Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is a rich, gooey, chocolate-peanut butter dessert that’s pure indulgence. It’s loaded with chunks of peanut butter cups, swirls of cream cheese, and a moist chocolate cake base that comes out looking a little cracked and messy—just like an earthquake, but delicious. It’s the kind of treat I bake when I want something easy yet totally over-the-top.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this cake because it’s a one-pan wonder that doesn’t require any frosting or fancy decorations—it’s meant to look messy! The combination of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and melty candy pieces makes every bite heavenly. It’s also great for potlucks, holidays, or just when I feel like spoiling myself or others. The texture is ooey-gooey in the best way, and it’s hard to stop at one slice.

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 like eggs, oil, and water)

• Cream cheese, softened

• Butter, melted

• Powdered sugar

• Peanut butter

• Mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, halved

• Peanut butter chips

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

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

2. I prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions and pour the batter into the prepared dish.

3. In a separate bowl, I mix softened cream cheese with melted butter, powdered sugar, and peanut butter until smooth.

4. I drop dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter and gently swirl it in with a knife or spatula—just enough to marble it.

5. I sprinkle the chopped mini Reese’s, peanut butter chips, and chocolate chips evenly over the top.

6. I bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly—it will continue to set as it cools.

7. I let it cool slightly before slicing. It’s amazing warm but still great at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This cake serves about 12 to 16 people, depending on portion size. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 40–45 minutes to bake, so it’s ready to enjoy in under an hour.

Variations

When I feel like mixing it up, I swap the chocolate cake mix for a fudge or dark chocolate variety for a deeper cocoa flavor. Sometimes I throw in chopped Snickers or add a swirl of Nutella to the cream cheese mix. A drizzle of caramel sauce over the baked cake also adds a fun twist.

Storage/reheating

I keep leftover cake covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. When I want to reheat a slice, I pop it in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds to bring back that gooey texture. It also freezes well—I wrap individual slices in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. I let it thaw in the fridge overnight or microwave from frozen in a pinch.

FAQs

What makes it an “earthquake” cake?

The name comes from the way the cake cracks and shifts as it bakes. The dense cream cheese layer causes the chocolate cake to rise unevenly, creating fissures and a cracked appearance.

Can I make this without peanut butter cups?

Yes, I’ve tried it with just peanut butter chips and chocolate chips, and it still tastes amazing. You could also add chopped nuts for crunch.

Do I need to refrigerate the cake?

Since there’s cream cheese in the topping, I store it in the fridge to be safe. I just warm slices up slightly before serving.

Can I use homemade cake batter instead of a mix?

Definitely. I sometimes make a simple chocolate cake batter from scratch if I have extra time—it just adds a few more steps.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, I often bake it a day ahead. I let it cool completely, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge until I’m ready to serve. It actually tastes even better the next day.

Conclusion

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is one of my go-to desserts when I want something fun, indulgent, and super easy. It’s full of gooey layers, bold flavors, and irresistible textures. Whether it’s for a casual get-together or a special treat, this cake always hits the spot.