Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake Recipe

Looking for a dessert that’s rich, melty, and packed with peanut butter goodness? Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake is a deliciously messy, candy-loaded treat that takes chocolate cake to a whole new level. With swirls of sweet cream cheese, chopped peanut butter cups, and gooey chocolate chips, every bite is a warm, fudgy explosion. This no-fuss, no-frosting-needed cake bakes into a perfectly cracked top — just like an earthquake! It’s perfect for holidays, birthdays, or anytime you want to impress without stress. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to make it unforgettable.

Print

Ingredients for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake

To get that gooey, melty, peanut-buttery goodness just right, you’ve gotta start with the right stuff. This Reese’s Earthquake Cake is all about the layers — sweet, salty, creamy, and chocolaty — all crashing together in the best way. The ingredients are simple, the flavors are huge, and the prep? Practically effortless.

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this crowd-favorite dessert.

Main Ingredients for the Perfect Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake

1 box dark chocolate fudge cake mix

Use your favorite brand, and don’t forget to grab what it calls for on the back — usually eggs, oil, and water. You can also sub in a homemade chocolate cake batter if you want total control over flavor and texture.

8 oz cream cheese, softened

This is the heart of that rich, swirly center. Room temperature cream cheese blends smoother, so give it some time to soften before mixing.

½ cup butter, softened

Butter adds richness and helps the cream cheese layer bake into a soft, melt-in-your-mouth swirl.

½ cup creamy peanut butter

The star of the show. Stick to classic creamy peanut butter (not the oily, natural kind) for the smoothest texture and best results.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Adds warmth and flavor to the cream cheese mixture — don’t skip it.

4 cups powdered sugar

Yes, it’s a lot. But it’s the secret to that dense, almost fudge-like cream cheese filling that makes earthquake cakes so irresistible.

½ cup chocolate chips

Mini or regular-sized — they melt into little bursts of chocolate throughout the cake.

1 to 1½ cups chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Roughly chop the cups so they melt slightly but still give you chunks of peanut butter candy in every bite.

Optional Add-ins and Flavor Boosters

Want to make this cake your own? Try mixing in:

• Crushed pretzels for a salty crunch
• Chopped peanuts or walnuts for added texture
• Peanut butter chips or white chocolate chips for a flavor twist
• A swirl of Nutella or caramel sauce for a layered effect

Ingredient Substitutions for Allergies or Dietary Needs

Need to make it allergy-friendly or gluten-free? No problem:

• Gluten-free cake mix works great as a base
• Dairy-free cream cheese and butter are widely available (just go unsalted)
• Sunflower seed butter or Wowbutter can replace peanut butter for nut-free versions

For more peanut butter alternatives, check out this helpful guide from PeanutAllergy.com — perfect for safe baking swaps.

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake Step by Step

Baking this Reese’s Earthquake Cake is as fun as it is foolproof. There’s no frosting, no layering, and no need for perfect precision — just swirl it, bake it, and let the cracks do their thing. The gooey peanut butter filling, melty chocolate chips, and candy chunks create an epic dessert with zero stress and maximum flavor.

Ready to shake things up? Let’s bake!

Preheat and Prep the Pan

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) — a sweet spot that lets the cake bake evenly while giving the top that signature cracked “earthquake” effect.

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper. Trust us, this cake gets sticky, and you’ll want an easy release once it’s cooled.

Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, prepare your dark chocolate fudge cake mix according to the package instructions. Typically, that means combining:

• Cake mix
• Eggs
• Oil
• Water

Whisk or beat until smooth. Set the batter aside.

Make the Cream Cheese Swirl

In a separate bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat together:

• 8 oz softened cream cheese
• ½ cup softened butter
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Once that’s creamy and fluffy, gradually mix in:

• 4 cups powdered sugar

This will turn into a thick, rich, peanut buttery cream cheese filling. Don’t worry if it feels dense — that’s exactly what gives the cake its ooey-gooey core.

Layer and Swirl

Now comes the fun part!

1. Pour the cake batter evenly into the greased baking dish.
2. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture all over the top. Don’t mix it in completely — just gently swirl it with a butter knife or spatula for that signature marbled look.
3. Sprinkle chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups over the entire surface.
4. Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to take the chocolate factor over the top.

Bake to Gooey Perfection

Pop the cake into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for:

• Slightly cracked edges
• A center that still jiggles slightly
• Melted candy and chocolate peeking through

Avoid overbaking — this cake should be moist and fudgy in the middle, not dry.

Cool, Slice, and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 20–30 minutes. This helps the layers set and gives you cleaner slices.

But if you like it warm and messy (who doesn’t?), dig in with a spoon while it’s still gooey — maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for the ultimate dessert moment.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake

While Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake is super easy to whip up, having the right tools can seriously level up your baking game. No fancy equipment here — just simple, must-have kitchen tools that make mixing, swirling, and serving a whole lot smoother.

Before you preheat that oven, double-check that you’ve got these essentials on deck:

9×13-Inch Baking Dis

This cake rises and spreads, so you’ll need a standard 9×13-inch pan to give it room. Glass, metal, or ceramic works — just make sure it’s deep enough to hold the layers and all those gooey mix-ins.

Mixing Bowls (2 or More)

You’ll need one large bowl for the chocolate cake batter and another medium bowl for the peanut butter cream cheese filling. If you’re adding toppings or chopping candy, having a third bowl can help keep things organized.

Electric Mixer (Hand or Stand

A hand mixer makes quick work of blending the thick cream cheese filling. If you’ve got a stand mixer, even better — it’ll save you some arm power.

Spatula or Spoon

A sturdy rubber spatula or wooden spoon is perfect for folding ingredients, scraping bowls, and spreading the thick batter and filling. Plus, it helps you swirl that signature earthquake texture just right.

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Accurate measurements matter — especially for the powdered sugar and peanut butter mix. Use a complete set of dry and liquid measuring tools for the best results.

Sharp Knife or Candy Chopper

You’ll need a sharp knife to roughly chop those Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into bite-sized pieces. If you bake a lot with candy, a candy chopper can save you time and keep your cuts consistent.

Non-Stick Spray or Parchment Paper

This cake loves to cling to the pan. A quick spritz of non-stick cooking spray or a sheet of parchment paper will help you lift out perfect slices — no sticking, no stress.

Optional: Offset Spatula

Want clean swirls and smooth layers? An offset spatula gives you better control when spreading batter and filling. It’s not a must, but it’s a nice-to-have for neat bakers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake

Let’s clear up the most common questions about Reese’s Earthquake Cake. Whether it’s your first time baking it or you’re tweaking your go-to recipe, these FAQs will help you bake with confidence — and maybe avoid a few kitchen disasters along the way.

Why is it called an earthquake cake?

Great question! It’s all about the look. As the cake bakes, the cream cheese mixture bubbles up and cracks the top, creating a lumpy, uneven, and “cracked” surface — kind of like a dessert earthquake. It’s perfectly imperfect, and that’s the beauty of it.

Can I use other candy instead of Reese’s?

Absolutely! While Reese’s peanut butter cups are the star of this version, you can easily mix things up:

• Use Snickers, M&M’s, Kit-Kats, or chopped peanut butter M&Ms
• Swap in mini peanut butter cups for easier slicing
• Go wild with a candy combo if you’re making it for Halloween or parties

Just keep candy chunks to about 1½ cups so the cake bakes evenly.

Do I have to use a boxed cake mix?

Not at all. While boxed mix makes things super easy, you can totally use a homemade chocolate cake batter instead. Just make sure it’s a bit thicker so it holds the swirl and mix-ins without sinking.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Reese’s earthquake cake should be baked until the edges are set and slightly cracked, but the center should still have a slight jiggle — kind of like a cheesecake. This gives you that soft, gooey middle without overbaking.

If you’re unsure, insert a toothpick near the edge — it should come out clean, even if the center is still soft.