Are you ready to experience a dessert that combines the rich, creamy taste of chocolate with the irresistible flavor of peanut butter? Allow me to introduce you to the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake! This delectable treat is not just a cake; it’s an explosion of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing! What’s even more exciting is that this recipe is perfect for family gatherings or just a cozy night in.
Did you know that the earthquake cake got its name from the way it looks after baking? As it rises and forms cracks on the surface, it resembles the aftermath of an earthquake! The fun part? The cracks are filled with gooey chocolate and peanut butter goodness. It’s so easy to make that anyone, from a seasoned baker to a kitchen novice, can whip it up in no time. So, why not grab your ingredients and let’s dive into this sweet adventure?
If you love this decadent dessert, you might also want to check out our Chocolate Lava Cake! It shares that rich, gooey texture but brings its own exciting spin to your dessert table. Now, who’s excited to make the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake?
What is Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake?
Alright, let’s get a bit cheeky here. Why on Earth would you call a cake an “earthquake”? It sounds like something you’d have at a geological convention! But fear not, dear reader—the name comes from the unique appearance of the cake as it bakes. Picture this: a beautifully swirled cake filled with the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. It’s a cake that looks like it has been through a delightful seismic event, thanks to the cracks and crevices formed during baking.
As the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and trust me, this cake is a sure way to capture anyone’s heart! So go ahead, give it a try, and bring your friends along for the ride!
Why You’ll Love This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake
There are many reasons to adore this cake, but let me highlight three key aspects that really make it shine. First, the main attraction: the combination of chocolate and peanut butter that results in a satisfyingly rich flavor. You’ll find chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups throughout the cake, creating a delightful surprise with every bite.
Second, the cost-saving benefits of making this masterpiece at home are enticing! Instead of splurging at a bakery, you can create a deliciously decadent dessert that rivals any store-bought treat without breaking the bank. Plus, the ingredients are easily accessible, making the whole experience that much simpler.
Finally, let’s not forget about the fun of customizing! Add in some extra chocolate chips or nuts if you crave that additional crunch. It’s also easy to relate this cake to our Fudge Brownies, which will similarly captivate chocolate lovers with their fudgy texture. So, why not channel your inner baker and make this irresistible cake for your next get-together?
How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake
Quick Overview
Making the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake is a breeze! In just under an hour, you’ll have a stunning dessert that tastes even better than it looks. With its blend of creamy peanut butter, luscious chocolate, and gooey cake, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful creation!
Key Ingredients for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this delicious recipe:
- 1 package of chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup of creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 cup of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
- 1 cup of chocolate chips
- 1 cup of milk (for a creamy texture)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure your cake comes out nicely without sticking.
- Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Mixture: In another bowl, mix the peanut butter with powdered sugar until smooth.
- Combine: Pour half of the chocolate cake batter into the prepared baking pan. Spoon dollops of the peanut butter mixture on top, then sprinkle half of the chopped Reese’s and chocolate chips.
- Layer it Up: Pour the remaining cake batter over the top and finish with the rest of the peanut butter, Reese’s, and chocolate chips. Use a knife to swirl the mixtures together lightly, creating that delightful “earthquake” effect.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool Down: Let the cake cool in the pan before slicing. This will help the gooey center settle a bit, making it easier to serve.
Top Tips for Perfecting Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake
To elevate your cake-making game, here are some handy tips:
- Measure Accurately: Make sure to measure your ingredients properly for the best results.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your eggs and milk sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter.
- Swirling Technique: When you swirl the peanut butter mixture, be careful not to overmix it, as you want to maintain pockets of peanut butter goodness throughout the cake.
- Add Texture: Feel free to throw in some chopped nuts or even drizzle extra chocolate or caramel sauce over the top when serving for added richness!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), here’s how to keep your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake fresh. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it can stay good for up to four days. You can also freeze slices for those spontaneous cravings that are sure to strike later on. Just wrap slices well to prevent freezer burn, and thaw in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!
When it comes to reheating, simply pop a piece in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This will warm it up and restore its gooey texture—perfection!
So there you have it, folks! The Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake is an adventure for your taste buds that you’ll want to dive into headfirst. With its varied textures and scrumptious flavors, it’s perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Get baking, and enjoy every last crumb!

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 package chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs Room temperature for best results
Peanut Butter Mixture
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Mix-Ins
- 1 cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup milk For a creamy texture
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- In another bowl, mix the peanut butter with powdered sugar until smooth.
Layering
- Pour half of the chocolate cake batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Spoon dollops of the peanut butter mixture on top, then sprinkle half of the chopped Reese’s and chocolate chips.
- Pour the remaining cake batter over the top and finish with the rest of the peanut butter, Reese’s, and chocolate chips.
- Use a knife to swirl the mixtures together lightly, creating the 'earthquake' effect.
Baking
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan before slicing.

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