Introduction

Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is a decadent dessert that combines rich chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter and plenty of Reese’s peanut butter cups. It’s a delightful treat for peanut butter and chocolate lovers looking for an easy-to-make showstopper.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 box chocolate cake mix
Ingredients required for cake mix (usually eggs, oil, and water)
1 jar (16 oz) creamy peanut butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup crushed Reese’s peanut butter cups
1 cup mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped
1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box and grease your baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package directions and pour the batter into the greased dish.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
Step 4: Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture evenly over the cake batter.
Step 5: Sprinkle crushed and chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups over the top.
Step 6: Bake the cake as directed on the cake mix package.
Step 7: Once baked, allow the cake to cool slightly, then spread the whipped topping evenly over the surface.
Step 8: Melt the chocolate chips, butter, and heavy cream together until smooth, then drizzle this chocolate ganache over the whipped topping.
Step 9: Let the cake set before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the topping to firm up.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add chopped peanuts or pretzels on top before serving.
Use natural peanut butter for a less sweet and more intense peanut flavor.
Substitute the whipped topping with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
Try dark chocolate chips in the ganache if you prefer a richer chocolate flavor.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To serve, you can let it come to room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a soft, gooey texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to blend and makes cutting easier.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter works well and adds some texture, but the filling may be slightly less smooth.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 111 reviews

A decadent and indulgent Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake combining rich chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter, crushed and chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups, topped with whipped cream and a luscious chocolate drizzle. Perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers seeking a show-stopping dessert.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

1 box chocolate cake mix
Ingredients required for cake mix (usually eggs, oil, and water)

Peanut Butter Mixture

1 jar (16 oz) creamy peanut butter
2 cups powdered sugar

Toppings

1 cup crushed Reese’s peanut butter cups
1 cup mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped
1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

Chocolate Drizzle

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to the temperature specified on the chocolate cake mix box to ensure the cake bakes evenly.
Prepare the Cake Batter: Follow the instructions on the cake mix box to prepare the cake batter using the required ingredients such as eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish to prevent sticking.
Make Peanut Butter Mixture: In a bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and spreadable.
Add Peanut Butter Drops: Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture evenly over the chocolate cake batter to create pockets of peanut butter flavor within the cake.
Sprinkle Reese’s Cups: Sprinkle the crushed and chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups over the batter to add texture and peanut butter-chocolate bursts.
Bake the Cake: Bake the cake according to the cake mix instructions, usually around 25-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Add Whipped Topping: Allow the cake to cool slightly, then spread the whipped topping evenly over the surface for a creamy finish.
Prepare Chocolate Drizzle: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips, butter, and heavy cream together gently until smooth. Drizzle this rich chocolate sauce over the whipped topping for extra decadence.
Set Before Serving: Let the cake set at room temperature or in the fridge for a short time so the drizzle firms up slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use a greased baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
Allow the cake to cool slightly before spreading the whipped topping to prevent melting.
For best flavor, use fresh Reese’s peanut butter cups.
The chocolate drizzle can be warmed gently in a microwave or double boiler to avoid burning.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator covered tightly; consume within 3-4 days.

Keywords: Reese’s peanut butter cake, chocolate peanut butter cake, peanut butter dessert, easy chocolate cake, peanut butter cups dessert