Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake – Decadence Overload
Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake – Decadence Overload 🍫
Introduction
If dessert had a superhero, it would be Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake. This cake is exactly what it sounds like: a fudgy chocolate base riddled with rich peanut butter swirls, mini Reese’s cups, and chocolate chips—every bite a delicious, chaotic explosion of flavor and texture. It’s the ultimate indulgence for chocolate and peanut butter lovers, and honestly, one slice is never enough.
What makes this cake irresistible is the contrast of textures. The dense, fudgy chocolate cake melts in your mouth while the peanut butter-cream cheese layer adds richness and a slight tang. Then there are the chocolate chips and Reese’s cups, giving sweet, nutty, and slightly crunchy surprises throughout. It’s the kind of dessert that draws a crowd, disappearing faster than you can say “one more slice.”
Perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or just an over-the-top weekend treat, this cake is surprisingly easy to assemble. Using a boxed chocolate cake mix as the base keeps things simple, while the peanut butter-cream cheese mixture elevates it into something decadent and homemade. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream for maximum indulgence. This is a cake that makes people stop, stare, and inevitably ask for seconds.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake
Ingredients
-
1 Box Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix (oil, eggs, water)
-
8 oz Softened cream cheese
-
1/2 Cup softened butter
-
1/2 Cup creamy peanut butter
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
4 Cups powdered sugar
-
1/2 Cup chocolate chips
-
1 Cup miniature Reese’s peanut butter cups, unwrapped and cut in halves
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9 x 13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
-
In a large bowl, mix together the ingredients for your chocolate fudge cake. Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and set aside.
-
In a separate bowl, mix together cream cheese, butter, peanut butter, and vanilla until well combined. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until all 4 cups are incorporated.
-
Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the chocolate cake batter and lightly spread around.
-
Sprinkle Reese’s peanut butter cup halves and chocolate chips evenly on top.
-
Bake for 45-50 minutes, checking the center after 45 minutes with a toothpick test.
-
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. ENJOY!
Tips for Perfect Earthquake Cake
-
Room temperature ingredients: Make sure cream cheese and butter are softened for smooth mixing.
-
Gentle swirling: Don’t overmix the peanut butter layer into the cake—leave swirls for a marbled effect and better texture.
-
Check doneness: A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean, with a few crumbs attached.
-
Reese’s placement: Press them lightly into the batter so they don’t sink entirely.
Serving Ideas
-
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
-
Slice into squares for parties or potlucks—each piece is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
-
Add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce on top for a show-stopping presentation.
-
Perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers’ dessert tables.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, cut into individual slices and freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, but creamy gives a smoother swirl and better texture in the cake.
Can I make this in a round pan?
Absolutely! Bake for 40-45 minutes, but check with a toothpick for doneness.
Do I have to use a boxed cake mix?
No, but it makes the process faster. Homemade chocolate cake works too.
Can I skip the chocolate chips or Reese’s cups?
Yes, but they’re what make this dessert an “earthquake”—highly recommended for maximum indulgence.
