Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the rich combination of chocolate and peanut butter. The Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups melt into the cake batter, creating gooey pockets of peanut butter that blend perfectly with the chocolatey cake. Whether served as a special treat for family or a showstopper for a party, this cake is both impressive and irresistible. The simplicity of using a cake mix, combined with the indulgent peanut butter surprise, makes this dessert a must-try!
Ingredients
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients specified on the package – usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 24–30 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (mini or regular size)
Optional toppings:
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped cream
- Caramel drizzle
- Chopped peanuts
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the oven:
Set your oven to the temperature recommended on the cake mix box, typically 350°F (175°C). - Prepare the cake batter:
Follow the instructions on the cake mix package to make the batter. Once ready, pour half of the batter into a greased bundt pan or round cake pan. - Add the peanut butter cups:
Place the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups evenly over the surface of the batter. Don’t overcrowd—leave space between each one so they can melt and spread into the cake. - Top with remaining batter:
Gently pour the rest of the cake batter over the peanut butter cups. Use a spatula to smooth the top and fully cover the cups, while keeping them near the surface for maximum gooey effect. - Bake the cake:
Place the pan in the oven and bake according to the time on the cake box, usually 35–45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick—melted peanut butter is fine, but there should be no raw batter. - Cool the cake:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the gooey peanut butter pockets set slightly before slicing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also store it in the fridge for a longer shelf life. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds to revive the gooey peanut butter pockets.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes! While a rich devil’s food or dark chocolate cake mix works best, you can use any chocolate cake mix of your choice. The cake will still taste delicious with any variation.
2. Can I use both mini and regular Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups?
Both mini and regular Reese’s work well, but mini cups distribute more evenly throughout the cake, while regular ones create larger, gooey pockets of peanut butter. Choose based on your preference for a more uniform or dramatic peanut butter effect.
3. How do I prevent the peanut butter cups from sticking to the pan?
Be sure to leave some space between the peanut butter cups and the edges of the pan to avoid sticking. Greasing the pan well also helps ensure easy removal after baking.
4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it in an airtight container. Let it cool completely before covering and refrigerating. It will stay fresh and gooey for the next day.
5. What can I use as a topping for the cake?
Optional toppings include powdered sugar, whipped cream, a caramel drizzle, or chopped peanuts. You can get creative and add your favorite topping or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
6. Can I add other ingredients to the cake batter?
Yes, you can! Try adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the cake batter for added texture. Just be sure not to overload it with too many add-ins to maintain the balance of cake and peanut butter.
7. Can I use peanut butter cups with a different filling?
Feel free to try different types of peanut butter cups, such as the ones with crunchy or crispy fillings. It will add a unique texture to the cake while still delivering the classic peanut butter and chocolate flavor.
8. How do I know when the cake is done?
To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. The toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, but not with raw batter. It’s okay if the peanut butter pockets are gooey!
9. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, this cake can be frozen. After baking and cooling, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
10. Can I make this cake in a different pan?
Yes, you can make this cake in a different pan, such as a square or rectangular pan. Just adjust the baking time based on the size and shape of the pan.
Conclusion
REESE’S Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is the ultimate indulgence for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. With gooey, molten pockets of melted Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups inside a rich chocolate cake, this dessert is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Easy to make with just a cake mix and a few simple ingredients, this decadent treat delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether for a family dinner or a party, this cake will leave a lasting impression!
REESE’S Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake
REESE’S Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is a decadent dessert that combines the best of chocolate and peanut butter into one mouthwatering treat. With gooey, molten pockets of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups embedded into a soft, moist chocolate cake, this dessert is sure to please any peanut butter and chocolate lover.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 box of chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients specified on the package – usually eggs, oil, and water)
24–30 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (mini or regular size)
Optional toppings: Powdered sugar, Whipped cream, Caramel drizzle, Chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to the temperature recommended on the cake mix box, typically 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the cake batter: Follow the instructions on the cake mix package to make the batter. Once ready, pour half of the batter into a greased bundt pan or round cake pan.
- Add the peanut butter cups: Place the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups evenly over the surface of the batter, leaving some space between them.
- Top with remaining batter: Pour the rest of the cake batter over the peanut butter cups, ensuring they stay near the surface for maximum gooey effect.
- Bake the cake: Place the pan in the oven and bake according to the time on the cake box, usually 35–45 minutes. Use a toothpick to check doneness; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs (melted peanut butter is fine).
- Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
If using both mini and regular Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, mini cups will create more even distribution while regular cups will create larger peanut butter pockets.
Grease the pan well and leave space between the peanut butter cups to prevent sticking.
The cake can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container. It will stay fresh and gooey the next day.
Optional toppings include powdered sugar, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or chopped peanuts. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Feel free to add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the cake batter for added texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
