Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and milk until smooth. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.

Step 3: Pour the prepared pudding evenly into the greased baking dish.

Step 4: Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the pudding layer—do not mix.

Step 5: Drizzle melted butter and peanut butter over the dry cake mix. Use a spoon or knife to gently swirl the peanut butter into the top layer without fully mixing.

Step 6: Sprinkle chopped mini peanut butter cups and chocolate chips over the top, pressing them slightly into the mixture. Add chopped peanuts if desired.

Step 7: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center remains slightly gooey.

Step 8: Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before serving warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.