Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake Recipe

If you are a chocolate and peanut butter lover like me, then the Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake will quickly become your new obsession. This indulgent dessert combines a rich chocolate cake base with waves of creamy peanut butter and chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups that create delightful pockets of flavor in every bite. It’s a stunningly gooey, luscious treat that literally shakes up your typical cake experience with its irresistible swirls and crunchy surprises. Trust me, once you try this Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake, you’ll be craving it long after your first slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the perfect balance of textures and flavors in this recipe. Each component is simple but essential, contributing to the cake’s moistness, creamy swirl, and that signature peanut butter-chocolate harmony.

• Chocolate cake mix: The foundation that makes this cake moist and chocolaty with ease and consistency.
• Water: Helps activate the cake mix and keeps the crumb tender.
• Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and richness without overpowering other flavors.
• Eggs: Essential for structure and a tender crumb.
• Creamy peanut butter: Creates the luscious, silky peanut butter swirl that defines this cake.
• Cream cheese, softened: Adds tang and smoothness to balance sweetness and give depth.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness to the peanut butter mixture for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the peanut butter swirl perfectly.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors with a warm, fragrant touch.
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped: The star ingredient that adds bursts of peanut butter-chocolate goodness and a fun texture contrast.

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Mix the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Whisk everything together until smooth and evenly mixed. Pour this luscious batter into your prepared baking dish, making sure it’s spread out evenly for uniform baking.

Step 2: Create the Peanut Butter Swirl Mixture

Next, in a separate bowl, blend the creamy peanut butter, softened cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. This mixture should be silky and smooth, creating the perfect contrast to the chocolate cake base. The richness and slight tang of the cream cheese elevate the peanut butter’s flavor to a whole new level.

Step 3: Swirl the Peanut Butter Mixture into the Cake Batter

Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture evenly across the cake batter. Using a butter knife or an offset spatula, gently swirl the peanut butter into the chocolate batter. Don’t overmix — you want beautiful peaks and ribbons of peanut butter throughout to give it that “earthquake” effect when baked.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Sprinkle the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups generously over the top of the battered and swirled pan. These little chunks will soften as they bake, providing melty pockets of peanut butter and chocolate that are incredibly satisfying with every bite.

Step 5: Bake Until Set

Bake the cake in your preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for a mostly clean toothpick when inserted in the center, with just a few moist crumbs clinging—this ensures a gooey but cooked interior. Once done, let the cake cool slightly to let the flavors set and the texture stabilize just a bit before digging in.

How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake

Garnishes

To amp up the indulgence, try adding a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate ganache on top. For extra crunch and visual appeal, sprinkle some crushed Reese’s peanut butter cups or chopped peanuts. A light dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar can also add a charming finishing touch.

Side Dishes

While this cake is rich and filling on its own, pairing it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a simple bowl of fresh berries can refresh the palate between bites. A cup of strong coffee or a tall glass of cold milk perfectly complements the intense peanut butter and chocolate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake into small bars for a party platter or layer slices with alternating layers of whipped cream and crushed candies in a trifle dish. You can also hollow out mini muffin tins and bake smaller individual servings topped with a single peanut butter cup for an adorable and shareable dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate any leftover Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake in an airtight container. It will keep wonderfully moist and flavorful for up to 4 days. Bringing it to room temperature before serving helps restore some of that fresh-baked softness.

Freezing

You can freeze slices of this cake by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. They will maintain their taste and texture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying, and warm gently if desired.

Reheating

Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to revive their gooey, melty goodness. Avoid overheating to keep the cream cheese and peanut butter swirl from becoming too firm or separated.

FAQs

Can I make this cake from scratch instead of using a cake mix?

Absolutely! While the box mix keeps things quick and foolproof, a homemade chocolate cake batter works beautifully here if you prefer from-scratch baking. Just ensure your batter has a similar consistency for even swirls and baking.

What’s the best type of peanut butter to use in the peanut butter mixture?

Creamy peanut butter works best because it blends smoothly with the cream cheese and powdered sugar. Avoid chunky as it will affect the texture of the swirl and overall cake softness.

Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?

Cream cheese adds tang and richness, making the peanut butter swirl especially luscious. You could try mascarpone or a softened ricotta, but the flavor and texture won’t be quite the same. For a dairy-free option, consider a vegan cream cheese alternative.

Is this cake very sweet? Can I reduce the sugar?

This cake is definitely on the indulgent side, balancing the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors. You can reduce the powdered sugar slightly in the peanut butter mixture if you want less sweetness, but be mindful that it might affect the consistency.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the cake?

Yes! Chopped peanuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of caramel sauce can add exciting layers of texture and flavor. Just fold them into the batter or sprinkle on top before baking, keeping the essence of the Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake intact.

Final Thoughts

The Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is truly a showstopper that brings together the best of chocolate and peanut butter in one irresistibly gooey package. It’s easy to make, endlessly comforting, and guaranteed to delight anyone lucky enough to try it. Whether for celebrations or a cozy treat, this cake will quickly become a cherished favorite in your dessert repertoire. Give it a go—you’ll be so glad you did!

Print