Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is a dessert that lives up to its name—it’s an explosion of gooey chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and melty candy goodness in every bite. This rich, indulgent cake practically makes itself as it bakes—the layers swirl and “crack” together, creating a marbled masterpiece of fudgy cake and luscious peanut butter filling. I first made this cake for a family game night, and it didn’t even last until dessert time. The combination of chocolate cake mix, peanut butter, and Reese’s candies is simply irresistible. Once, I drizzled extra chocolate ganache over the top, and it took the indulgence to a whole new level. Whether you’re baking for a party, potluck, or just to satisfy a late-night craving, this Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is guaranteed to steal the show.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is as easy to make as it is indulgent. It uses simple ingredients, including a boxed chocolate cake mix, yet the results are spectacular—a gooey, molten center filled with pockets of cream cheese and peanut butter cups. Every bite is rich, moist, and full of chocolate-peanut butter perfection. You’ll love how the cake “cracks” and bubbles as it bakes, creating an irresistible, rustic look. It’s a no-fail dessert that impresses everyone and tastes even better the next day.
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Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake – Gooey, Chocolatey & Outrageously Decadent
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is a rich, gooey, and indulgent dessert loaded with chocolate cake, Reese’s peanut butter cups, peanut butter chips, and a luscious cream cheese swirl — every bite explodes with irresistible peanut butter and chocolate flavor.
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, and water)
- ½ cup peanut butter chips
- ½ cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- ½ cup Reese’s Pieces (optional for extra crunch)
- For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the package directions. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Make the Cream Cheese Swirl: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Spoon large dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the chocolate cake batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the two layers together — don’t overmix, as you want visible streaks.
- Sprinkle the top with peanut butter chips, chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and Reese’s Pieces (if using).
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center remains slightly gooey (it will firm up as it cools).
- Let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing — serve warm for a molten texture or chilled for a fudgy consistency.
Notes
- This cake is delicious on its own, but even better topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Don’t overbake — the ‘earthquake’ texture comes from the gooey cream cheese layer.
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chocolate cake mix – The base of the cake; use your favorite brand for a rich, moist texture.
Eggs, oil, and water – For preparing the cake mix.
Cream cheese (softened) – Adds creaminess and creates the signature “earthquake” effect.
Butter (melted) – Blends with cream cheese for a rich, gooey texture.
Powdered sugar – Sweetens the cream cheese layer.
Peanut butter – Adds nutty richness and perfectly complements the chocolate.
Reese’s peanut butter cups (chopped) – Provide melty bursts of chocolate and peanut butter.
Reese’s Pieces or peanut butter chips – Add crunch, color, and extra sweetness.
Chocolate chips (optional) – For an even more decadent finish.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside.
Prepare the cake layer: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix with eggs, oil, and water according to the package instructions. Mix until smooth, then spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Make the cream cheese layer: In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, melted butter, peanut butter, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the cake: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the two layers together, creating a marbled effect. Sprinkle chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups, Reese’s Pieces, and chocolate chips evenly over the top.
Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still gooey. The top will look cracked—that’s the signature “earthquake” appearance!
Let the cake cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm for a molten texture or chilled for a fudgier bite.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 12–15 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Cooling time: 20 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving for that gooey, fresh-from-the-oven feel. To freeze, wrap slices tightly and store for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Double Chocolate Explosion – Add a handful of extra chocolate chips or drizzle with chocolate ganache before serving.
Salted Caramel Version – Swirl caramel sauce through the batter and sprinkle sea salt on top before baking.
Crunchy Peanut Butter Cake – Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
Brownie Base Twist – Replace the cake mix with a boxed brownie mix for an extra fudgy version.
Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix for the same delicious results.
Mini Earthquake Cakes – Bake in muffin tins for individual servings; reduce baking time to 18–20 minutes.
Peanut Butter Swirl Cheesecake Earthquake Cake – Add a little extra cream cheese and swirl more deeply for a marbled cheesecake effect.
FAQs
Why is it called “Earthquake Cake”?
Because the layers shift and crack as it bakes, creating a deliciously messy, “shaken” look.
Can I make it without cream cheese?
You can, but the cream cheese adds richness and helps create the gooey texture.
Can I use homemade cake batter instead of a mix?
Yes, a simple homemade chocolate cake batter works perfectly.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.
Can I use chunky peanut butter?
Yes, for a bit more texture and crunch.
Do I need to refrigerate the cake?
Yes, because of the cream cheese layer. Serve chilled or reheat slightly before eating.
Can I freeze the cake?
Absolutely—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
How do I make it extra gooey?
Slightly underbake it and serve warm for a molten center.
Can I use other candies?
Yes, try chopped Snickers, Butterfingers, or M&M’s for fun variations.
Can I make it in a round pan?
Yes, but adjust baking time and don’t overfill the pan—it rises as it bakes.
Conclusion
Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is an explosion of flavor and texture—gooey, rich, and loaded with peanut butter and chocolate in every bite. The combination of fudgy cake, creamy filling, and melty Reese’s candies creates an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served warm or chilled, this cake is pure comfort and indulgence. Easy to make and impossible to resist, it’s sure to become a family favorite that disappears as soon as it hits the table.