Description

A rich, fudgy 4-ingredient dessert that combines chocolate cake mix with peanut butter and chocolate chips for a Reese’s-inspired treat. It’s simple to make, pantry-friendly, and perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix (Devil’s Food or Dark Chocolate)
1 small box (3.4 oz) chocolate instant pudding mix
1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
1 cup (240ml) hot water
3 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup (128g) creamy peanut butter
1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
1 bag (11 oz) mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
Sea salt flakes (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or butter, optionally lining the bottom with parchment paper and dusting with cocoa powder.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, instant pudding mix, eggs, oil, water, and peanut butter. Mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth.
Stir in the chocolate chips by hand with a spatula, folding them in gently until evenly distributed.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, spread the whipped topping evenly over the top of the cake using an offset spatula.
Sprinkle the chopped peanut butter cups evenly over the whipped topping, pressing them in slightly. Add sea salt flakes if desired.
Slice into squares and serve at room temperature or chilled.

Notes

Use hot water to bloom the cocoa powder for deeper chocolate flavor. Ensure the cake is completely cool before adding whipped topping to prevent melting. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cake mix. For vegan, use vegan cake mix, flax eggs, and dairy-free chocolate chips/topping.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 380
Sugar: 32
Sodium: 280
Fat: 20
Saturated Fat: 8
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 2
Protein: 5

Keywords: chocolate cake, peanut butter, dessert, easy recipe, cake mix, fudgy cake, peanut butter cups, weeknight dessert