Reese’s Earthquake Cake: A Decadent Dessert Recipe You Must Try

Reese’s Earthquake Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter in a way that is simply irresistible. This cake has a fascinating history, often associated with potlucks and family gatherings, where its gooey, decadent layers never fail to impress. The name “Earthquake Cake” comes from the way the ingredients seem to shift and blend together during baking, creating a deliciously chaotic masterpiece that mirrors the excitement it brings to any occasion.

People love Reese’s Earthquake Cake not just for its taste, but also for its incredible texture. The combination of a moist chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter, and crunchy Reese’s pieces creates a symphony of flavors and sensations that dance on your palate. Plus, it’s a convenient dessert that can be whipped up quickly, making it perfect for both special celebrations and casual weeknight treats. Join me as we dive into this scrumptious recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your household!

Ingredients:

• 1 box of chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 1 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup of creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup of powdered sugar
• 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup of chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (about 6-8 cups)
• 1/2 cup of chopped pecans (optional)
• 1 cup of whipped topping (for serving, optional)

Preparing the Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step to ensure that your cake bakes evenly and rises perfectly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, mix the ingredients on medium speed until well combined. This should take about 2 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps in the batter.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth. This will create a delicious peanut butter filling that will be swirled into the cake.
4. Now, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into the chocolate cake batter. This will add extra chocolatey goodness and peanut butter flavor throughout the cake.

Preparing the Baking Pan

1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan and make it easier to serve later.
2. Pour half of the chocolate cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. This will be the base layer of your earthquake cake.

Adding the Peanut Butter Swirl

1. Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the chocolate cake batter. You want to create a nice swirl effect, so don’t worry about making it perfect.
2. Once you’ve added the peanut butter mixture, pour the remaining chocolate cake batter over the top, covering the peanut butter layer completely. This will help create that “earthquake” effect as the cake bakes.
3. If you’re using chopped pecans, sprinkle them on top of the batter for added crunch and flavor.

Baking the Cake

1. Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
2. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to cut and serve.

Serving the Earthquake Cake

1. After the cake has cooled slightly, use a knife to gently loosen the edges from the pan. Then, carefully cut the cake into squares while it’s still in the pan.
2. For an extra special touch, serve each piece with a dollop of whipped topping on top. This adds a creamy contrast to the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
3. Enjoy your Reese’s Earthquake Cake warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in!

Storing Leftovers

1. If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate the cake to extend its freshness, but be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
2. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds.

Tips

Conclusion:

In summary, this Reese’s Earthquake Cake is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves the rich, indulgent flavors of chocolate and peanut butter. The combination of moist chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter, and gooey chocolate chips creates a dessert that is not only visually stunning but also incredibly satisfying to the taste buds. Whether you’re serving it at a birthday party, a family gathering, or simply treating yourself on a cozy night in, this cake is sure to impress. For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing a slice of this decadent cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance out the richness. You can also experiment with variations by adding crushed Reese’s cups on top for an extra crunch or drizzling some chocolate syrup for an even more indulgent experience. I encourage you to give this Reese’s Earthquake Cake a try and share your experience with friends and family. I would love to hear how it turns out for you! Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on social media so we can celebrate your baking success together. Happy baking! Print

May 27, 2025 by Melissa