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Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake Recipe

Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake Recipe

5 from 22 reviews

A rich and decadent Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake featuring a moist chocolate base swirled with creamy peanut butter and cream cheese mixture, topped generously with chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. This dessert is perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers craving an indulgent treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Batter

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs

Peanut Butter Swirl

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping

  • 1 cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. Make Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the boxed chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Whisk or beat until the batter is smooth and well incorporated. Pour this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  3. Prepare Peanut Butter Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the creamy peanut butter, softened cream cheese, melted unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
  4. Swirl Peanut Butter Mixture: Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture evenly over the chocolate cake batter in the baking dish. Using a knife or skewer, swirl the peanut butter mixture into the chocolate batter gently to create a marbled effect.
  5. Add Topping: Sprinkle the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups evenly over the top of the swirled batter to add texture and extra peanut butter-chocolate flavor.
  6. Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center— it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for a short while before serving. This cake can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother peanut butter swirl.
  • You can substitute the vegetable oil with canola or another neutral oil if preferred.
  • For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate cake mix.
  • Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • This cake freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Reese’s peanut butter cake, peanut butter swirl cake, chocolate peanut butter cake, Earthquake cake, peanut butter dessert, easy chocolate cake recipe