Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake

A rich, gooey, peanut-buttery chocolate cake that “cracks” into creamy pockets of cheesecake filling as it bakes. This is one of the most decadent, fun, crowd-pleasing desserts you can make with minimal effort.

---

Ingredients

Cake Base

• 1 (15.25 oz) box chocolate cake mix

• Ingredients listed on the box (usually):

  • 3 eggs

  • ½ cup vegetable oil

  • 1 cup water

Swirl Filling

• 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract

• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted

Finish

• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

• ¼ cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (optional but amazing)

---

Instructions

1. Prep & Start Cake Base

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease a 9×13-inch pan and line with parchment if you want easy removal.

3. Prepare cake batter following the box directions.

4. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top.

---

2. Make the Swirl Filling

1. Beat softened cream cheese until smooth (about 1 minute).

2. Add peanut butter, melted butter, and vanilla. Mix until creamy.

3. Slowly add sifted powdered sugar.

   • Mix on low first to avoid a sugar cloud.

   • Increase speed until the mixture becomes thick, glossy, and pipeable.

   • Do not overmix—you want a soft, spreadable texture.

---

3. Add the Filling “Earthquake Style”

1. Drop tablespoon-size dollops of the filling all over the cake batter.

2. Swirl gently 3–4 times maximum in a figure-8 motion.

   • Over-swirling blends everything together and prevents the signature “cracks.”

---

4. Add Toppings & Bake

1. Sprinkle chocolate chips and chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups evenly.

2. Bake 42–46 minutes.

   • Edges will be set.

   • Center should jiggle slightly (it firms up as it cools).

   • Toothpick 2 inches from the edge should come out with moist crumbs—not raw batter.

---

5. Cool & Serve

1. Cool at least 45 minutes in the pan.

2. Slice and serve slightly warm.

3. Optional but incredible: add vanilla bean ice cream on top.

---

Tips for Best Results

 Use room-temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps.
 Don’t skip sifting powdered sugar—this keeps the filling smooth.
 Press toppings lightly into the batter so they bake into the surface.
 For extra gooey texture, slightly underbake (but not raw).
 If you want a stronger peanut butter flavor, add ¼ tsp peanut butter extract.

---

Estimated Calories (per slice, 15 servings)

Approx. 350–420 calories, depending on added toppings