Introduction
When it comes to decadent, indulgent desserts, few creations can match the delicious chaos of an Earthquake Cake—and when you bring Reese’s Peanut Butter into the mix, you elevate it into an irresistible masterpiece. The Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is a dessert that embodies all things rich, gooey, creamy, and utterly delightful. This cake literally looks like it exploded in the oven, with rivers of melted peanut butter, gooey chocolate, and velvety cream cheese swirling through every bite. It’s the kind of treat that’s perfect for parties, holidays, potlucks, or simply whenever you crave something over-the-top and satisfying.
The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make. With a few simple pantry staples and a generous helping of Reese’s Pieces and Reese’s Cups, you can whip up a dessert that looks impressive, tastes divine, and disappears faster than you can blink. Whether you’re a fan of peanut butter, chocolate, or all things sweet, this Earthquake Cake guarantees you a flavor explosion unlike anything else.
Get ready to create a messy, melty, magical cake that will leave everyone begging for seconds!
Ingredients:
For the Cake Base:
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1 box chocolate fudge cake mix (or your favorite chocolate cake mix)
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1/2 cup vegetable oil
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3 large eggs
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1 cup water
For the Cream Cheese Mixture:
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8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
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2 cups powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins:
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1 cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
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1/2 cup Reese’s Pieces candies
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1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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1/2 cup peanut butter chips
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1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (melted slightly for drizzling)
Preparation:
Step 1:
Preheat and Prepare Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Set aside.
Step 2:
Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and water. Use a hand mixer or whisk to mix until smooth and no lumps remain. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 3:
Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat again until smooth and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 4:
Layer the Cake:
Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture randomly over the top of the chocolate cake batter. Do not spread it evenly; the goal is to create pockets of creamy filling. Scatter the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chips, and peanut butter chips generously over the entire surface.
Step 5:
Drizzle and Bake:
Drizzle the slightly melted creamy peanut butter over the entire cake. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the layers together, creating a marbled effect (don’t overmix). Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the center is set but still a little jiggly—it will continue setting as it cools.
Variation:
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Brownie Base: Instead of a cake mix, use brownie batter for an even fudgier texture.
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped roasted peanuts or chopped almonds on top for an extra crunch.
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White Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake: Substitute white cake mix and white chocolate chips for a lighter twist.
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Extra Chocolate Explosion: Add a layer of Nutella or chocolate ganache for an ultra-rich version.
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Salted Caramel Drizzle: After baking, drizzle with salted caramel sauce for a sweet-salty flavor boost.
Cooking Note:
The cake will look messy and imperfect when baked—that’s the beauty of an Earthquake Cake! Don’t expect smooth, clean layers; the cream cheese and candy melt and swirl into each other, creating a rustic, gooey masterpiece. It’s normal for the top to crack and ripple—it adds to the “earthquake” effect. Be sure not to overbake; you want the center to be just slightly underdone for maximum gooeyness.
Serving Suggestions:
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Slightly Warm: Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top.
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Drizzle Extra Peanut Butter: Warm some extra peanut butter and drizzle over each serving.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle with chocolate fudge sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
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Whipped Cream: Add a generous dollop of whipped cream to cut through the richness.
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Perfect for Parties: Slice into small squares for bite-sized portions perfect for dessert tables and buffets.
Tips:
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese and butter are fully softened to avoid lumps in your cream cheese mixture.
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Don’t Overmix: When swirling, less is more. Overmixing will muddy the layers instead of creating beautiful pockets of flavor.
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Customize the Add-ins: Feel free to swap out Reese’s Pieces for M&M’s, Snickers chunks, or any other favorite candy.
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Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive the gooeyness.
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Freezing: You can freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
40–45 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour
Nutritional Information (per slice, based on 16 servings):
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Calories: 420 kcal
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Protein: 5 g
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Sodium: 310 mg
(Note: Nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
FAQs
Q1: Can I make Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake ahead of time?
Answer:
Yes! You can bake it a day ahead and store it covered at room temperature or in the fridge. Reheat slices slightly before serving for the best texture.
Q2: Can I use a homemade chocolate cake base instead of a boxed mix?
Answer:
Absolutely. A homemade chocolate cake recipe will work just fine. Just ensure the batter is thick enough to hold the cream cheese swirls and candy toppings.
Q3: Can I make it without cream cheese?
Answer:
You can omit the cream cheese layer, but it won’t have the same creamy, earthquake texture. Consider substituting it with a peanut butter cheesecake mixture for a different spin.
Q4: How do I know when the cake is done?
Answer:
The edges should be firm and the center should be mostly set but slightly jiggly. The residual heat will continue to cook the cake once removed from the oven.
Q5: How should I store leftovers?
Answer:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm before serving for the best gooey texture.
Conclusion
Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is everything a dessert lover dreams of: rich, gooey, chocolatey, peanut buttery, and completely outrageous. Every bite offers a different combination of flavors and textures—from the soft cake to the melted Reese’s candies, creamy cheesecake pockets, and rich peanut butter drizzles. It’s the perfect “messy in the best way” kind of dessert that not only tastes phenomenal but also brings a sense of fun and indulgence to any table.
Whether you’re making it for a special occasion, a birthday, a holiday, or just because you’re craving something decadent, this cake promises to be a show-stopper. Be prepared for everyone to ask for the recipe—and for the cake to vanish in record time. Trust me, one bite and you’ll understand why this is truly an earthquake of deliciousness!