Dessert

Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake Recipe

ByMarina Montclair January 28, 2026January 28, 2026

Introduction

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is a decadent and delicious dessert that combines rich chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter and plenty of Reese’s peanut butter cups. It’s a fun, easy-to-make treat perfect for any peanut butter lover looking to impress their friends or family.

A thick, square slice of layered dessert sits on a white plate with a white marbled background. The bottom layer is dark, moist chocolate cake, followed by a middle layer of rich, creamy peanut butter filling that is golden brown and smooth. Another thick layer of the same dark chocolate cake sits on top of the peanut butter. The top is covered with a shiny, thick chocolate ganache that drips down the sides, adding a glossy texture. Small pieces of chopped peanut butter cups are scattered on top and slightly embedded in the ganache, adding texture and color contrast. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 box chocolate cake mix
Ingredients required for cake mix (usually eggs, oil, and water)
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
1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box.
Step 2: Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package directions, then pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar together until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture evenly over the chocolate cake batter.
Step 5: Sprinkle the crushed and chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups evenly over the top.
Step 6: Bake the cake as directed on the cake mix instructions, until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.
Step 7: Allow the cake to cool slightly, then spread the whipped topping evenly over the surface.
Step 8: In a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips, butter, and heavy cream together until smooth and glossy.
Step 9: Drizzle the melted chocolate mixture over the whipped topping, then let the cake set before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra texture, add chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips to the peanut butter mixture.
You can substitute mini Reese’s cups with regular-sized ones chopped into smaller pieces if needed.
Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer chocolate flavor.
For a lighter version, use reduced-fat whipped topping or a homemade whipped cream.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep the peanut butter and whipped topping fresh. Reheat individual slices briefly in the microwave to soften if desired, but the cake is delicious served chilled.

How to Serve

The image shows a rich, layered chocolate dessert square placed on a white plate, set against a white marbled background. The bottom layer is a dense, dark chocolate cake with a slightly crumbly texture. Above it is a thick, smooth peanut butter layer in a warm tan color, followed by another dark chocolate cake layer. The top is covered in a glossy, thick chocolate ganache that drips down the sides, with small pieces of crushed peanut butter cups sprinkled on top, adding texture and contrast. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a cake mix?

Yes, you can use your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe in place of the cake mix. Just follow the same layering and topping steps.

What if I don’t have whipped topping available?

You can substitute whipped topping with freshly whipped cream or even frosting, depending on your preference. Just spread it evenly after the cake has cooled.