Hey y'all! If you adore gooey chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and irresistibly melty Reese’s Cups, then you're in for a treat with this Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake. It’s the ultimate dessert for birthdays, holidays, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up. This cake is overflowing with fudgy, peanut buttery goodness, and each bite is pure chocolate-peanut butter paradise. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake
- Rich, decadent layers of chocolate and gooey peanut butter make every bite unforgettable.
- Loaded with Reese’s Cups for the ultimate chocolate candy experience.
- Super easy to prepare with simple ingredients—perfect for busy bakers!
- Always a crowd pleaser at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
- Customizable with your favorite mix-ins and toppings.
Ingredients for Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box)
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick, 113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups (250g) powdered sugar
- 1 cup (245g) creamy peanut butter
- 1 ½ cups (225g) mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, halved
- 1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup (60g) chopped roasted peanuts (optional)
How to Make Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Layer
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33cm) baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, oil, and water. Mix until smooth, then pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Swirl
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, melted butter, and creamy peanut butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until thoroughly mixed and creamy.
- Spoon large dollops of the peanut butter mixture over the cake batter. Gently swirl with a knife or spatula, leaving thick ribbons for a marbled effect.
Step 3: Add Toppings & Bake
- Evenly sprinkle the halved mini Reese’s Cups, chocolate chips, and peanuts over the top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the edges are set but the center wobbles slightly (it will continue to set as it cools).
Step 4: Cool & Serve
- Let the cake rest in the pan for at least 20-30 minutes before slicing—this helps the gooey center firm up slightly for those perfect, fudgy squares.
Notes & Helpful Tips for Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake
- For best results, use room temperature cream cheese and butter for a smoother swirl. Learn more about why temperatures matter from King Arthur Baking.
- Let the cake cool before slicing for neater chunks—it's even more delicious the next day as flavors meld.
- Swap in dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for a flavor twist.
Variations for Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake
- Swap the mini Reese’s Cups with chopped Reese’s Pieces for a crunchier topping.
- Try a brownie base instead of cake mix for extra fudginess.
- Stir in swirls of caramel or marshmallow creme before baking for a gooey surprise.
Required Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Large and medium mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer (or stand mixer)
- Rubber spatula or spoon
- Knife for swirling
Storage Instructions & Shelf Life
Store leftover Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze slices, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of hot fudge.
- Pair with a tall glass of cold milk or creamy peanut butter milkshake.
- Top each piece with whipped cream and extra Reese’s Cups for show-stopping presentation.
Pro Tips for the BEST Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake
- Let the cake cool completely before refrigerating or freezing to prevent condensation—learn about proper cooling from Simply Recipes.
- If you prefer your cake extra gooey, slightly underbake by 3-4 minutes.
- Line your pan with parchment for easy removal and cleanup—check out these parchment paper tips.
FAQ: Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake
- Can I use a different type of cake mix?
- Yes! You can use a devil’s food, fudge, or even peanut butter cake mix to change things up.
- How do I know when the cake is done?
- The edges should be set and puffed, but the center should still be a bit wobbly—don’t overbake for that classic earthquake gooeyness!
- Can I make this cake in advance?
- Absolutely! This cake keeps well and tastes even better the next day when the layers have time to settle and meld together in the fridge.
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz), plus ingredients listed on package (typically eggs, oil, and water)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
-
1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
-
2Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
-
3In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
-
4Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the chocolate cake batter. Gently swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect.
-
5Sprinkle chocolate chips and chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups evenly over the top.
-
6Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the cake (not the filling) comes out mostly clean. Cool before slicing.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!