How to Make a No-Mix Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake

The best chocolate peanut butter dump cake recipe came to me by accident, on one of those nights when I was too tired to bake, but too determined not to settle for a plain snack. I found a chocolate cake mix in the pantry, a forgotten jar of peanut butter in the back of the fridge, and a mysterious can of condensed milk I don’t even remember buying.

So, I dumped it all in a pan, layered it like chaos, and walked away.

What came out of the oven 40 minutes later was nothing short of dessert magic: molten chocolate pockets, creamy peanut butter swirls, and gooey edges with a crisp top, no mixing bowls, no mess, no stress.

That’s the beauty of a dump cake. And when you pair it with the iconic combo of chocolate and peanut butter? It becomes a dessert everyone begs you to “make again.”

Craving more chocolate-peanut butter magic? Don’t miss our frozen peanut butter banana split cups recipe for a chilled no-bake option!

Ingredients for the Best Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake Recipe

The Base: Chocolate Cake Mix Matters

Start with a high-quality boxed chocolate cake mix, it saves time and gives the right structure without needing extra eggs or butter. You can use:

• Devil’s food cake (for rich cocoa flavor)
  
• Fudge cake mix (if you like it extra moist)
  
• Chocolate peanut butter mix (for a double hit)
  

The Heart: Peanut Butter Choices

For this chocolate peanut butter dump cake, go with creamy peanut butter for better melt and swirl. Chunky works too but may clump if not layered well.

Pro tip: Avoid natural PBs with too much oil separation, they don’t bake consistently.

What Else You’ll Need:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
  
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  
• ½ cup melted butter (unsalted)
  
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  
• 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk)
  
• Optional: pinch of salt for balance
  

Optional Add-ins:

• Chopped Reese’s
  
• Mini marshmallows
  
• Swirls of Nutella or caramel
  

Step-by-Step Instructions (No Mixing Bowl Required)

Step 1: Prep the Pan

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or spray. This ensures the gooey bottom won’t stick.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

This is where the best chocolate peanut butter dump cake recipe shines:

1. Evenly pour the sweetened condensed milk into the greased pan.
   
2. Drop dollops of peanut butter over the milk, don’t mix, just place.
   
3. Sprinkle the entire dry cake mix evenly over the peanut butter layer.
   
4. Scatter chocolate chips (or Reese’s) on top.
   
5. Drizzle melted butter evenly over everything. Don’t stir!
   

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes
  
• The top should be set and slightly cracked
  
• The center may be gooey but not liquid
  

How to Know When your chocolate peanut butter dump cake is Done:

Insert a toothpick into the cake-y areas (not the gooey parts). It should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, not raw batter.

Let cool at least 10 minutes before serving, it thickens as it sets.

Looking for a next-level breakfast sweet? Don’t miss our Peanut Butter Cup French Toast Rolls.

Topping and Serving Ideas to Level It Up

Once your dump cake is hot and golden, it’s time to take it from great to legendary.

Toppings That Pair Perfectly:

• Vanilla bean or salted caramel ice cream
  
• Whipped cream + chocolate sauce
  
• Peanut butter drizzle
  
• Chopped peanuts or pretzels for crunch
  
• Crushed Oreos for that cookies & cream vibe
  

Serving Styles:

• Classic scoop-and-serve: Warm with a spoon, directly from the pan
  
• Plated squares: Let it cool fully and cut into slices
  
• Dessert bar: Serve with a topping station for parties
  

Turn leftovers into a parfait: Layer cold dump cake with whipped cream and banana slices in a glass. It’s a hit every time.

Fun Variations and Add-Ins for Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake

Once you’ve mastered the ultimate chocolate peanut butter dump cake recipe, the possibilities for delicious variations are endless.

Flavor Twists:

• Triple chocolate: Add cocoa nibs or fudge frosting after baking
  
• S’mores dump cake: Add mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers
  
• Mocha vibe: Stir espresso powder into the melted butter
  

Toppings Inside the Cake:

• Reese’s Pieces
  
• Butterscotch chips
  
• Salted caramel chips
  
• Peanut butter pretzel bits
  

Health-Conscious Swaps:

• Use almond butter or sunflower butter
  
• Swap condensed milk for coconut condensed milk
  
• Use a sugar-free cake mix
  

Want more cozy baking inspo? Check out our spiced pear oatmeal bake for a warm, fruity twist.

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake

This chocolate peanut butter dump cake is gooey, easy, and made in one pan. No mixing required, just layer and bake.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 310

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 box 15.25 oz chocolate cake mix
• 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup melted unsalted butter
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Optional: pinch of salt chopped Reese’s, marshmallows

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch pan.
2. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly into pan.
3. Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top—do not mix.
4. Sprinkle dry chocolate cake mix over everything.
5. Top with chocolate chips and drizzle melted butter evenly.
6. Bake for 35–40 minutes until the top is set and cracked.
7. Cool 10 minutes before serving for best texture.

Notes

• Don’t stir the layers, it’s meant to be “dumped”
• For extra gooeyness, add dollops of Nutella
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Reheat in the microwave for 20 seconds before serving

FAQ – Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake