Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake
If you’re looking for a dessert that will wow your friends and family, look no further than this Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake! This cake is a true showstopper, combining rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter into a decadent treat that everyone will love. The gooey center adds an extra layer of indulgence, making it perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or just a cozy night in with your loved ones.
What makes this cake even more special is how easy it is to prepare. You don’t need to be a baking expert to whip up this delightful dessert; it’s all about mixing and layering. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or treating yourself on a busy weeknight, this cake fits the bill perfectly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious dessert that looks and tastes like it took hours.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will delight in the chocolate-peanut butter goodness.
- Make Ahead: This cake can be prepared in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Gooey Goodness: The layered center creates a wonderful texture that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake uses simple and wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Gather these essentials for a delightful baking experience:
For the Cake
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
For the Peanut Butter Layer
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Topping
- 1 cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
- Add nuts: Chopped peanuts or walnuts can add an extra crunch and enhance the flavor.
- Change the chocolate: Use dark chocolate cake mix for a richer flavor profile.
- Experiment with toppings: Try using mini peanut butter cups or drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for added flair.
How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your cake bakes evenly from the moment you put it in.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, mix together the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs until everything is well combined. Pour this luscious batter into your greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This creates the foundation for our wonderful dessert!
Step 3: Create the Peanut Butter Mixture
In another bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and velvety. This mixture is going to add that heavenly gooey layer inside your cake.
Step 4: Swirl It Together
Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the top of the chocolate batter. Use a knife to gently swirl them together—this creates those delicious pockets of gooeyness that make each bite special!
Step 5: Add Toppings
Sprinkle the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups evenly over the top of your cake batter. These bits will melt slightly while baking and add an irresistible finish to each slice.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it! A toothpick should come out mostly clean when inserted into the center—this means it’s ready to come out.
Step 7: Serve Up Some Joy
Allow your cake to cool slightly before serving. It’s delightful warm or at room temperature, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a midnight snack!
Enjoy every gooey bite of this Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake—it’s sure to become a favorite in your home!
Pro Tips for Making Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake
Creating the perfect Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is a delightful experience, and these tips will help you nail it!
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Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with room temperature eggs and cream cheese helps create a smoother batter, ensuring that all your ingredients blend seamlessly together for a rich texture.
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Don’t overmix the batter: Gently mixing your cake batter will keep it light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, which we definitely want to avoid for this indulgent dessert!
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Swirl carefully: When swirling the peanut butter mixture into the cake batter, aim for a gentle fold rather than a full mix. This technique allows for those delicious pockets of gooey peanut butter to emerge beautifully once baked.
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Check for doneness: Since oven temperatures can vary, always start checking your cake at the lower end of the baking time. A toothpick should come out mostly clean but may have a few moist crumbs—this means you’ve got that perfect gooey center!
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Cool before slicing: Allowing the cake to cool slightly before cutting ensures that it holds its shape and makes serving easier. Plus, it enhances the flavors as they settle!
How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake
Serving this decadent cake is just as fun as making it! With a few simple enhancements, you can make it even more special for family and friends.
Garnishes
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Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and airy finish that beautifully contrasts with the rich chocolate and peanut butter layers.
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Chopped nuts: Sprinkling some chopped peanuts or walnuts on top not only adds crunch but also enhances the nutty flavor found within each slice.
Side Dishes
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Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing of vanilla ice cream with warm cake creates an irresistible combination; the cold ice cream melts slightly into the warm cake, making every bite heavenly.
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Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances out the richness of the cake. Opt for berries or citrus fruits to add a zesty touch that cuts through the sweetness.
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Chocolate sauce drizzle: For those who crave extra indulgence, serve your cake drizzled with chocolate sauce. It elevates both presentation and flavor!
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Coffee or chai tea: Pairing a slice of this cake with a warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea complements its flavors beautifully while providing a cozy experience.
With these tips and serving suggestions in mind, your Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is sure to impress everyone at your next gathering! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage
This Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is not only a delightful treat but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it in advance and store it for later enjoyment, making it an ideal dessert for gatherings or a sweet weeknight indulgence.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.
- Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing
- To freeze, cut the cake into individual portions.
- Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating
- For best results, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
- Alternatively, warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Enjoy with a scoop of your favorite non-dairy ice cream if desired!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious dessert:
Can I use another type of cake mix for Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake?
Yes! While chocolate cake mix pairs wonderfully with peanut butter, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla or red velvet to create your own twist on this recipe.
How do I ensure my Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake turns out perfectly?
Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. Also, avoid overmixing the batter and peanut butter mixture; gentle swirling will create that perfect layered effect!
What makes Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake so special?
The combination of rich chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter and chunks of Reese’s Cups creates an irresistible dessert that’s both gooey and indulgent—perfect for any chocolate lover!
Can I make this cake without eggs?
Absolutely! You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) or applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) to maintain moisture and binding.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited about making this Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake as I am! It truly is a special treat that brings together gooey chocolate and creamy peanut butter goodness. Whether you’re whipping it up for a gathering or just treating yourself, I know you’ll love every bite. Enjoy baking, and don’t hesitate to share your experience—happy baking!
Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake
Indulge in the delightful experience of making this Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake, a dessert that perfectly marries rich chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter goodness. This showstopper not only looks impressive but also boasts a gooey center that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Simple to prepare and adaptable to your preferences, this cake is perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or even a cozy night in. With every bite, you’ll enjoy layers of flavor that make this dessert truly unforgettable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until well blended and pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In another bowl, beat together the peanut butter, cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spoon dollops of the peanut butter mixture over the chocolate batter and gently swirl with a knife.
- Sprinkle chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups on top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean from the center.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg