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Indulge in this rich Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake treat that combines a soft chocolate base with creamy peanut butter ribbons and pockets of Reese's cups. It's a perfect dessert to share and enjoy with your loved ones.
This cake first came to life when I had little time but wanted to wow my guests. It quickly became a family favorite everyone asks for again and again.
Ingredients
- Chocolate cake mix: a dependable base with rich cocoa taste. Pick your fave brand for best results
- Butter: adds richness to the peanut cream. Use unsalted to keep salt in check
- Cream cheese: gives a tangy creaminess. Make sure it’s soft so no lumps show up
- Creamy peanut butter: the main flavor star. Chunky varieties give a nice crunch
- Vanilla extract: lifts everything up. Pure vanilla smells best
- Powdered sugar: thickens and sweetens the peanut cream. Sift if you want it ultra smooth
- Semi sweet chocolate chips: scattered throughout for chocolatey bursts. Get good quality for easy melting
- Mini Reese’s cups: salty and sweet pops. Fresh ones make a difference
Steps
- Mix the Cake Batter
- Follow the package instructions closely using fresh eggs and oil. Stir just enough so it’s mixed but not overdone or the cake gets tough
- Prep the Pan and Add Batter
- Grab a 9x13 pan and coat it well with butter or spray so nothing sticks. Pour the batter in evenly and level it out with a spatula
- Whip Up Peanut Butter Cream
- Melt butter in the microwave until soft but not liquidy. Mix in softened cream cheese, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until everything is silky smooth—this avoids lumps that show when swirled
- Blend in Powdered Sugar
- Add the powdered sugar slowly while stirring. This makes a thick but spoon-friendly cream. Take your time to get it even
- Drop Swirls Onto Batter
- Spoon dollops of the peanut butter cream all over the cake batter. This creates the cool “earthquake” look when baked
- Top with Chocolate and Reese’s
- Sprinkle chocolate chips and mini Reese’s evenly on top for melty bits and visual wow
- Bake the Cake
- Heat oven to 350°F. Bake for about 45-50 minutes. Test doneness by poking with a toothpick near the middle; it should come out with some moist crumbs but no wet batter
- Cool Down and Serve
- Let the cake chill a bit on a wire rack while still in the pan. This helps it firm up and keeps the swirl neat. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temp
Whenever I bring this to family get-togethers, it sparks fun memories of peanut butter sandwiches and makes the day feel extra cozy.
Keeping It Fresh
Put leftovers in a sealed container at room temp to keep them moist for up to three days. You can chill it but it might dry out the cake a bit. If you want to save slices longer, freeze each one wrapped tightly and thaw before eating.
Swap Ideas
If you want a different nutty twist, try almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter. Dark chocolate chips can add a bittersweet kick. Using light cream cheese makes it a bit less rich and a little lighter in texture.
Serving Suggestions
Top it off with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for more indulgence. Throw on chopped peanuts or drizzle caramel sauce to boost flavor and crunch. A cold glass of milk pairs perfectly with this combo.
Backstory
This dessert taps into the classic US love for chocolate and peanut butter, popularized by Reese’s. The “earthquake” name comes from the wild swirl look that surprises when you cut it. Tons of versions switch up nuts or add crunchy toppings.
Don’t let it bake too long if you want moist, tender cake
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → Can I swap box mix for homemade chocolate cake?
You sure can. Homemade chocolate cake batter works well and adds a nice personal touch.
- → Which peanut butter should I use?
Creamy peanut butter makes smooth swirls, but chunky adds a fun, textured bite if you like.
- → How do I stop the peanut butter from sinking during baking?
Plop spoonfuls gently onto the batter and swirl lightly to keep the peanut butter near the top as it bakes.
- → Are other chocolates okay instead of Reese’s cups?
Definitely, mini chocolate candies or chopped bars make great tasty swaps.
- → What’s the best way to keep this cake fresh?
Store it in a sealed container on the counter at room temp for up to three days to keep it moist and tasty.