If you’re a fan of chocolate and peanut butter, this Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake will become your new go-to dessert! Featuring a rich, chocolate cake base topped with gooey peanut butter cream cheese swirls and pockets of melted Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, this indulgent cake is a showstopper that will wow your guests. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this dessert is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake combines the best of both worlds—chocolate cake and peanut butter—in a decadent dessert that has everything you love. The creamy peanut butter swirl creates the signature “earthquake” effect, while the melted Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups add pockets of rich, gooey goodness throughout the cake. The result is a moist, indulgent treat with a satisfying texture and irresistible flavor. Perfect for peanut butter lovers, this cake will quickly become a favorite at your next gathering or family dinner. Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 box of chocolate cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water per box instructions)
½ cup butter, melted

For the Creamy Peanut Butter Swirl:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup peanut butter (creamy works best)
½ tsp vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar

For the Toppings:

½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, halved

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish (glass works best for even heat distribution).

2. Prepare the Cake:

Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the instructions on the box (typically with water, oil, and eggs). Once the batter is smooth, pour it into the greased baking dish.

3. Make the Peanut Butter Swirl:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and melted butter until smooth and creamy. Add the peanut butter and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the mixture is thick and fluffy (almost frosting-like).

4. Assemble the Cake:

Spoon dollops of the peanut butter cream mixture over the chocolate cake batter, creating swirls on top. Do not mix it in—let the swirls bake into the cake, creating the signature “earthquake” pattern.

5. Add Toppings:

Sprinkle chocolate chips and halved Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups over the top. Gently press some into the batter, but leave some on top for visual appeal and extra gooeyness.

6. Bake the Cake:

Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the edges are set, the top is slightly cracked, and the center is firm but may still jiggle slightly. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

7. Cool and Serve:

Let the cake cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it warm for a gooey, indulgent treat or let it cool for cleaner slices. Either way, it’s irresistible!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

Add Nuts: For extra crunch, add chopped peanuts or walnuts on top of the cake before baking.
Make It Vegan: Use a vegan chocolate cake mix, plant-based butter, and a dairy-free cream cheese to make this cake vegan-friendly.
Swirl in Caramel: For an extra decadent twist, swirl some caramel sauce into the peanut butter mixture for added sweetness and richness.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds to enjoy the gooey, warm texture again.

FAQs

Can I use a homemade cake mix instead of a box mix?

Yes, you can use a homemade chocolate cake recipe if you prefer. Just make sure it has a similar consistency to the box cake mix.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

While creamy peanut butter is recommended for a smooth swirl, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture if you prefer a bit more crunch.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.

Can I use regular-sized Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups instead of mini ones?

Yes, you can use regular-sized Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Simply chop them into smaller pieces and sprinkle them on top as directed.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when the edges are set, the top is slightly cracked, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, this cake can be frozen. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I make this cake in a different-sized pan?

If you use a different-sized pan, you may need to adjust the baking time. Keep an eye on the cake and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or skewer.

How can I make the cake more peanut buttery?

For an even stronger peanut butter flavor, increase the amount of peanut butter in the cream cheese mixture or add peanut butter chips to the cake batter before baking.

Can I skip the cream cheese in the swirl?

If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or skip it altogether for a simpler peanut butter topping, though the texture and flavor may change slightly.

Can I add more chocolate chips to the cake?

Absolutely! If you’re a chocolate lover, feel free to add more chocolate chips to the batter or sprinkle extra on top for even more chocolatey goodness.

Conclusion

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is an indulgent, decadent dessert that brings together all the best flavors: rich chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter swirls, and gooey pockets of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it with family, this cake is sure to be a hit!