1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Spread the creamy peanut butter evenly at the bottom of the prepared dish. This will form the luscious base of your cake.
3. Sprinkle the chocolate cake mix evenly over the peanut butter layer, ensuring full coverage.
4. Scatter the milk chocolate chips and chopped peanuts over the cake mix layer for added texture and flavor.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture evenly over the entire dish, allowing it to soak through the layers.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly crispy. You’ll know it’s ready when the chocolate aroma fills your kitchen, reminiscent of those comforting evenings in my grandmother’s kitchen.
7. Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if you wish.

Remember, the beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. It’s perfect for those nights when you crave something sweet without the hassle of complicated prep.