Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake Recipe

Prepare yourself for the ultimate chocolate-and-peanut-butter dessert adventure with this Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake! Imagine rich, fudgy chocolate cake layered with ribbons of sweet, silky peanut butter filling, pockets of cream cheese, and a mountain of gooey, melty mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Every bite is a gooey, irresistible combination of flavors, with little surprises of crunch and meltiness from the chocolate chips and candy. Trust me, there’s a reason this decadent treat has become a go-to for celebrations and weeknight cravings alike—Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is happiness in every slice.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This list may look classic, but every item here pulls its weight, building the layers of flavor, texture, and sheer joy that make Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake unforgettable. Let’s dive into the essentials and see why each is a star.

  • Chocolate cake mix: The base for all that fudgy, fluffy chocolate goodness; use your favorite brand or flavor for a personal touch.
  • Eggs, oil, and water: These staples (usually called for on your cake mix box) ensure the cake is moist, tender, and perfectly baked.
  • Creamy peanut butter: The heart of that luscious, swirled filling—its salty-sweet flavor is simply unbeatable here.
  • Powdered sugar: Blends smoothly into the filling, adding just the right touch of sweetness without grittiness.
  • Cream cheese: For tang, creaminess, and that slightly chewy swirl amid all the chocolatey chaos.
  • Sour cream: Adds extra moisture and a delicate tang that balances the cake’s richness.
  • Milk chocolate chips: For melty, gooey bits studded throughout—every mouthful surprises you with a little chocolate bomb.
  • Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped: The crowning glory—pockets of peanut buttery, chocolatey delight in each bite.
  • Unsalted butter, melted: Drizzled over the top for extra decadence and a slightly crisp, golden finish.
  • Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavors and ties everything together with a warm, bakery-fresh aroma.
  • Pinch of salt: A tiny bit sharpens and balances all that sweetness, making the flavors pop.

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—a hot oven is key for that signature crackly top. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan generously with butter or nonstick spray. This step is crucial since Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake has so many gooey, sticky swirls and toppings; you want to make sure every last piece comes out clean!

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cake Base

Follow the directions on your cake mix box, whisking together the mix with the eggs, oil, and water. Pour the silky batter into your prepared pan, spreading evenly to all edges. This layer is your fudgy foundation and will help support all those glorious peanut butter swirls.

Step 3: Whip Up the Peanut Butter Filling

In a medium bowl, blend the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, and sour cream. Beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This is where Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake gets its signature swirls—the filling should be thick, creamy, and easy to dollop.

Step 4: Swirl the Goodness

Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture all over your chocolate cake batter. Next, take a butter knife or spatula and gently swirl it into the chocolate layer—go for broad, looping movements so the swirls remain defined and beautiful. Don’t over-mix or you’ll lose that marbled effect.

Step 5: Add Reese’s Cups and Chocolate Chips

Now it’s time to load up the top: sprinkle the chopped mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and chocolate chips liberally over the batter. Each piece is a golden ticket to pure dessert joy!

Step 6: Finish with Butter and Bake

Drizzle melted butter and vanilla extract evenly over the whole cake, then scatter a pinch of salt. This step helps form the crackly, rich topping that makes every slice of Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake impossible to resist. Slide the pan into the oven and bake 35–45 minutes, until there’s just a bit of gooeyness in the center and the top looks golden and puffed.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the cake rest for at least 15 minutes so it sets up a bit—this makes slicing easier, and the flavors really come together as it cools. Cut into squares and prepare for “oohs” and “aahs” from everyone around your table!

How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake

Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

To really knock it out of the park, top each square with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel or chocolate syrup, and maybe an extra sprinkle of chopped mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. A little flourish goes a long way, and the cake looks as drool-worthy as it tastes!

Side Dishes

With a dessert as rich as this, keep sides simple: a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a tall glass of cold milk stands up to the intensity beautifully. For more elaborate occasions, try pairing with fresh berries to cut through the sweetness and add a pop of color on the dessert table.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to impress, bake the Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake in muffin tins for adorable, individual portions. Or layer bite-sized squares in a trifle glass with whipped cream and chopped peanuts for a playful twist. It’s just as fun to serve as it is to eat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake should be wrapped tightly or placed in an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days—if it lasts that long! The flavors meld even more overnight, making next-day slices even richer.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this cake: cut it into squares, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When a craving strikes, just pull out a square or two for a perfect, ready-made treat!

Reheating

Enjoy leftovers cold for that fudgy, candy-bar experience, or gently warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to revive the gooey chocolate and creamy peanut butter goodness. Warmed-up Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is pure, melty comfort.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Definitely! While classic chocolate cake mix is the traditional choice, try devil’s food, yellow, or even peanut butter-flavored mixes for a fun spin. Each one will bring a unique twist to your Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake.

Is there a way to make it less sweet?

Absolutely—swap out the milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips, or reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the peanut butter filling. The richness will still shine through, but with a more balanced sweetness.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Go for it! Chopped roasted peanuts, pecans, or walnuts add delightful crunch and depth to Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake. Fold them in with your Reese’s Cups or sprinkle across the top before baking.

What’s the best way to cut clean squares?

Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes, then use a sharp, clean knife—wiping it between cuts helps keep the slices neat, especially with all those gooey, melty layers.

Can I prepare Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake it a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature (or in the fridge for extra firmness). It actually tastes even better after the flavors have a chance to mingle together.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving over-the-top decadence, you need to try Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake as soon as possible. It’s outrageously delicious, easy to share (though you might not want to!), and just plain fun to make and eat. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this unforgettable dessert—you won’t regret it!

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Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake Recipe

Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 11 reviews
  • Author: Lola
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
  • Total Time: 50-60 minutes
  • Yield: 12-16 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake combines rich chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter filling and gooey Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, resulting in a decadent, irresistible dessert with a fudgy interior and crispy edges.


Ingredients

For the cake:

  • 1 box of chocolate cake mix (plus the ingredients called for on the box, typically eggs, oil, and water)

For the peanut butter filling:

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream

Additional ingredients:

  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips
  • 1 cup mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  2. Prepare the cake batter: Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the instructions on the box. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
  3. Make the peanut butter filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, cream cheese, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  4. Swirl the peanut butter mixture: Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture onto the cake batter. Using a knife or spatula, swirl the peanut butter mixture into the cake batter, but do not completely mix.
  5. Add toppings: Sprinkle the mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and chocolate chips evenly on top of the cake. Drizzle the melted butter and vanilla extract over the cake. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the top.
  6. Bake the cake: Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).
  7. Cool and serve: Let the cake cool for 15 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

Notes

  • Add chopped nuts like peanuts, walnuts, or pecans for extra crunch.
  • For less sweetness, swap milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips.
  • For individual servings, bake the cake in a muffin tin for 15-20 minutes.
  • Try using a peanut butter or yellow cake mix for variety.
  • Top with whipped cream, extra chopped Reese’s cups, or caramel/chocolate syrup for extra indulgence.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 40g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

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