Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake Recipe

Introduction

Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is a decadent chocolate dessert bursting with layers of peanut butter and chunks of Reese’s peanut butter cups. This rich, creamy treat combines a moist chocolate cake with a luscious peanut butter swirl and a smooth whipped topping, making it perfect for peanut butter lovers and special occasions.

Ingredients

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• Ingredients required for cake mix (usually eggs, oil, and water)
• 1 jar (16 oz) creamy peanut butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 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)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to the temperature specified on the chocolate cake mix box.
2. Step 2: Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package directions, then pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth and well combined.
4. Step 4: Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture evenly over the cake batter in the baking dish.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the crushed and chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups evenly over the top.
6. Step 6: Bake the cake according to the time on the cake mix instructions, or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
7. Step 7: Let the cake cool slightly before spreading the whipped topping evenly over the surface.
8. Step 8: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips, butter, and heavy cream together until smooth. Drizzle this chocolate ganache over the whipped topping layer.
9. Step 9: Allow the cake to set before serving, so the flavors meld nicely and the ganache firms up.

Tips & Variations

• For a crunchy texture, toast the chopped peanut butter cups lightly before adding them to the cake.
• Use natural peanut butter for a less sweet, more robust peanut flavor.
• Try adding a pinch of salt to the peanut butter mixture to balance the sweetness.
• Substitute the whipped topping with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
• Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer ganache.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To serve, remove from the fridge about 20 minutes before eating to bring it closer to room temperature. If desired, warm individual slices briefly in the microwave to soften the ganache.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance. Keep it refrigerated and add the chocolate ganache topping the day you plan to serve for the best texture.

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

You can use natural peanut butter, but it may make the peanut butter mixture a bit thinner and less sweet. Adjust the powdered sugar amount to taste and consider chilling the mixture briefly before dropping it onto the batter.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 68 reviews

Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is a decadent and indulgent dessert combining rich chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter, Reese’s peanut butter cups, and a luscious whipped topping. Finished with a smooth chocolate ganache drizzle, this crowd-pleasing cake is perfect for peanut butter lovers looking for a show-stopping treat.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chocolate Cake

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• Ingredients required for cake mix (typically eggs, oil, and water as per box instructions)

Peanut Butter Topping

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

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

• 1 cup crushed Reese’s peanut butter cups
• 1 cup mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped

Whipped Topping

• 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)

Chocolate Ganache Drizzle

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

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the chocolate cake mix box to ensure the cake bakes evenly.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter: Follow the package instructions to prepare the chocolate cake batter using the required ingredients like eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish evenly.
3. Mix Peanut Butter Filling: In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
4. Layer Peanut Butter on Batter: Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture randomly over the prepared chocolate cake batter, allowing some ripples and pockets of peanut butter throughout.
5. Add Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: Sprinkle the crushed and chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups generously over the top of the cake batter and peanut butter drops for added texture and flavor.
6. Bake the Cake: Bake the cake according to the instructions on the cake mix box, typically until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Add Whipped Topping: Once baked, allow the cake to cool slightly so the toppings won’t melt. Then, spread the whipped topping evenly over the entire cake surface for a light and fluffy finish.
8. Prepare Ganache Drizzle: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips, butter, and heavy cream together in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler until smooth and glossy.
9. Drizzle Ganache: Carefully drizzle the warm chocolate ganache over the whipped topping, creating an attractive finishing touch.
10. Set and Serve: Let the cake set at room temperature or refrigerate briefly to allow the ganache to firm up before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Ensure to evenly disperse the peanut butter mixture over the batter for the characteristic ‘earthquake’ effect.
• Use a greased or parchment-lined baking dish to prevent sticking.
• For best results, allow the cake to cool enough before adding the whipped topping to avoid melting it.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator; allow to come to room temperature before serving for optimal texture.
• This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk.

Keywords: Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake, chocolate peanut butter cake, peanut butter desserts, Reese’s cake, easy chocolate cake recipe, layered peanut butter cake