š«š„ A Chocolate-Peanut Butter Loverās Dream!
š Introduction
The Ā Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is not just a dessertāitās a gooey, indulgent, flavor-exploding experience. Loaded with rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and tangy cream cheese, this cake is named for the way it bakes: the dense filling bubbles up and cracks through the chocolate cake like a delicious earthquake. If youāre a fan of Reeseās Peanut Butter Cups, this cake is your dessert destiny!
Whether for birthdays, bake sales, holidays, or ājust because,ā this show-stopping cake satisfies even the fiercest sweet tooth. Itās easy to make using a boxed cake mix, yet fancy enough to impress guests.
š Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the boxāusually eggs, oil, water)
For the Creamy Swirl:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
For the Mix-Ins:
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup peanut butter chips (optional but highly recommended)
- ½ cup chopped Reeseās Peanut Butter Cups (about 4 regular cups)
š©āš³ Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the cake mix according to the instructions on the box. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and melted butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add the peanut butter and vanilla extract and continue mixing.
- Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until thick and smooth.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter. Do not spreadāthis is what creates the āearthquakeā effect.
- Sprinkle the top with chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and chopped Reeseās cups.
- Bake for 40ā45 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still a little gooey.
- Let cool slightly before cutting. Serve warm for the best molten, gooey texture.
š§ Method Overview
- Mix and Pour: Start with the cake base.
- Whip and Dollop: Make the creamy filling and dollop generously.
- Sprinkle and Bake: Add your toppings, bake until bubbly, and serve!
š°ļø History of the Earthquake Cake
The original Earthquake Cake likely dates back to American kitchens in the 1970s, a time when boxed cake mixes were booming and creative home bakers experimented with gooey fillings and mix-ins. This Reeseās version adds a peanut-buttery twist to the classic, inspired by the unbeatable chocolate + peanut butter combination that Reeseās popularized since 1928.
š” Benefits of This Cake
- ā Easy: Minimal prep, no decorating skills needed.
- ā Rich Flavor: Combines chocolate, peanut butter, and cream cheese.
- ā Crowd-Pleaser: Great for birthdays, holidays, or potlucks.
- ā Customizable: Add nuts, marshmallows, or caramel drizzle.
š§© Formation Tips
- Layer Smart: Donāt mix the layersālet gravity and baking do the magic!
- Chop Reeseās small so they melt slightly into the cake.
- Use foil or parchment for easier removal from the pan.
š§ Nutrition (approx. per slice, serves 12)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | ~450ā500 kcal |
Fat | ~25g |
Sugar | ~40g |
Protein | ~5g |
Carbohydrates | ~55g |
Note: This is a decadent treat meant for occasional indulgence. Enjoy responsibly!
š Lovers of This Cake
This dessert is for:
- š« Chocolate addicts
- š„ Peanut butter lovers
- š Party-goers
- š©āš³ Casual bakers
- š Anyone with a sweet tooth
Perfect for family gatherings, date nights, game days, or “I need something sweet right now” nights!
š Conclusion
The Reeseās Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is a wild, gooey, sweet ride. Itās not just bakedāitās born in chaos and delivered in flavor. If you love desserts that are bold, messy, and full of personality, this is your perfect match.
š With Lovers in Mind
Make this cake and share it with:
- Your best friend during a movie night
- Your sweetheart on a rainy evening
- Your kids during a celebration
- Yourselfābecause self-love is sweet too!
Would you like a printable version or a quick social media caption to share this cake? š°