Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake Recipe

If you are a devoted fan of peanut butter and chocolate, then the Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake will become your new obsession. This decadent, sinfully rich dessert boasts layers of moist chocolate cake perfectly swirled with a creamy peanut butter and cream cheese filling. Studded with chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, each bite delivers a delightful “earthquake” of texture and flavor that is irresistibly gooey, fudgy, and utterly crave-worthy. Whether for a special celebration or a cozy night in, this cake is guaranteed to rock your dessert world.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for the Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is easy and rewarding, with each component playing a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and sweet, velvety texture.

• Chocolate cake mix: A box mix provides a simple base with fluffy, chocolatey goodness.
• Water: Helps activate the cake mix and ensures moistness.
• Vegetable oil: Adds tenderness and richness to the cake crumb.
• Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s structure.
• Creamy peanut butter: Provides that iconic nutty flavor and luscious creaminess.
• Cream cheese, softened: Adds tang and smoothness, balancing the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Enhances flavor and combines with peanut butter to create a silky filling.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the peanut butter filling and gives it a smooth texture.
• Vanilla extract: A touch of warmth and depth in the filling’s flavor profile.
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped: Melt slightly when baked, adding delightful chunks of peanut butter-chocolate surprise.

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish—this ensures your cake won’t stick and will come out perfectly every time. In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth and well mixed. Pour this luscious chocolate batter evenly into your prepared dish, creating the foundation for your decadent dessert.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Swirl

In a separate bowl, mix together the creamy peanut butter, softened cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is silky and free of lumps. This rich, dreamy filling will make the “earthquake” effect with swirls of peanut butter running through every bite of chocolate cake.

Step 3: Create the Earthquake Swirl

Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture evenly over the cake batter. Take a knife and gently swirl the peanut butter filling into the chocolate cake batter to create a marbled effect with pockets of gooey creaminess. Do not over-swirl; leave some distinct patches to add texture and visual appeal.

Step 4: Add Reese’s and Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups over the top of your swirled batter. When baked, these add melty bursts of chocolate and peanut butter that elevate the entire cake experience. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool slightly before serving so the luscious layers set perfectly.

How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake

Garnishes

For a show-stopping presentation, dust the top of the cake with a little powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate. A handful of chopped Reese’s cups sprinkled over the top just before serving amps up the nutty, chocolate fun and adds a pop of color and texture.

Side Dishes

Pair this rich cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the intense flavors and add a creamy contrast. Fresh berries or sliced bananas also lend a fresh, fruity note that complements the peanut butter and chocolate beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake into small squares and serve on a dessert platter for parties or potlucks. You can even serve warm cake with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a spoonful of peanut butter frosting for an indulgent twist that your guests will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days to keep the cake moist and the peanut butter swirl fresh and creamy.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and taste.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or place the entire cake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. Warmed cake enhances the melty peanut butter and chocolate pockets wonderfully.

FAQs

Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of box mix?

Absolutely! A homemade chocolate cake will work perfectly if you prefer to make everything from scratch. Just make sure it’s a moist, sturdy batter to hold the peanut butter swirl well.

What if I want to make this gluten-free?

You can substitute the chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free version to accommodate dietary needs. Just check that all other ingredients, especially the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, are gluten-free as well.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter for more texture?

Yes! Crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful bite inside the creamy swirl, giving your Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake an even more interesting texture contrast.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out mostly clean but might have a few moist crumbs due to the peanut butter filling—this is perfect for that gooey texture.

Can I make this cake in smaller pans?

You can divide the batter between smaller pans if needed, but adjust the baking time accordingly by checking frequently. Smaller cakes bake faster and may need closer monitoring to avoid overbaking.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the indulgent joy of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake to brighten up any day. Its luscious layers of chocolate and peanut butter, combined with the playful texture of chopped Reese’s cups, make it an irresistible treat every time. Trust me, once you try it, this cake will become a beloved staple for both casual gatherings and special celebrations. So grab your ingredients and get ready to shake up your dessert game with this unforgettable peanut butter-chocolate marvel!

Print