Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Layered Dump Cake Recipe

Get ready to swoon! The Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Layered Dump Cake is pure joy in a baking dish—layers of rich chocolate, swirls of peanut butter, and pockets of cherry all melded into the most irresistibly gooey dessert. Not only does this showstopper taste like heaven, but the “dump cake” magic means everything comes together with almost zero fuss. Whether you need a comforting treat for family night or a quick, crowd-wowing finish to your next potluck, this is the one dessert you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty of this recipe: every ingredient on the list is a powerhouse of flavor, and together they create sheer indulgence. From the chocolate cake mix to the classic peanut-cherry combo, each one plays a starring role in taste, texture, or gorgeous color. No fancy steps—just easy, honest ingredients that never fail you!

• Chocolate Cake Mix: The ultimate shortcut for a pillowy, chocolaty base with zero hassle—just sprinkle and go!
• Cherry Pie Filling (1 can, 21 oz): Adds juicy pops of tart-sweet flavor and keeps every forkful moist and luscious.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk (1 can, 14 oz): Infuses the whole cake with a dreamy caramel richness and creamy texture.
• Creamy Peanut Butter (1/2 cup, slightly softened): Provides nutty ribbons that swirl through every layer—you get a little in every bite.
• Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, sliced): Ensures a golden, crisp top and gives the cake richness all the way through.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup): Melts into gooey chocolate puddles—an absolute must for chocolate lovers!
• Chopped Peanuts (1/2 cup, optional): Adds a salty crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy peanut butter and chocolate layers.
• Whipped Cream, for serving: The classic finishing touch—soft, light, and just sweet enough to balance the richness.

How to Make Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Layered Dump Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light greasing—this helps your decadent layers come out easily and keeps cleanup a breeze. Every great dump cake begins here!

Step 2: Layer the Cherry Pie Filling

Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the bottom of your prepared dish. The cherries lay the foundation, promising pockets of tart flavor and an irresistible ruby-red color with every scoop.

Step 3: Pour Over the Sweetened Condensed Milk

Next up, pour the sweetened condensed milk right over those cherries. This step is pure alchemy—the condensed milk soaks into the fruit and brings the whole cake its trademark moist, luscious texture.

Step 4: Add Dollops of Peanut Butter

Take slightly softened peanut butter and drop small spoonfuls all over the condensed milk layer. These creamy nuggets melt during baking, creating decadent ribbons that tie the whole dessert together in that classic chocolate-peanut butter harmony.

Step 5: Sprinkle the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the chocolate cake mix evenly across the whole pan, making sure to cover all those yummy layers. Don’t stir! The mix will transform during baking, becoming the moist, chocolaty cake layer that holds everything together.

Step 6: Top with Butter Slices

Distribute the butter slices evenly on top of the cake mix. These will melt as the cake bakes, ensuring a golden, tender top and making sure not a single bit of the cake mix stays dry.

Step 7: Finish with Chocolate Chips and Peanuts

Sprinkle the chocolate chips and chopped peanuts (if using) over the top. This adds melt-in-your-mouth chocolate bursts and a crave-worthy salty crunch.

Step 8: Bake!

Pop your assembled Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Layered Dump Cake into the preheated oven. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden and you see bubbly edges. Let it cool slightly before digging in so every layer sets up for maximum flavor!

How to Serve Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Layered Dump Cake

Garnishes

For that truly bakery-fresh look, a big cloud of whipped cream on each serving is a must. A few extra chocolate chips, a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, or even a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce will make each helping feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Because this dessert is so rich and indulgent, simple sides work best. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the dreamiest pairing, but fresh berries or even a small glass of cold milk beautifully offset all that decadence.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Layered Dump Cake in clear bowls to show off its beautiful layers, or cut out squares and plate each one with a cherry on top. For parties, spoon the cake into mason jars for an adorable, portable treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your cake moist and delicious, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or scoop leftovers into an airtight container. Refrigerate—it will stay scrumptious for up to four days. Don’t worry, the flavors get even better as the layers mingle!

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this cake freezes beautifully. Cut into slices, then wrap tightly in plastic and aluminum foil or use an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months—it’s a total lifesaver for surprise guests or late-night cravings.

Reheating

When you’re ready to dig in again, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds until just warmed through. If you’re serving a crowd, pop the whole dish back in a 300°F oven, covered with foil, for about 15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! While chocolate cake mix makes this a true Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Layered Dump Cake, you can experiment with devil’s food or even a yellow cake mix if you want to shake things up.

What if I don’t have cherry pie filling?

You can swap in blueberry or raspberry pie filling for a fun twist. Each fruit brings its own charm and tang, but the cherry-chocolate combo is just classic for a reason.

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Definitely! Chunky peanut butter adds extra nutty bits and texture, making every bite of this dump cake even more satisfying. Just make sure to drop even spoonfuls throughout so it melts evenly.

Do I need to mix the cake before baking?

Nope! That’s the beauty of a dump cake. Just layer everything as directed and the oven will do the magic—no mixing, no mess, just pure layered decadence.

Can I make Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Layered Dump Cake gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix—the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Your cake will be just as rich and luscious.

Final Thoughts

If you love desserts that deliver unforgettable flavor with minimal effort, you’re going to adore Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Layered Dump Cake. One scoop and you’ll see why it’s my favorite way to end a meal—chocolaty, gooey, and packed with pure joy. Go ahead, treat yourself and share the bliss!

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