Okay, friend. If you’re here, I have just one thing to say: DO. NOT. LOSE. THIS. RECIPE. 🙌
Because this is not your average chocolate cake. This is a Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake — a rich, fudgy, gooey dessert bomb that literally erupts with peanut butter, cream cheese, and chocolate. Every bite is packed with melty, swirled, indulgent magic.
I’m talking warm chocolate cake on top, a peanut buttery cheesecake river underneath, and pockets of melted chocolate chips throughout. It’s messy, it’s melty, it’s indulgent — and it’s 100% worth every forkful.
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What Is Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake?
It’s a rich chocolate cake base made from a box mix (hello, easy!), but instead of baking it like normal, you pour a thick, creamy peanut butter cheesecake mixture right over the top. As it bakes, the filling sinks and swirls into the cake, creating that gooey, “earthquake” look — cracked top, messy center, glorious texture.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get better: chocolate chips melt into the crevices for even more decadence.
Why You’ll Be Obsessed
- 🍫 One bowl + one box = dessert magic
- 🥜 Peanut butter + chocolate = the ultimate power couple
- 🤯 Swirly, gooey texture that feels like lava cake meets cheesecake
- 🧁 No frosting needed — the filling is the topping
- 🥳 Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or “just because” baking therapy
What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine:
- A rich, moist chocolate cake
- Ribbons of sweet peanut butter cheesecake
- Gooey pockets of chocolate chips
- A slightly crisp, crinkly top that gives way to a molten center
Every bite is a sweet, salty, fudgy swirl of happiness. It’s the kind of dessert where people go back for seconds and ask for the recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (any brand, plus ingredients listed on the box — usually eggs, oil, water)
For the Filling:
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup peanut butter (creamy works best)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Toppings:
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
(Optional but encouraged: Chopped Reese’s, crushed peanuts, or a peanut butter drizzle on top!)
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or whisk
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Rubber spatula
- Nonstick spray
- Toothpick or knife for testing doneness
How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to package instructions.
Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and don’t bake yet.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Filling
In a large bowl, beat together:
- Melted butter
- Softened cream cheese
- Peanut butter
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar
Mix until smooth and thick. It’ll be very sweet and creamy — and hard to resist sampling. 😋
Step 4: Layer It Up
Dollop the peanut butter filling by the spoonful over the cake batter.
Use a knife to swirl it slightly, but don’t overmix — you want big ribbons of gooey filling.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips
Sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the top.
(Optional: Add chopped Reese’s cups here for extra wow.)
Step 6: Bake
Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick comes out mostly clean (a little goo is good — it’s supposed to be messy!).
Let cool slightly before slicing. The center will settle and become gorgeously gooey as it cools.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm for maximum goo factor.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top = mind blown.
- Drizzle with extra melted peanut butter or chocolate syrup for drama.
- Slice into small squares — trust me, it’s rich!
Tips for Success
- Don’t over-swirl the filling — big swirls = better texture and visual appeal
- Room temp cream cheese is key for a smooth filling
- Drain the urge to overbake — it’s okay if the center is a little soft
- Let it cool for 15–20 mins before slicing for neater squares
How to Store
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Freezer: Freeze individual slices, wrapped well, for up to 2 months
- Reheat: Microwave slices for 20–30 seconds to revive that gooey goodness
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make it without peanut butter?
Sure! Swap in cookie butter or Nutella for a fun twist.
Can I use homemade cake batter?
Yes! Any chocolate cake recipe that fits a 9×13-inch pan will work.
Can I add Reese’s candies?
YES PLEASE. Chop them and sprinkle on top before baking — or press them in halfway through bake time so they don’t melt completely.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s best warm, but it also holds up well in the fridge for a few days.
In a Gooey, Chocolatey Nutshell…
This Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is:
- Wildly decadent
- Super easy to throw together
- Perfect for chocolate and peanut butter lovers
- A guaranteed hit at any gathering
- The kind of dessert you bookmark, screenshot, and share with your besties
So trust me when I say… don’t lose this recipe. 💥🍫🥜
More Peanut Butter & Chocolate Treats You’ll Love:
- Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
- No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake
- Peanut Butter Cheesecake Dip with Graham Crackers
Show Off Your Sweet Side! 🍫
If you make this cake, I’d love to see it!
📸 Tag me on Instagram or Pinterest — especially if it has that glorious crackly top and gooey swirls!
💬 And don’t forget to drop a comment or review below — I love hearing how your creations turn out!
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approx. 12 slices)
- Calories: 530
- Fat: 30g
- Carbs: 60g
- Sugar: 45g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
Here’s to gooey layers, peanut butter dreams, and chocolatey earthquakes that shake up your dessert game! 🌋🍫🥜
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