Description
Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is a decadent layered dessert combining rich chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter, crushed Reese’s peanut butter cups, and a luscious chocolate ganache topping. This indulgent cake offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- Ingredients required for cake mix (usually eggs, oil, and water as per box instructions)
Peanut Butter Mixture
- 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
Topping
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the chocolate cake mix box to ensure even baking.
- Prepare Cake Batter: Prepare the chocolate cake mix as directed on the package, typically combining eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter evenly into a greased baking dish.
- Mix Peanut Butter Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar. Stir until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Add Peanut Butter Dollops: Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture evenly over the chocolate cake batter in the baking dish.
- Add Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: Sprinkle the crushed Reese’s peanut butter cups and chopped mini Reese’s peanut butter cups evenly on top of the batter and peanut butter mixture.
- Bake the Cake: Bake the cake according to the time and temperature indicated on the cake mix package. The peanut butter dollops and candies will meld with the cake as it bakes.
- Cool Slightly: Once baked, allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan so it is easier to work with for the next step.
- Add Whipped Topping: Spread the whipped topping evenly over the surface of the warm cake to create a creamy layer.
- Prepare Chocolate Drizzle: In a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop, melt together the semi-sweet chocolate chips, butter, and heavy cream until smooth and glossy.
- Drizzle Chocolate Over Cake: Drizzle the melted chocolate ganache evenly over the whipped topping layer to finish the cake.
- Set and Serve: Allow the cake to set for some time so the chocolate topping firms up slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use a greased 9×13 inch baking dish for best results.
- You can substitute crunchy peanut butter if you prefer extra texture.
- For an extra decadent touch, add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate drizzle.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator; bring to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor.
- This cake can be made a day ahead to allow flavors to meld together.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Reese's peanut butter cake, chocolate peanut butter dessert, peanut butter earthquake cake, chocolate cake, Reese’s peanut butter cups dessert
