Dessert

Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake Recipe

BySarah Summers October 19, 2025October 19, 2025

Introduction

Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake is a decadent dessert that combines rich chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter frosting and chunks of Reese’s peanut butter cups. This indulgent treat is perfect for peanut butter lovers looking to impress with minimal effort.

A piece of chocolate peanut butter brownie sits on a white plate with a white marbled surface. The brownie has three visible layers: the bottom is a dense, dark brown chocolate base, rough in texture; the middle layer is a creamy, light brown peanut butter filling spread unevenly; and the top layer is a glossy dark chocolate coating. On top, there are several small dark chocolate cups with a smooth, shiny surface, arranged in a cluster. The edges of the brownie show some peanut butter oozing out slightly from the middle layer. In the background, there is a blurred white plate with more brownies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 box dark chocolate fudge cake mix
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1 cup miniature Reese’s peanut butter cups (halved)
Vanilla ice cream (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: In a large bowl, prepare the chocolate cake mix according to package instructions, usually adding oil, eggs, and water. Whisk until smooth and pour the batter evenly into the greased baking dish.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Gradually add powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture, mixing until the frosting is thick and creamy.
Step 5: Spread the peanut butter cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake batter in the baking dish.
Step 6: Sprinkle chocolate chips and halved miniature Reese’s peanut butter cups over the frosting, gently pressing them into the surface.
Step 7: Bake the assembled cake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake.
Step 8: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Step 9: Serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious finish.

Tips & Variations

For extra gooeyness, warm the cake slightly before serving and add more peanut butter cups on top.
Substitute creamy peanut butter with natural peanut butter for a less sweet frosting.
Use dark or milk chocolate chips depending on your preference for sweetness.
Try adding a pinch of salt to the frosting to balance the sweetness and enhance the peanut butter flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To serve, let the cake come to room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. The cake can also be frozen for up to one month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

How to Serve

A square chocolate dessert bar sits on a white plate with a white marbled texture underneath. The bottom layer is a dark, dense chocolate brownie with a crumbly texture. Above that is a thick layer of creamy peanut butter with a smooth, slightly sticky texture, visible through cracks in the chocolate. The top layer is a shiny, thick dark chocolate coating that is jagged and broken around the edges. On top of the bar, several small dark chocolate peanut butter cups are placed, adding depth and a smooth, rounded texture. In the background, a blurred white plate with more pieces of the dessert is visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of box mix?

Yes, you can use your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe. Just be sure the batter is spread evenly in the pan before adding the frosting and toppings.

Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the frosting?

Cream cheese adds a tangy richness and helps balance the sweetness, but you can substitute with more butter or a cream cheese alternative if needed, keeping the texture smooth and creamy.