Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake Recipe

If you love decadent desserts that are unapologetically rich, perfectly gooey, and absolutely packed with chocolate and peanut butter, you’re in for a treat! The Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake is a show-stopping masterpiece that delivers layers of dark chocolate cake, swirls of creamy peanut butter, pockets of melty cream cheese, and irresistible Reese’s cups in every bite. Imagine the classic earthquake cake, but dialed up with your favorite candy bar—this is the kind of dessert that puts a smile on everyone’s face from the very first forkful!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this cake so incredible is how each ingredient plays a starring role—from the fudgy chocolate base to the zing of peanut butter and, of course, those bursts of chopped Reese’s cups. Here’s what you’ll need to bring the Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake to life:

• Box of dark chocolate fudge cake mix: Rich chocolate intensity and the easiest shortcut base.
• Cream cheese (softened): Adds smooth tang and creates those signature melty pockets.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Boosts flavor and moisture in both the peanut butter swirl and the cream cheese filling.
• Creamy peanut butter: For the ultimate nutty swirl that’s impossible to resist.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and dimension, enhancing all the sweet flavors.
• Powdered sugar: Balances the tanginess of the cream cheese and sweetens the swirl.
• Chocolate chips: Extra melty chocolate in each delicious slice.
• Miniature Reese’s peanut butter cups (halved): Pops of the classic candy in every bite—unmistakably fun!
• Vanilla ice cream (for serving): Takes the whole experience over the top with contrasting chill and creaminess.

How to Make Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—the perfect temperature for creating that luscious, barely-set center. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it generously with either butter or nonstick cooking spray so your cake releases easily (you don’t want to leave any gooey bits behind!).

Step 2: Mix the Chocolate Cake Batter

In a large bowl, follow the instructions on your dark chocolate cake mix—this usually calls for adding eggs, oil, and water. Whisk it all together until smooth and glossy; this forms the fudgy foundation of your Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake. Pour the batter into your prepared dish and gently spread it out for an even layer.

Step 3: Whip Together the Cream Cheese Swirl

Next, in a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until everything is creamy and lump-free. This step is key to getting those magical, marbled swirls! Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until the mixture thickens and holds gentle peaks—it should look pillowy and smooth.

Step 4: Layer and Top with Treats

Carefully spread your cream cheese and peanut butter swirl mixture directly over the cake batter. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—uneven swirls actually give that lovely “earthquake” effect! Generously sprinkle chocolate chips and halved mini Reese’s peanut butter cups across the top, gently pressing them in. This is when you’ll start to see the cake’s signature look come together.

Step 5: Bake to Earthquake Perfection

Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. The center should be set but still just a tiny bit gooey—the toothpick test works well: it should come out mostly clean, but a few moist crumbs mean you’re good! Take care not to overbake; that creamy swirl is supposed to stay a little molten.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let your Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake cool completely on a wire rack. This locks in the gooeyness and lets those chocolate and peanut butter flavors settle into every crevice. Once cooled, slice and serve each piece with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The chill of the ice cream against the warm, melty cake is absolutely unforgettable!

How to Serve Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake

Garnishes

Finish your slices with extra chocolate chips, a scatter of crushed Reese’s cups, or even a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. If you want a little crunch, a sprinkle of toasted peanuts makes a fun addition. A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, as suggested in the recipe, is the classic move—it truly takes this dessert into pure comfort territory.

Side Dishes

This cake is so rich that it pairs best with light, refreshing sides. Consider a bowl of mixed berries, a simple fruit salad, or even a splash of cold milk to balance the sweetness. If you’re serving it at a gathering, hot coffee or cold brew on the side lets everyone linger over their dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake in individual ramekins or muffin tins for single-serve treats. You can also cut the cooled cake into neat cubes and stack them on a platter for a fun, finger-friendly dessert bar—great for parties. For special occasions, add a sparkly birthday candle or themed toppers to each slice and watch your guests light up!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate it—the cream cheese layer stays fresh that way, and you’ll still enjoy all that fudgy, peanut-buttery magic.

Freezing

Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake freezes beautifully! Simply wrap individual squares in plastic and store them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. Thaw at room temperature or gently reheat for that just-baked experience. The texture remains delightfully rich and gooey, even after freezing.

Reheating

For that irresistible melty effect, pop a slice in the microwave for 15–20 seconds. If you’re reheating multiple pieces, use a low oven (around 300°F) until warmed through. Always top with fresh ice cream for the ultimate treat!

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! You can swap in milk chocolate, devil’s food, or even a peanut butter or caramel cake mix. Just remember: using dark chocolate gives the richest contrast to the creamy swirls and candy topping.

Do I have to use mini Reese’s cups?

Mini Reese’s cups are easiest for scattering, but you can chop up full-size cups or even use Reese’s pieces if you want a bit of crunch and extra candy color. Customize it to your taste and what you have on hand!

Why is my swirl layer sinking?

Don’t worry if your cream cheese mixture sinks a bit while baking; this is totally normal for an earthquake cake, and it creates that gooey, marbled effect. Make sure your mixture is thick and your cake batter is evenly spread to help it “float” as much as possible.

Can I double this recipe?

You sure can! Simply use two 9×13-inch pans and double the ingredients. Just keep an eye on bake time—sometimes larger pans need a few more minutes in the oven.

Is this cake gluten-free?

As written, the recipe uses a standard box cake mix which contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free chocolate cake mix—everything else stays the same, and the results are still dreamy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something that checks every dessert box—fudge, creaminess, crunch, and a hint of salty peanut butter—then it’s time to bake the Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake. It’s fun, crowd-pleasing, and always gets rave reviews. Dive in and make it your own—then share a big, joyful slice with someone you love!

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