This Death by Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake is the ultimate dessert indulgence for any chocolate and peanut butter lover. Dense, fudgy, and outrageously rich, this cake is packed with gooey melted chocolate chips and bites of mini Reese’s cups—all baked into a moist, pudding-like cake base. It’s easy, decadent, and dangerously delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 6 Ingredients: Simple pantry staples come together effortlessly.
- No Mixer Needed: Just a bowl, a spoon, and a baking dish.
- Moist and Gooey Texture: Thanks to pudding mix and milk—no dry cake here!
- Loaded with Chocolate: Cocoa, chips, and Reese’s cups in every bite.
- Crowd Favorite: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or anytime cravings strike.
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (any cake mix desired)
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini Reese’s cups, chopped or whole
Directions

Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter. Set aside.
Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, instant pudding mix, cocoa powder, and milk.
Stir until all ingredients are fully combined. The batter will be thick—this is normal and desired.
Add Chocolate and Peanut Butter Goodness
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and mini Reese’s cups, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the thick batter.
Transfer to Pan
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Smooth the top for even baking.
Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Do not overbake—this cake should stay gooey in the middle.
Cool Slightly and Serve
Remove from oven and let the cake cool for at least 10–15 minutes to allow it to set.
Serve warm for the ultimate chocolate-peanut butter experience!
Pro Tips and Variations
- Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined for the best texture.
- Extra Richness: Swap milk for half-and-half or heavy cream.
- Add Crunch: Mix in chopped peanuts or a handful of crushed pretzels.
- Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder with the cocoa for deeper chocolate flavor.
- Drizzle Magic: Finish with warm fudge, caramel, or melted peanut butter.
Serving Suggestions
- Top with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream
- Drizzle with hot fudge or caramel sauce
- Add a dollop of whipped cream for a lighter contrast
- Serve with cold milk or hot coffee for the perfect pairing
Storage/Reheating
Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps well up to 1 week; reheat slices gently.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap + foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
FAQs
Can I use sugar-free pudding or cake mix?
A: Yes, though texture and sweetness may vary slightly.
Should the cake be gooey in the center?
A: Yes! The pudding and candy make this cake moist and slightly fudgy. It’s meant to be gooey.
Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! It stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
Can I use different candy?
A: Totally—try chopped Snickers, peanut butter chips, or chocolate chunks for variation.
Conclusion
This Death by Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake is the dessert of your dreams—rich, gooey, chocolatey, and packed with peanut butter goodness. It’s a no-fail treat that’s quick to throw together and always a hit with family and friends. Whether served warm with ice cream or straight from the pan, one bite and you’ll understand why it’s called “death by chocolate.”
More dessert you’ll love:
No Bake Strawberry Jello Lasagna
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread
Loaded Butterscotch Cheesecake



Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Fudgy dump cake made with chocolate cake mix, pudding, milk, cocoa, chocolate chips, and Reese’s—rich, gooey, and ready in under 40 minutes!
Ingredients
-
1 box chocolate cake mix (any cake mix desired)
-
1 (3.4 oz) package instant chocolate pudding mix
-
2 cups milk
-
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
-
1 cup chocolate chips
-
▢ 1 cup mini Reese’s cups, chopped or whole
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, instant pudding mix, cocoa powder, and milk.
Stir until all ingredients are fully combined. The batter will be thick—this is normal and desired.
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and mini Reese’s cups, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the thick batter.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Smooth the top for even baking.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Do not overbake—this cake should stay gooey in the middle.
Remove from oven and let the cake cool for at least 10–15 minutes to allow it to set.
Serve warm for the ultimate chocolate-peanut butter experience!
Notes
ou do not need to follow the box directions for the cake mix—just use the dry mix as listed here.
Batter will be thick—that’s what helps create the dense, gooey texture.
Mini Reese’s work best, but you can chop up full-size ones if needed.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: death by chocolate dump cake, peanut butter dump cake, Reese’s dessert, chocolate cake mix dessert