I’m so excited to share this Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake with you today! It’s the perfect marriage of fudgy chocolate cake and creamy peanut butter cheesecake swirls, with those signature “earthquake” cracks revealing the molten goodness beneath. The combination of Reese’s cups and peanut butter chips takes this dessert to a whole new level of indulgence. Trust me, once you see how simple it is to create something this impressive, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it before now.
Why You’ll Love this Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake
If you’re a fan of chocolate and peanut butter, this Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake will rock your world. I’m talking about a gooey, decadent dessert that combines rich chocolate cake with pockets of creamy cheesecake filling and generous amounts of Reese’s candy.
What makes it truly special? Those beautiful cracks on top—hence the “earthquake” name—revealing the molten center beneath. The contrasting textures are simply divine: fluffy cake, creamy filling, and chunks of peanut butter cups melting throughout. And it’s surprisingly simple to make, perfect for those times when you crave something indulgent.
What Ingredients are in Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake?
This decadent dessert requires just a handful of ingredients, combining the convenience of boxed cake mix with the indulgent additions that make it truly special.
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients required on the box)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup Reese’s peanut butter chips
- 1 cup Reese’s cups, chopped
The quality of your peanut butter cups can make a difference in the final product, so while any brand will work, actual Reese’s cups deliver that classic flavor we all know and love—though in a pinch, store brands can work too, just make sure they’re roughly chopped for those perfect pockets of peanut butter goodness.
How to Make this Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Mix
Follow the directions on the box of chocolate cake mix, adding the required eggs, oil, and water as specified by the manufacturer.
This forms the foundation of our earthquake cake, so make sure it’s well-mixed with no dry pockets hiding at the bottom of your bowl.
Step 2: Pour Batter into Pan
Transfer your chocolate cake batter into a well-greased 9×13 inch baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
The greasing is essential here—nobody wants half their masterpiece stuck to the pan when it’s time to serve.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese, ½ cup melted butter, and 2 cups powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
This creamy concoction creates that signature gooey center that makes earthquake cakes so irresistible.
Step 4: Add Cream Cheese Mixture
Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture randomly over your cake batter.
No need to spread it—during baking, this layer will sink and create those beautiful cracks and crevices that give the earthquake cake its name.
Step 5: Sprinkle with Peanut Butter Goodness
Evenly distribute 1 cup of Reese’s peanut butter chips and 1 cup of chopped Reese’s cups over the top of everything.
These will melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of peanut buttery heaven throughout your cake.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your creation at 350°F for 35-40 minutes, or until the top appears cracked and “earthquake-like.”
Remember, the center should remain somewhat gooey—that’s part of this cake’s charm and appeal.
Step 7: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Allow the cake to cool for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
This cooling time lets those molten peanut butter pockets and cream cheese swirls set up just enough so you can slice it without creating a total mess.
Step 8: Store Leftovers Properly
If you somehow manage to have leftovers (a rare phenomenon with this cake), cover the pan with foil and store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
A quick 15-second zap in the microwave brings back that just-baked gooiness.
For a keto-friendly version of this decadent dessert, consider investing in kitchen appliances specifically designed for keto baking success.
What to Serve with Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake
This decadent cake practically begs for something to balance its rich, sweet intensity. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting into the warm, gooey center creates pure dessert magic.
For coffee lovers, a strong espresso or cold brew cuts through the sweetness perfectly. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, drizzle some warm chocolate sauce or caramel over top—because why not?
For a revitalizing contrast, fresh berries on the side add a welcome tartness, while a cold glass of milk is practically mandatory for the full peanut butter experience.
This showstopper works beautifully as an after-dinner dessert or as the star of an afternoon coffee gathering. Who needs a reason for cake anyway?
Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake Substitutions and Variations
- Cake Mix Options: Use devil’s food for richer chocolate flavor or substitute a yellow cake mix for a lighter base.
- Dietary Adjustments: Swap in gluten-free cake mix for those with sensitivities.
For dairy concerns, try dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based butter alternatives.
• Peanut Butter Alternatives: Not a Reese’s fan? Substitute Butterfingers, Snickers, or plain chocolate chips.
Almond butter chips offer a nice twist for peanut-free households.
• Flavor Boosters: Add ½ teaspoon of espresso powder to the cake batter to enhance the chocolate notes.
A tablespoon of bourbon in the cream cheese mixture? Divine.
- Seasonal Touches: Mix in crushed peppermint candies for holidays or add orange zest to the batter for a chocolate-orange variation.
- Finishing Flourish: Dust with cocoa powder before serving or add a drizzle of warm peanut butter for extra decadence.
Leftovers and Storage for this Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake
This decadent cake actually tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld together.
To store leftovers:
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 3 months.
- When reheating, microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds to restore that gooey center without drying out the edges.
- To prevent the cake from drying out, place a damp paper towel over the slice when microwaving.
- Room temperature servings offer the best texture—just pull a slice from the fridge about 30 minutes before enjoying.
The cream cheese layer keeps this cake wonderfully moist, even days after baking!
Final Thoughts
This Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake truly lives up to its name, with its deliberately cracked surface revealing pockets of melted peanut butter cups and that irresistible gooey center.
What makes it special is the beautiful chaos—layers that intentionally blend together rather than staying perfectly separated. It’s the perfect dessert for potlucks, birthday celebrations, or anytime you need a show-stopping sweet that requires minimal effort.
The combination of chocolate cake, cream cheese filling, and Reese’s candy creates a harmony of flavors that brings comfort with every bite, making it impossible to resist going back for just one more sliver.
