Description

Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is a decadent dessert combining rich chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter, crushed Reese’s peanut butter cups, and a smooth whipped topping. Finished with a luscious drizzle of melted chocolate, butter, and cream, this cake is perfect for peanut butter lovers looking for an indulgent treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Cake

1 box chocolate cake mix
Ingredients required for cake mix (usually eggs, oil, and water)

Peanut Butter Mixture

1 jar (16 oz) creamy peanut butter
2 cups powdered sugar

Toppings

1 cup crushed Reese’s peanut butter cups
1 cup mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped
1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

Chocolate Drizzle

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to the temperature specified on the chocolate cake mix box, ensuring it is ready before cake preparation.
Prepare Cake Batter: Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to package instructions, incorporating required ingredients such as eggs, oil, and water. Pour this batter into a greased baking dish to prevent sticking.
Make Peanut Butter Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar. Mix until you achieve a smooth, consistent texture that can be spooned easily.
Layer Peanut Butter on Batter: Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture evenly over the chocolate cake batter in the baking dish, creating pockets of peanut butter flavor.
Add Reese’s Candy Toppings: Sprinkle the crushed Reese’s peanut butter cups and chopped mini Reese’s peanut butter cups over the top of the cake batter and peanut butter drops for added texture and flavor bursts.
Bake the Cake: Bake the cake as directed on the chocolate cake mix box, typically until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
Cool and Add Whipped Topping: Allow the cake to cool slightly to prevent melting the whipped topping. Spread the whipped topping evenly over the warm cake surface for a creamy finish.
Prepare Chocolate Drizzle: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips, butter, and heavy cream together gently, either in a microwave or double boiler, stirring until smooth and glossy.
Drizzle and Set: Drizzle the melted chocolate mixture over the whipped topping-covered cake for a rich chocolate finish. Let the cake set before slicing and serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Use full-fat creamy peanut butter for the best flavor and consistency.
Make sure not to overbake the cake to keep it moist and tender.
Chilling the cake briefly after assembly can help the chocolate drizzle firm up for cleaner slices.
You can substitute whipped topping with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
For a more intense chocolate flavor, try using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Reese’s cake, peanut butter cake, chocolate cake, peanut butter dessert, whipped topping cake, no-bake topping, baking, easy dessert