously rich, wonderfully gooey, and surprisingly easy to throw together, you’ve found it.

What makes this cake so special? It’s a no-fuss recipe with just six ingredients, one bowl, and zero need for mixers or fancy techniques. This is the kind of dessert you make when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort—perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or late-night chocolate cravings. You’ll love the way the chocolate chips melt into the fudgy cake, while those chopped mini Reese’s create pockets of peanut butter bliss.

Let’s dive in and get you baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

This isn’t just another dump cake. It’s the kind of dessert that makes people stop mid-bite and ask for the recipe. Here’s why it works so well:

• Only six ingredients – most of which you probably already have in your pantry.

• No special tools required – a bowl, a spoon, and a 9×13 pan are all you need.

• Fast and forgiving – no room-temperature butter, no precise layering, no stress.

• Rich and gooey – the pudding mix and milk keep things super moist, while the Reese’s and chocolate chips add melty magic.

• Versatile – serve it warm with ice cream, pack it for a picnic, or stash leftovers in the fridge (if there are any).

Suitable For

This recipe is perfect for:

• Busy weeknights when you need dessert without the drama.

• Holiday parties where you want something rich and impressive.

• Beginner bakers who want guaranteed success without complicated steps.

• Peanut butter lovers and chocolate addicts—this cake speaks your language.

Ingredients for Death by Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake

Let’s talk ingredients. Everything in this recipe plays a role, and when they come together—well, just wait until you take a bite.

Core Ingredients

• 1 box chocolate cake mix – Any variety works, but Devil’s Food brings that deep chocolate punch.

• 1 package instant chocolate pudding mix (3.4 oz) – This adds moisture and richness.

• 2 cups milk – Helps form a thick, fudgy batter.

• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder – A little extra cocoa kicks up the chocolate flavor.

• 1 cup chocolate chips – They melt beautifully throughout the cake.

• 1 cup mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped – These little gems create gooey peanut butter pockets.

Substitutions and Tips

Want to make it your own? Go for it.

• Cake mix swaps: Red velvet for a fun twist, or yellow cake if you’re looking for contrast.

• Pudding mix alternatives: Vanilla, butterscotch, or peanut butter pudding all work beautifully.

• Boost the chocolate: A teaspoon of espresso powder will deepen the chocolate flavor.

• More mix-ins? Absolutely: Add peanut butter chips, crushed pretzels for a salty bite, or even banana slices for a surprise.

• Peanut butter swirl: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top before baking and gently swirl it through the batter. It looks fancy, but it’s incredibly easy.

Best Chocolate Cake Mix for Dump Cake

Not all cake mixes are created equal, especially when it comes to a dump cake.

For the best results:

• Choose a moist-style chocolate cake mix, preferably Devil’s Food.

• Skip mixes labeled “extra sweet” or “fudge frosting included.” You want a solid chocolate base that lets the other ingredients shine.

• If you’re using a gluten-free mix or one without pudding included, consider adding a touch more milk or reducing bake time slightly.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This cake proves that great baking doesn’t require a kitchen full of gadgets. But having a few essentials makes things smoother.

Must-Have Tools

• 9×13-inch baking pan – This size keeps everything even and gooey without overflowing.

• Large mixing bowl – Big enough to stir everything together without making a mess.

• Measuring cups and spoons – Accuracy counts, especially for dry ingredients.

• Rubber or silicone spatula – Helps you fold in the goodies without overmixing.

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Offset spatula – Spreads the batter evenly without dragging.

• Ice cream scoop – Makes serving easier, especially when the cake is warm and gooey.

• Decorative serving plates or ramekins – If you’re serving to guests, a nice presentation goes a long way.

How to Make Death by Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake

This is the part where the magic happens. Don’t worry—this cake may sound over-the-top (in the best way), but the steps couldn’t be easier. You’re just a few simple moves away from warm, melty, chocolate-peanut-butter heaven. Let’s walk through it together.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a thin layer of butter. This step is important so that the cake lifts out easily and nothing sticks to the edges.

Set your pan aside while you mix.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine:

• 1 box of chocolate cake mix

• 1 package of instant chocolate pudding mix

• 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder

Give everything a good stir until the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. It doesn’t need to be perfect—just well blended so that you don’t end up with clumps later.

Step 3: Add Milk and Stir

Next, pour in 2 cups of milk and begin stirring. You’ll notice the batter gets thick and fudgy—that’s exactly what we want. It should look rich and dense, almost like brownie batter.

If it feels too stiff, keep stirring. The milk will eventually absorb into the dry mix, and it’ll come together beautifully.

Step 4: Fold in the Goodies

Now for the fun part: gently fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips and 1 cup of chopped mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

Be gentle—this batter is thick, and you don’t want to break up the candy too much. You want nice little pockets of peanut butter and melted chocolate in every bite.

Step 5: Spread and Tap

Transfer the batter to your greased pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly. Because the mixture is thick, take your time smoothing it out.

Once it’s leveled, gently tap the pan on your counter a few times. This helps settle the batter and remove any air bubbles, which makes for a more even bake.

Step 6: Bake

Place your pan in the center of the oven and bake for about 35 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Don’t overbake—you want that soft, gooey center.

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before serving. That helps it set without losing that amazing texture.

Tips for Success

Want to make sure your cake turns out every single time? Here are a few tried-and-true tips:

• Grease your pan well—this batter is sticky, and you’ll thank yourself later.

• Don’t skip the cocoa powder. It intensifies the chocolate flavor and gives the cake extra depth.

• Don’t overmix. Stir just enough to combine the ingredients—too much mixing can make the cake dense.

• Add a peanut butter swirl. Before baking, spoon a few dollops of peanut butter over the top and gently swirl it into the batter with a knife.

• Serve it warm. This cake is at its absolute best when it’s slightly warm and gooey. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an extra treat.

How to Store Death by Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake

This cake keeps surprisingly well—if it doesn’t disappear on day one.

At Room Temperature

If you’re planning to eat it within 2–3 days, simply store it in an airtight container or cover the pan tightly with foil. Keep it in a cool, dry place.

In the Refrigerator

To keep it fresh for longer, pop it in the fridge. It’ll last up to a week. Just warm up a slice in the microwave before serving—it’s worth it.

Freezing Tips

Yes, you can freeze it.

• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.

• Freeze for up to 3 months.

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

Pro tip: freeze in small batches so you can enjoy a piece whenever a craving hits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this cake supposed to be gooey?

Yes, absolutely. The combination of pudding and chocolate chips creates a moist, fudgy center. Don’t expect a fluffy, sponge-like cake—this one is soft, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

What if I don’t have a 9×13 pan?

No problem. You can use two 8×8 pans or any similar-sized baking dish. Just keep in mind that baking time might be slightly shorter, so start checking around the 28–30-minute mark.

Do I need to refrigerate it?

You don’t have to if you’ll be eating it within a day or two. But for longer storage, it’s better to refrigerate to keep the chocolate and peanut butter fresh and safe.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Definitely. This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors settle. Bake it, let it cool completely, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. Reheat individual slices for that fresh-from-the-oven experience.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Death by Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake, you might enjoy these chocolate and peanut butter inspired treats:

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake – A layered classic with bold flavors.

• Strawberry Dump Cake – A fruity, sweet cousin to your favorite dump cake.

• Peach Dump Cake – Simple, comforting, and perfect for any occasion.

• Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites – Bite-sized chocolate peanut butter bliss.

Conclusion

This Death by Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a little slice of chocolate heaven made simple. With gooey pockets of peanut butter, melty chocolate chips, and a deeply fudgy texture, it’s the kind of recipe that becomes a go-to in your baking rotation.

Whether you’re serving it at a party, whipping it up for a weeknight treat, or sneaking a slice after everyone’s gone to bed, this cake delivers. So go ahead, give it a try. And don’t forget to share your results—I’d love to hear how it turns out for you.

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