Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake Recipe

Introduction

The Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is a luscious, rich dessert that combines the best of chocolate and peanut butter in a moist, decadent cake. Its gooey swirls and chunks of Reese’s cups make every bite an indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients needed on box)
• 1/2 cup butter
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup mini Reese’s cups

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the chocolate cake according to the directions on the box.
2. Step 2: Grease a 9×13 baking pan and pour the cake batter evenly into the pan. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl until fully melted.
4. Step 4: Add the softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract to the melted butter. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the powdered sugar into the peanut butter mixture, stirring well to combine.
6. Step 6: Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture evenly over the surface of the cake batter.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle the chocolate chips and mini Reese’s cups evenly on top.
8. Step 8: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.
9. Step 9: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving to enjoy the gooey texture.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, toast some chopped peanuts and sprinkle them on top before baking.
• Substitute mini Reese’s cups with chopped peanut butter cups or your favorite chocolate candies.
• If you prefer a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and peanut butter.

Storage

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to restore the gooey texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake from scratch without a box mix?

Absolutely! You can use your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe. Just prepare the batter as usual and follow the remaining steps with the peanut butter mixture and toppings.

Will this cake freeze well?

Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 150 reviews

This decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake features a rich chocolate base topped with a luscious peanut butter and cream cheese swirl, studded with chocolate chips and mini Reese’s cups. Baked to perfection, this indulgent dessert offers a perfect blend of creamy, chocolatey, and peanut buttery flavors that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake

• 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients needed on box)
• 1/2 cup butter

Peanut Butter Mixture

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups powdered sugar

Toppings

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup mini Reese’s cups

Instructions

1. Prepare cake batter: Follow the instructions on the chocolate cake mix box to prepare the batter, then grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and pour the batter evenly into it.
2. Melt butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/2 cup of butter until completely melted but not boiling.
3. Make peanut butter mixture: To the melted butter, add the softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
4. Add powdered sugar: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture until fully combined and thickened.
5. Drop peanut butter dollops onto batter: Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture evenly over the chocolate cake batter in the pan.
6. Add toppings: Sprinkle chocolate chips and mini Reese’s cups evenly over the top of the peanut butter dollops and cake batter.
7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the assembled cake for 45-50 minutes until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool and serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

• Use softened cream cheese for easier mixing and smoother texture.
• You can substitute mini Reese’s cups with chopped peanut butter cups if desired.
• For extra richness, chill the cake after cooling and serve slightly chilled.
• Ensure not to overbake; the cake should be moist but fully cooked.
• The peanut butter dollops will slightly sink and swirl during baking, creating the earthquake effect.

Keywords: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake, Earthquake Cake, Peanut Butter Swirl Cake, Chocolate Dessert, Reese’s Cup Cake