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Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake Recipe

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4.2 from 58 reviews

  • Author: Amina
  • Total Time: 60-65 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Description

Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is a decadent dessert featuring a rich chocolate cake base swirled with a creamy, smooth peanut butter and cream cheese mixture. Topped with a generous sprinkle of semi-sweet chocolate chips, Reese’s Pieces, and miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, this cake offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Baked to perfection, it creates a beautiful earthquake effect with swirls of peanut butter that’s both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious, best enjoyed warm with vanilla ice cream or warmed peanut butter drizzle.

Ingredients

Chocolate Cake

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix
  • Ingredients needed to make cake: eggs, oil, and water (use amounts on the back of the box)

Peanut Butter Filling

  • 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups powdered sugar

Toppings

  • 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup Reese’s Pieces
  • 1 1/2 cups miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, cut into quarters

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, prepare the chocolate cake batter by combining the cake mix with the eggs, oil, and water as directed on the box. Mix until smooth, then pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  3. Make Peanut Butter Mixture: In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer to blend the softened cream cheese, softened salted butter, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  4. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, ensuring the mixture becomes creamy and fully incorporated without lumps.
  5. Apply Peanut Butter Mixture: Spoon dollops of the peanut butter mixture evenly over the chocolate cake batter in the baking dish.
  6. Swirl Mixture: Use a spoon or offset spatula to lightly spread the peanut butter mixture around the cake batter, creating a swirl effect but not overly mixing it. This will form the signature ‘earthquake’ swirl as it bakes.
  7. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips, Reese’s Pieces, and quartered miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups evenly over the top of the cake batter.
  8. Bake Cake: Place the baking dish on the middle oven rack and bake for 45-50 minutes. Start checking at 45 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. The center may look slightly soft but will firm up as the cake cools.
  9. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for several minutes before serving. For best results, serve the cake warm topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warmed peanut butter to enhance the creamy and rich flavors.

Notes

  • Use a hand mixer for the peanut butter mixture to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
  • Do not over-swirl the peanut butter mixture to maintain the distinct earthquake effect.
  • Check doneness by toothpick; moist crumbs are ideal rather than a completely dry toothpick.
  • Serving warm with ice cream or warmed peanut butter adds a wonderful contrast of temperatures and textures.
  • Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and smooth texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://aminabakes.com/peanut-butter-earthquake-cake-recipe/