Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake

Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is a rich, gooey dessert that blends chocolate and peanut butter in the most irresistible way. Packed with chunks of Reese’s candy, swirls of cream cheese, and a moist chocolate cake base, every bite of this indulgent treat is a peanut butter lover’s dream.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this cake because it’s easy to make but looks and tastes like something from a bakery. The cream cheese filling and melted peanut butter cups create an “earthquake” effect that’s messy in the best possible way. It’s the kind of dessert I make when I want to impress guests or just treat myself to something truly decadent. And if I’m a fan of peanut butter and chocolate, there’s no going back after tasting this one.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)

• Cream cheese, softened

• Butter, melted

• Powdered sugar

• Peanut butter

• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped

• Reese’s Pieces or peanut butter chips (optional for topping)

• Vanilla extract

directions

1. I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. I prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the box directions and pour it into the baking dish.

3. In a separate bowl, I beat the cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

4. I drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter, then swirl gently with a knife.

5. I melt some peanut butter and drizzle it over the top, followed by sprinkling chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and optional Reese’s Pieces.

6. I bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set but still a little gooey.

7. I let it cool slightly before serving, so the layers settle and the candy holds its shape.

Servings and timing

This cake serves about 12 people and takes around 15 minutes to prep and 40 minutes to bake. I usually let it cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Variations

• I’ve swapped in a peanut butter cake mix for even more peanut butter flavor.

• I sometimes add a handful of mini chocolate chips on top before baking.

• For a nut-free version, I substitute the Reese’s with chocolate candies and use cookie butter instead of peanut butter.

• I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5. To reheat, I pop a slice in the microwave for 15–20 seconds—it brings back that fresh-from-the-oven gooey texture.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, I often bake it the day before and keep it covered. I warm it slightly before serving if I want that gooey texture.

Can I freeze Reese’s Earthquake Cake?

I can! I let it cool completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat individual slices as needed.

Do I have to use cream cheese?

The cream cheese adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweetness, but I’ve made a version without it by just increasing the peanut butter and candy topping—it’s still delicious.

What makes it an “earthquake” cake?

The name comes from the way the cream cheese and candy fillings sink and swirl through the cake as it bakes, creating a cracked, uneven look—like a dessert earthquake!

Can I use homemade chocolate cake?

Absolutely. I’ve used both homemade and box mix cakes, and both work great. The box mix just makes things faster when I need a quick dessert.

Conclusion

Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is the ultimate dessert mashup—creamy, rich, chocolatey, and packed with peanut butter goodness. It’s easy to throw together, super satisfying, and always gets rave reviews whenever I serve it. If I’m craving something decadent, this is the cake I make without hesitation.