Description

Indulge in the decadent Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake, a rich and moist chocolate cake layered with creamy peanut butter, chunks of Reese’s peanut butter cups, fluffy whipped topping, and a luscious chocolate ganache drizzle. This dessert combines the beloved flavors of chocolate and peanut butter into one irresistible, crowd-pleasing cake perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

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

Peanut Butter Layer

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

Reese’s Candy

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

Topping and Ganache

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: Follow the instructions on the cake mix box to prepare the batter, using the recommended eggs, oil, and water.
Pour Batter into Baking Dish: Grease your baking dish thoroughly, then pour the prepared chocolate cake batter evenly into it.
Make Peanut Butter Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar, mixing until you achieve a smooth, thick consistency.
Add Peanut Butter Mixture: Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture evenly over the top of the chocolate cake batter in the baking dish.
Top with Reese’s Candy: Sprinkle the crushed Reese’s peanut butter cups and chopped mini Reese’s peanut butter cups evenly over the peanut butter layer.
Bake Cake: Bake the cake according to the time and temperature directions on the cake mix box, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.
Cool Slightly: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly to make spreading the whipped topping easier.
Spread Whipped Topping: Evenly spread the whipped topping over the warm cake, covering all areas.
Prepare Chocolate Ganache: In a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with butter and heavy cream, stirring until smooth and glossy.
Drizzle Ganache: Drizzle the melted chocolate ganache generously over the whipped topping layer using a spoon or piping.
Set and Serve: Allow the cake to set at room temperature or in the refrigerator before slicing and serving to let flavors meld beautifully.

Notes

Use a 9×13 inch baking dish for best results.
The cake mix can be from any preferred brand; adjust eggs, oil, and water accordingly.
For an extra rich flavor, use natural creamy peanut butter without added sugar.
Ensure the cake is slightly cooled before adding whipped topping to prevent melting.
Ganache can be made ahead and warmed gently before drizzling.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Reese’s peanut butter cake, chocolate peanut butter cake, peanut butter earthquake cake, Reese’s dessert, chocolate cake with peanut butter, easy peanut butter desserts