Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake

If you’re obsessed with chocolate and peanut butter, brace yourself for the dessert of your dreams — the Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake. This gooey, rich, chocolatey cake erupts with pockets of sweet, creamy peanut butter, melted chocolate, and chunks of mini Reese’s cups. It’s messy, indulgent, and completely irresistible — just the way an Earthquake Cake should be.

Whether you’re baking for a party, holiday, or just need an outrageous dessert to satisfy your cravings, this cake delivers next-level decadence with minimal effort.

🍫 Why You’ll Love This Reese’s Earthquake Cake

• Exploding layers of flavor: Chocolate cake base, gooey peanut butter swirls, and melty chocolate pockets.
• Super easy to prepare: Uses a simple boxed cake mix with rich, homemade peanut butter filling.
• Perfect for peanut butter lovers: Packed with Reese’s cups and peanut butter in every bite.
• Crowd-pleasing: This dessert vanishes fast at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.

📝 Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water per package instructions)
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup peanut butter
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, halved

⏱️ Quick Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 45–55 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 12–16 slices

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish to prevent sticking.

2. Make the Cake Base

• Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the package instructions.
• Pour the batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.

3. Mix the Peanut Butter Filling

• In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and melted butter until smooth.
• Add in the peanut butter and vanilla extract, beating until creamy and combined.
• Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until fluffy and smooth.

4. Assemble the Earthquake Cake

• Spoon dollops of the peanut butter mixture over the top of the chocolate cake batter.
• Do not mix them together — the magic happens when it bakes!
• Sprinkle the chocolate chips and halved Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups evenly over the top.

5. Bake to Gooey Perfection

• Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the center is just set and the edges look slightly crisp.
• A toothpick may come out with moist crumbs or melted chocolate — that’s perfectly normal for this gooey-style cake.

6. Cool Slightly and Serve

• Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes so the peanut butter filling thickens slightly.
• Serve warm for the ultimate molten, gooey dessert experience.

🔥 Pro Tips for the Best Earthquake Cake

• Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest peanut butter filling.
• Don’t overbake — the center should stay soft and slightly molten.
• Want extra peanut butter goodness? Drizzle warmed peanut butter over the finished cake.
• Add more Reese’s cups on top after baking for extra presentation points.

🥛 What to Serve With It

Pair this rich, indulgent dessert with:

• A cold glass of milk
• Vanilla ice cream
• Fresh whipped cream

This dessert is already bold and sweet, so simple sides work best to balance the richness.

💬 Final Thoughts

The Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is everything you love about chocolate and peanut butter, taken to the extreme. With gooey pockets of peanut butter filling, melted chocolate, and bursts of mini Reese’s cups, this dessert is as dramatic as it is delicious. It’s the perfect treat when you want something indulgent, easy to make, and impossible to resist.

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