Reeses Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake Recipe
Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is a rich, decadent dessert combining moist devil’s food chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter layers and chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups for a gooey, flavorful treat. This cake blends classic chocolate and peanut butter flavors into an irresistible, fudge-like experience perfect for celebrations or whenever you crave an indulgent dessert.
- Author: Isabella
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix (devil’s food recommended)
- 1 cup water (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
Peanut Butter Filling
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (regular, not natural)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (broken up, no need to sift)
- 1/2 cup melted butter (salted or unsalted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins and Toppings
- 1 cup Reese’s peanut butter cups (minis, chopped into quarters)
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate)
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth and well incorporated, ensuring no lumps remain. The batter should be thick but pourable.
- Make the Peanut Butter Filling: In a separate bowl, mix together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy, forming a thick peanut butter layer.
- Layer the Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour half of the chocolate cake batter into the dish and spread evenly. Drop spoonfuls of half the peanut butter mixture over the batter, then sprinkle with half of the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Add the Second Layer: Pour the remaining cake batter over the peanut butter and candy layer, spreading gently to avoid mixing. Add the remaining peanut butter mixture in spoonfuls over the top, followed by the remaining chopped peanut butter cups and chocolate chips. The batter and filling will ripple and swirl, creating an ‘earthquake’ effect.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep the gooey texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to set the peanut butter layers. Slice into squares and serve as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use regular creamy peanut butter, not natural, to prevent separation and ensure smooth filling.
- If you prefer a sweeter cake, substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate chips.
- Room temperature eggs and water help the batter mix evenly for a better texture.
- For easier cutting, chill the cake slightly after it cools to firm up the layers.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Peanut Butter Cake, Reese’s Cake, Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert, Earthquake Cake, Indulgent Cake, Holiday Dessert