What is in an earthquake cake?

The “earthquake” comes from the marbled pockets of peanut butter that bake into the chocolate, creating gooey ribbons. It’s indulgent, yet forgiving enough for weeknights. The result is a dessert that tastes like a party in a pan.

What are the ingredients in Reese's chocolate peanut butter?

The core players are a chocolate fudge cake mix, cream cheese, butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, mini Reese’s, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Optional: extra peanut butter for drizzling. In this recipe, the box cake mix provides the fudgy base, while the filling blends cream cheese, butter, peanut butter, and sugar. The top gets chopped Reese’s pieces for texture and warmth, plus chocolate chips for bite.

Why is it called an earthquake cake?

The name comes from the dramatic marbling created when dollops of the peanut butter filling melt into the chocolate batter. It looks like tiny quakes as the cake bakes and sets. The result is a gooey, ribboned center that shifts with every slice.

Can you make cake with peanut butter?

Absolutely. Peanut butter pairs beautifully with chocolate in many cakes. You can swirl it into batter, mix it into fillings, or use it for frosting. For this dessert, peanut butter is the star in the filling and optional drizzle on top. If you’re new to peanut butter cakes, start with a smooth, creamy variety and balance sweetness with a touch of salt to keep flavors vibrant.

Any tips for storing leftovers?

Leftovers store best in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. Warm a square in the microwave for 15–20 seconds for that gooey core. You can also freeze portions for up to a month; thaw in the fridge before serving.

Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake: 3 Irresistible Gooey Delights.

Description

Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake: a gooey, chocolate-forward dessert swirled with peanut butter and studded with chopped Reese’s pieces.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box chocolate fudge cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box)
½ cup creamy peanut butter
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups powdered sugar
1½ cups mini Reese’s, chopped
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional: extra peanut butter drizzle for topping

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to package instructions. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese, melted butter, peanut butter, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the cake batter and gently swirl with a knife for a marbled effect.
Sprinkle chopped Reese’s and chocolate chips evenly over the top.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until edges are set but center is still slightly gooey.
Let cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with extra peanut butter if desired.

Notes

The cake is best served warm or at room temperature.
Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For extra peanut butter flavor, drizzle additional peanut butter on top before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square

Keywords: Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake, earthquake cake, Reese's peanut butter, gooey chocolate dessert, peanut butter swirl