If you are a fan of rich, indulgent desserts that bring together the best of chocolate and peanut butter, then the Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake Recipe is about to become your new obsession. This luscious cake features layers of moist chocolate cake, a creamy peanut butter filling, and a generous sprinkle of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups that create a delightful explosion of flavors with every bite. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion where you want to impress friends or simply satisfy your sweet tooth with something decadent yet surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to capturing the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess in this cake. Each ingredient plays a vital role: the chocolate cake mix forms a moist base, the cream cheese and peanut butter create a silky filling, while the powdered sugar adds sweetness and structure. Topping it all off, the mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and chocolate chips add that signature delightful crunch and extra burst of flavor.
- Chocolate cake mix: The foundation of our dessert, ready-made for convenience and consistent results.
- Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds richness and moisture to the peanut butter layer, helping it spread smoothly.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Brings creaminess and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Peanut butter (1/2 cup): The star ingredient that infuses the cake with that unmistakable Reese’s flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): Sweetens the peanut butter mixture and gives it a light, fluffy texture.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Adds bursts of melted chocolate richness throughout the cake.
- Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (1 cup, halved): For that iconic, gooey, peanut butter-chocolate surprise in every bite.
How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t forget to generously grease your 9×13-inch glass baking dish with non-stick cooking spray—this ensures your masterpiece won’t stick and cleans up easily later!
Step 2: Mix Your Chocolate Cake
Follow the instructions on your chocolate cake mix box to prepare the batter. Once ready, pour the batter into your greased baking dish but hold off on baking just yet—this base will soon be lusciously layered with peanut butter goodness.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, beat together the melted butter and softened cream cheese. At first, it might look a bit “globby,” but keep mixing until it’s luxuriously smooth and creamy—a silky canvas for our peanut butter flavor.
Step 4: Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla
Next, stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract. Beat this mixture until everything is blended into a velvety, irresistible spread that smells like heaven already.
Step 5: Sweeten and Fluff the Filling
Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. The mixture will gradually become fluffy and light, transforming into the perfect decadent filling layer.
Step 6: Layer and Top
Carefully spoon the peanut butter cream cheese mixture over your unbaked chocolate cake batter, spreading it evenly. Then sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips and halved mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups on top—these create that signature “earthquake” effect of chunks and gooey pockets.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the center is set but still moist. Allow it to cool slightly before serving so that all the layers come together perfectly in each slice.
How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a finished look that’s just as mouthwatering, consider dusting the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or garnish with a few extra mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. A dollop of whipped cream on the side can add a fresh, airy contrast to the cake’s decadence.
Side Dishes
This cake stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream balances the richness perfectly. Alternatively, fresh berries can provide a bright, tangy counterpoint that lightens each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve individual slices on colorful dessert plates with a drizzle of warm chocolate or peanut butter sauce. You can even layer pieces in a trifle bowl with whipped cream and extra candy cups for a fun, shareable dessert experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake Recipe, wrap leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days, perfect for sneaking a treat when no one is watching.
Freezing
This cake freezes well, making it a great option for prepping in advance. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil for the best protection, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing its delicious flavor or texture.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake after freezing, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds if you love it slightly warm—or simply enjoy it cold straight from the fridge for a more fudgy texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a mix?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe. Just be sure the batter fits well in a 9×13-inch pan and maintains a similar thickness to get that perfect texture.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the peanut butter filling?
The cream cheese adds a signature tang and creamy texture that balances the sweetness and richness of the peanut butter. While you could omit it, the filling won’t have quite the same luscious consistency.
Can I substitute the mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups with a different candy?
Sure! You can experiment with other peanut butter candies or even chopped peanut butter-filled chocolates. Just keep in mind that the classic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are what make this recipe special.
What’s the best way to cut the cake without making a mess?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before slicing. This helps the knife glide smoothly through the layers, giving you clean cuts without disturbing the gooey “earthquake” texture.
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
Yes, if you use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free, this cake will be just as delicious without gluten. Just double-check your ingredients to be safe.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake Recipe that turns any ordinary day into a celebration. From the gooey layers of chocolate and peanut butter to the blissful chunks of Reese’s, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and share a slice of pure peanut butter chocolate joy with your loved ones. You won’t regret it!
Print
Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is a decadent layered dessert featuring a rich chocolate cake base topped with a creamy peanut butter mixture, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers, this cake combines moist cake with a luscious peanut butter topping, baked to perfection for an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake Base
- 1 chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients needed to prepare as per package instructions – typically eggs, oil, water)
Peanut Butter Topping
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Toppings
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, halved
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare chocolate cake batter: Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions, typically combining the mix with eggs, oil, and water. Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish but do not bake yet.
- Make the peanut butter mixture: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the melted butter and softened cream cheese together. Initially, the mixture will appear globby, but continue beating until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add peanut butter and vanilla: Mix in the peanut butter and vanilla extract using the electric mixer until the mixture is uniform and smooth.
- Incorporate powdered sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue mixing until the mixture is fully incorporated and light and fluffy.
- Assemble the cake layers: Spoon the peanut butter mixture evenly on top of the unbaked chocolate cake batter in the baking dish. Next, sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips and halved mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups evenly over the peanut butter layer.
- Bake and cool: Bake the assembled cake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges start to pull away slightly from the pan. Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the peanut butter mixture.
- Check the cake at 45 minutes to avoid over-baking. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- For extra indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
- You can substitute mini Reese’s with chopped regular peanut butter cups if mini ones are unavailable.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
