Introduction

This Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake is a decadent treat that combines rich chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter frosting and heaps of Reese’s peanut butter cups. Perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers, this dessert is indulgent, easy to make, and sure to impress at any gathering.

A thick square piece of rich, dark brown chocolate brownie sits on a white plate with a smooth surface. The brownie has visible soft, peanut butter filling inside, showing a creamy light brown layer mixed with the fudgy chocolate base. On top, there is a layer of glossy dark chocolate with several small, round, ridged peanut butter cups placed upright, adding texture and height. The background shows a blurred white plate holding more brownie pieces on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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, typically adding oil, eggs, and water. Whisk the batter until smooth, then pour it evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting is thick and creamy.

Step 4: Spread the peanut butter cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake batter in the baking dish. Sprinkle chocolate chips and halved miniature Reese’s peanut butter cups over the frosting, gently pressing them in.

Step 5: 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 6: Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips & Variations

For a fudgier cake, try using oil instead of butter as recommended on the cake mix box.

If you prefer crunchy peanut butter, substitute creamy peanut butter with crunchy for added texture.

Try mixing some chopped nuts into the frosting or topping for an extra crunch.

Use different sizes of Reese’s cups or peanut butter candies to customize the topping.

FAQs

Can I make this cake without the boxed cake mix?

Yes, you can use your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe instead of a box mix. Just prepare the batter as usual and follow the same layering and baking steps.

Is it necessary to bake the cake after adding the frosting and toppings?

Yes, baking the cake after spreading the frosting and toppings helps the flavors meld together and ensures the cake is fully cooked while creating a gooey peanut butter topping.