Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake Recipe

Introduction

If you’re a fan of chocolate and peanut butter, Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is a dream come true. This rich, indulgent dessert layers creamy peanut butter and chunks of Reese’s cups within a moist chocolate cake, topped with a luscious whipped and chocolate drizzle for the ultimate treat.

Ingredients

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• Ingredients required for cake mix (usually eggs, oil, and water)
• 1 jar (16 oz) creamy peanut butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup crushed Reese’s peanut butter cups
• 1 cup mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped
• 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to the temperature indicated on the cake mix box.
2. Step 2: Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package directions, then pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar, mixing until smooth and well blended.
4. Step 4: Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture evenly over the cake batter.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the crushed and chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups on top of the batter.
6. Step 6: Bake the cake as directed on the cake mix box until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Step 7: Allow the cake to cool slightly, then spread the whipped topping evenly over the warm cake.
8. Step 8: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips, butter, and heavy cream together in short bursts, stirring until smooth.
9. Step 9: Drizzle the melted chocolate mixture over the whipped topping layer and let the cake set before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For added texture, fold some chopped peanuts into the peanut butter mixture before dropping it onto the cake.
• Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for a different mouthfeel.
• Substitute the whipped topping with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
• Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate drizzle to enhance flavor contrast.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly. Reheat individual slices briefly in the microwave if you prefer a warm dessert.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can use your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe. Just ensure the batter is thick enough to hold the peanut butter dollops and Reese’s pieces without sinking.

Is it possible to make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare and assemble the cake as directed, then refrigerate it overnight. The flavors meld beautifully, making it taste even better the next day.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.9 from 742 reviews

• Author: Gabriel
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is a decadent and indulgent dessert that combines rich chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter, chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups, and a luscious whipped topping drizzled with chocolate ganache. This no-fuss cake is perfect for peanut butter lovers looking for a crowd-pleasing treat that blends classic flavors with a fun textured twist.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chocolate Cake

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• Ingredients required for cake mix (usually eggs, oil, and water as per package instructions)

Peanut Butter Mixture

• 1 jar (16 oz) creamy peanut butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Reese’s Toppings

• 1 cup crushed Reese’s peanut butter cups
• 1 cup mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped

Whipped Topping

• 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

Chocolate Ganache Drizzle

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

---

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the chocolate cake mix box to ensure even baking.
2. Prepare Cake Batter: Follow the instructions on the chocolate cake box by mixing the cake mix with the required eggs, oil, and water until smooth. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish evenly.
3. Make Peanut Butter Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar, mixing well until the mixture is smooth and spreadable.
4. Add Peanut Butter Dollops: Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture on top of the cake batter in the baking dish, distributing them evenly to create pockets of rich flavor.
5. Top with Reese’s Cups: Sprinkle the crushed Reese’s peanut butter cups and chopped mini peanut butter cups over the cake batter and peanut butter dollops for added texture and taste.
6. Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake according to the time and temperature instructions on the cake mix box until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Add Whipped Topping: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Then, gently spread the whipped topping over the surface of the cake for a light, creamy layer.
8. Prepare Chocolate Ganache: In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, melt together the semi-sweet chocolate chips, butter, and heavy cream, stirring until smooth and glossy.
9. Drizzle Ganache: Drizzle the warm chocolate ganache evenly over the whipped topping layer for a beautiful, shiny finish and extra chocolate flavor.
10. Set Before Serving: Allow the cake to sit at room temperature or refrigerate briefly so the ganache sets before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Use a glass or metal baking dish around 9×13 inches for even baking and best layering.
• You can substitute mini peanut butter cups for chopped regular Reese’s cups if mini are unavailable.
• For easier spreading, let the peanut butter mixture soften slightly at room temperature before mixing with powdered sugar.
• If you prefer a stronger peanut butter flavor, add an extra 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter to the mixture.
• This cake can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and tastes great slightly chilled.
• To make clean slices, chill the cake before cutting and use a sharp knife wiped clean after each slice.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Reese’s cake, peanut butter cake, chocolate peanut butter dessert, chocolate cake with peanut butter, Reese’s peanut butter cups dessert