Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is a show-stopping dessert that combines rich chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter and layers of gooey goodness. Perfect for birthday parties, family gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this cake is a crowd-pleaser. The combination of textures and flavors makes it an indulgent treat you won’t want to miss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The mix of chocolate and peanut butter creates a flavor explosion that will delight your taste buds.
- Easy to Make: Using a box cake mix simplifies the preparation process without sacrificing taste.
- Versatile Dessert: Great for any occasion—birthdays, potlucks, or just a cozy night in.
- Gooey Center: The layered peanut butter filling gives each bite a delightful surprise.
- Impressive Presentation: Topped with Reese’s cups, this cake looks as good as it tastes.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Electric mixer
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Spatula
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve a smooth consistency in both the cake batter and peanut butter filling quickly.
- Baking dish: A 9×13-inch size is perfect for even baking and allows for easy serving of the cake.
Ingredients
A decadent chocolate and peanut butter cake with a gooey, layered center, topped with Reese’s cups for a rich and indulgent dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 box chocolate cake mix
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure easy removal of the cake after baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs.
2. Mix until well combined.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Mixture
In another bowl:
1. Combine the creamy peanut butter, softened cream cheese, melted unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Create Swirls
Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the chocolate batter:
1. Use a knife to gently swirl the peanut butter into the chocolate batter for a marbled effect.
Step 5: Add Reese’s Cups
Sprinkle chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups evenly over the top of your cake mixture for added texture and flavor.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven:
1. Bake for about 35–40 minutes.
2. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked:
1. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving.
2. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature!
How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake
Serving Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake can elevate any gathering or special occasion. Its rich chocolate and peanut butter flavor pairs well with many accompaniments, making it a versatile dessert.
With Vanilla Ice Cream
- Vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the cake’s richness, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
- A drizzle of chocolate sauce enhances the decadence, making every bite even more indulgent.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Light and airy whipped cream complements the dense cake, providing a refreshing texture.
Served with Fresh Berries
- Fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries add a tartness that cuts through the sweetness of the cake.
Accompanied by Coffee
- A cup of coffee brings out the flavors of chocolate and peanut butter, making it a perfect pairing for this dessert.
How to Perfect Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake
To ensure your Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently mix until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is accurately heated for even baking.
Cool Before Serving: Let the cake cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Store Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake
Pairing side dishes with Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options that complement its rich flavors.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast and balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Chocolate Mousse: This light dessert adds another layer of chocolate flavor without overwhelming the palate.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can create an interesting savory contrast to the sweet cake.
- Peanut Butter Cookies: For peanut butter lovers, these cookies echo the flavor profile and make for a fantastic duo.
- Caramel Sauce: A drizzle over each slice adds an extra layer of sweetness that’s hard to resist.
- Nutty Granola: Sprinkle some granola on top for added crunch and texture that pairs well with the gooey cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
Using cold ingredients – Cold eggs and cream cheese can cause the batter to clump. Always bring these ingredients to room temperature before mixing.
Not greasing the pan properly – A well-greased baking dish is essential to prevent sticking. Make sure to use a generous amount of grease or non-stick spray.
Overmixing the batter – Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
Skipping the swirling step – Swirling the peanut butter mixture into the batter creates that signature gooey center. Don’t skip this step for optimal results!
Not checking for doneness – Baking times can vary, so always check your cake with a toothpick. It should come out mostly clean but not dry.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
- Make sure it has cooled completely before sealing.
Freezing Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake
Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
Microwave – Heat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as it may dry out.
Stovetop – Use a skillet on low heat, cover with a lid, and warm each slice for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake:
How do I make Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead?
Yes! Using crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture and flavor to your cake, making it even more delightful.
How do I store leftovers of Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
What toppings can I add to my Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake?
Feel free to add whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or even more chopped Reese’s cups on top before serving for extra indulgence.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare this cake a day ahead and store it covered at room temperature or refrigerate it until ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is a rich and indulgent treat that combines chocolate and peanut butter beautifully. Its gooey center makes it perfect for any occasion, and you can easily customize it with various toppings or mix-ins. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in a slice of heaven with Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake! This decadent dessert marries rich chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter, creating layers of gooey goodness that will delight any sweet tooth. Perfect for birthday parties, family gatherings, or a cozy night in, this cake is not only easy to make but also visually stunning when topped with chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. With its delightful combination of textures and flavors, this treat is sure to be a showstopper at your next event.
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs; mix until well combined and pour into the prepared baking dish.
- In another bowl, blend creamy peanut butter, softened cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spoon the peanut butter mixture over the chocolate batter and gently swirl it for a marbled effect.
- Sprinkle chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups over the top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Use room temperature ingredients for better blending. Don't overmix your batter to maintain fluffiness. Try using crunchy peanut butter for added texture.