Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is a decadent dessert that combines chocolate cake, peanut butter, cream cheese, and lots of Reese’s treats. It gets its name because of how the gooey fillings crack and bubble through the cake, creating a rich, messy, “earthquake” look.
Here’s a popular and delicious version of the recipe:
Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake
Ingredients:
For the cake base:
-
1 box chocolate fudge cake mix (plus ingredients on box: usually eggs, oil, water)
-
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
For the filling:
-
8 oz cream cheese, softened
-
½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted
-
1 cup peanut butter
-
2 cups powdered sugar
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
Toppings:
-
1½ cups chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
-
½ cup Reese’s Pieces (optional)
-
Extra chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
-
Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
-
Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, melted butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
-
Spoon the filling mixture in dollops over the cake batter. Do not mix it in — just swirl lightly with a knife or spatula to create that “earthquake” look.
-
Sprinkle chopped Reese’s cups, Reese’s Pieces, and chocolate chips evenly over the top.
-
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the cake is mostly set. It should be gooey in parts, but not raw in the center.
-
Cool slightly before cutting. Serve warm for gooey texture or chilled for a fudgier consistency.
Tips:
-
For extra indulgence, drizzle with melted peanut butter or chocolate sauce before serving.
-
Add chopped pretzels for a salty crunch.
Want a version that starts completely from scratch or is gluten-free or low sugar? I can tailor it to your needs!