There’s something magical about the moment you pull a bubbling, chocolatey cake out of the oven—especially when that cake is bursting with gooey peanut butter, rich cream cheese swirls, and melty chocolate candy. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dessert to enjoy on a rainy evening, a show-stopping treat for your next holiday party, or just a decadent way to satisfy a sweet tooth, this Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake has you covered.
This recipe was born out of a nostalgic craving for two childhood favorites: classic chocolate cake and everyone’s favorite candy—Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. The first time I made this for a family game night, it vanished within minutes, with every bite met with wide eyes and happy sighs. The name says it all—this cake “quakes” with flavor, texture, and indulgence. Trust me, this is one recipe you don’t want to lose.
What Is an Earthquake Cake?
An earthquake cake gets its name from its wild, cracked, and uneven surface—caused by layers of ingredients baking and shifting while in the oven. The beauty of this dessert lies in its chaos. The cream cheese mixture sinks through the chocolate cake batter while Reese’s cups and chocolate chips bubble up through the cracks, creating gooey pockets of flavor.
Traditionally, earthquake cakes use coconut, pecans, and a German chocolate base. But we’ve taken things in a more indulgent, candy-loaded direction. This twist features Reese’s peanut butter, a rich cream cheese layer, and semi-sweet chocolate for the ultimate flavor explosion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you need more reasons to add this to your “must-bake” list, here are just a few:
- 🍫 Super chocolatey and rich
- 🥜 Peanut butter lovers’ dream
- 🎉 Perfect for parties and potlucks
- 😍 Incredibly easy to make
- 📷 Insta-worthy presentation with minimal effort
This is the kind of recipe that looks like it took hours to master—but only takes about 15 minutes of prep time. It’s almost foolproof, and the end result is pure dessert heaven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down what you’ll need to bring this peanut butter-chocolate fantasy to life:
For the Cake:
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water per box instructions)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
For the Creamy Peanut Butter Swirl:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy works best)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar (yes, 4—trust the process!)
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, halved
These ingredients come together in one glorious dish that offers layers of texture: moist chocolate cake, smooth peanut butter cream, crunchy chocolate bits, and those irresistible Reese’s chunks.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to get baking? Here’s how to make this show-stopping Reese’s Earthquake Cake from scratch:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish. Glass works best to ensure even heat distribution, but you can use a metal pan if that’s all you have—just keep an eye on baking time.
Step 2: Mix the Chocolate Cake Batter
Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the instructions on the box. Usually, this will require water, oil, and eggs. Once your batter is smooth, pour it into your greased baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Cream Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and melted butter until smooth and creamy. Add in the peanut butter and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
Now, slowly beat in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. The mixture should be thick, fluffy, and almost frosting-like in texture.
Step 4: Add the Swirl
Spoon dollops of the peanut butter cream mixture over the cake batter in the dish. Do not mix it in—you want the swirls to bake and create the signature earthquake pattern.
Step 5: Add the Candy Magic
Sprinkle chocolate chips and halved mini Reese’s cups over the entire top of the cake. You can press a few slightly into the batter, but don’t submerge them too much—some should remain on top for presentation.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the cake for 45–55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are set, the top is slightly cracked, and the center is just firm (it might jiggle a bit, but that’s okay—it will set as it cools).
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it warm and gooey (our favorite!), or let it cool fully for cleaner slices.
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother swirl mixture.
- Don’t overbake—this cake is meant to be gooey!
- Want even more peanut butter punch? Add a swirl of melted peanut butter on top before baking.
- For cleaner slicing, refrigerate the cake for 1 hour after cooling, then cut into squares.
Storage and Reheating
This cake stores beautifully—if there are any leftovers!
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back that gooey, fresh-from-the-oven texture.
You can even freeze this cake! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Fun Variations and Add-Ins
Want to personalize your Earthquake Cake? Here are some fun twists:
- Swap the candy: Use chopped Snickers, Milky Way, or even M&M’s instead of Reese’s.
- Add texture: Toss in chopped pretzels or crushed Oreos before baking.
- Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and double-check your candy packaging.
- Add a salty crunch: Sprinkle sea salt on top right before serving—it’s amazing with the sweetness.
Perfect Pairings
This dessert is rich, so pairing it with something refreshing helps balance things out. Try serving it with:
- A glass of cold milk (classic combo)
- A scoop of vanilla or peanut butter ice cream
- Fresh sliced strawberries or bananas
- A hot mug of coffee or espresso
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Save
This isn’t just another chocolate cake—it’s a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing, candy-laden masterpiece. It looks impressive, tastes even better, and delivers that wow factor with minimal effort.
Here’s what sets it apart from ordinary cakes:
- Incredible flavor contrast: Rich chocolate meets tangy cream cheese and salty-sweet peanut butter.
- Dynamic texture: Gooey inside, crunchy outside, and pockets of melted candy throughout.
- Visually stunning: The cracks and candy peaks make for a rustic, homemade look that’s perfect for sharing.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just learning your way around the kitchen, this is a foolproof way to wow your family, guests, or even just yourself.
Share the Love
Made this recipe and loved it? Share it on social media and tag your creations with #EarthquakeCakeMagic. We’d love to see your sweet success!
You can also pin this recipe on Pinterest, email it to a friend, or print it out and tuck it into your recipe binder. Trust us—you’ll want this one handy.
Final Thoughts: A Recipe You Won’t Forget
In a world of cookie-cutter desserts, the Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is a bold, joyful celebration of flavor. It’s messy. It’s indulgent. And it’s everything dessert should be.
Next time you’re looking to bake something unforgettable, skip the fancy layers or complicated prep—this cake brings the flavor and fun, no fuss required.