Reeses Chocolate Peanut Butter's 1 Divine Cake

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Reeses Chocolate Peanut Butter cake has been my ultimate comfort dessert for as long as I can remember. The first time I ever made this, it was for a friend’s birthday, and the sheer joy on everyone’s faces as they took their first bite was priceless. The aroma of rich chocolate mixed with sweet peanut butter filled my kitchen, promising a decadent experience. It’s like a giant Reese’s cup transformed into a cake, but even better! This recipe is a true showstopper and makes for an easy one pan creamy meat dessert, even though it’s a cake! Let’s bake this dream dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Reeses Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake

Get ready to fall in love with this incredible dessert. It’s more than just a cake; it’s an experience! Here’s why it’s going to be your new favorite:

The ultimate combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter.
Incredibly moist and tender chocolate cake layers.
A decadent, gooey peanut butter filling that’s simply divine.
Loaded with chunks of actual Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for that signature flavor.
It’s remarkably easy to make, proving that complex flavors don’t need complex steps – a true creamy meat skillet dinner dream!
Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a Tuesday treat.
This easy one pan creamy meat dessert comes together quickly.
Guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for chocolate and peanut butter lovers alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Reeses Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake

Gather these simple ingredients for a truly decadent dessert. This recipe proves that a delicious creamy meat recipe one pan experience can also be sweet and satisfying, thanks to these components:

1 box chocolate cake mix – use your favorite brand for a moist base
1 cup water – essential for activating the cake mix
1/2 cup vegetable oil – keeps the cake tender and moist
3 large eggs – helps bind everything together; use at room temperature
1 cup creamy peanut butter – this is key for that luscious, dreamy swirl
1 cup powdered sugar – to sweeten and thicken the peanut butter filling
1/2 cup chocolate chips – for extra pockets of melted chocolate goodness
1/2 cup Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped – the star ingredient for that authentic Reese’s flavor
1/2 cup milk – thins the peanut butter mixture to a perfect drizzling consistency
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances the chocolate and peanut butter flavors
1/4 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors

How to Make Reeses Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake

Get ready to create an absolute showstopper! This cake is surprisingly simple, making it a fantastic option for a quick and delicious dessert. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a baking pro, even if you’re new to the kitchen, and rivals any creamy beef and rice skillet in its comforting satisfaction.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake won’t stick and will bake evenly.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 3 large eggs. Mix until it’s smooth and beautifully combined, like a rich, dark river.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Keep mixing until it’s wonderfully creamy and smooth, ready to swirl.
Step 4: Pour about half of the chocolate cake batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. This forms the base for our earthquake effect.
Step 5: Dollop spoonfuls of the creamy peanut butter mixture over the chocolate batter. Grab a knife and gently swirl it into the batter, creating those signature “earthquake” cracks and pockets. Don’t overmix; we want distinct layers! This step is crucial for that amazing creamy ground meat skillet recipe texture, but in cake form!
Step 6: Carefully pour the remaining chocolate cake batter over the peanut butter layer. Gently spread it to cover most of the peanut butter, letting some peek through.
Step 7: Sprinkle the 1/2 cup chocolate chips and the chopped 1/2 cup Reese’s peanut butter cups evenly over the top. These will melt slightly and add bursts of flavor.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the aroma of chocolate and peanut butter fills your kitchen.
Step 9: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 20-30 minutes. This allows it to set up properly before you move it.
Step 10: Carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely, or serve it warm for an extra gooey experience. Enjoy this delightful easy skillet creamy meat dinner-inspired dessert!

Pro Tips for the Best Reeses Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake

I’ve baked this cake more times than I can count, and a few tricks have really elevated it. These tips will help you achieve that perfect texture and distribution of flavors, ensuring your cake is a showstopper. Think of these like the secrets to a perfect creamy chicken and vegetable skillet – simple ingredients, masterful execution!

Use room temperature eggs and milk for the smoothest batter and filling possible.
Don’t overmix the chocolate cake batter once the wet ingredients are added; this keeps it tender.
Chop your Reese’s peanut butter cups slightly smaller than bite-sized so they distribute evenly.
For an extra chocolatey punch, add a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the dry cake mix.

What’s the secret to a perfectly layered Earthquake Cake?

The key is not to over-swirl the peanut butter mixture into the chocolate batter. You want distinct pockets and swirls, not a uniform blend. This chaotic distribution is what gives it the “earthquake” look and ensures bites with pure peanut butter and pure chocolate.

Can I make this Reeses Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the cake batter and the peanut butter filling separately up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving for the freshest taste, like preparing components for an easy skillet creamy meat dinner.

How do I avoid common mistakes with this chocolate peanut butter dessert?

A common pitfall is overbaking, which leads to a dry cake. Keep an eye on it and test with a toothpick around the 35-minute mark. Also, resist the urge to over-mix the batter, as this can result in a tough texture instead of a tender crumb.

Best Ways to Serve Your Reeses Chocolate Peanut Butter Creation

This decadent cake is a star on its own, but I love to serve it in a few special ways to make it even more memorable. It truly shines as a standalone dessert, much like a perfectly executed one pan creamy meat dish that needs no additions.

Warm and Gooey: Serve slices warm right after cooling slightly. The peanut butter filling will be extra gooey, and the chocolate cake is incredibly moist. It’s pure bliss!
With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla bean or even chocolate ice cream is the ultimate pairing. The cold creaminess balances the rich, warm cake beautifully. It’s a classic for a reason!
A Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For a simpler, elegant touch, a light dusting of powdered sugar looks lovely and adds a subtle sweetness without overpowering the main flavors. It’s a great way to present this easy one pan creamy meat dessert.

Nutrition Facts for Reeses Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

This decadent cake is a treat, and here’s a look at what you can expect per slice. It’s a rich dessert, so it’s perfect for special occasions. Think of these numbers as a guide for enjoying this glorious Reeses Chocolate Peanut Butter creation responsibly!

Calories: 450 kcal
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 35g
Sodium: 300mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Your Reeses Chocolate Peanut Butter Creation

Keeping this amazing cake fresh is key so you can enjoy every last crumb. Properly storing your Reeses Chocolate Peanut Butter cake ensures it stays moist and delicious, much like preserving the flavors of a well-made creamy meat and potato skillet. After it has cooled completely, transfer the cake to an airtight container. You can store it at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, this cake freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and it will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For a warm, gooey treat, microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds, or warm gently in a low oven.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reeses Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

Can I substitute the chocolate cake mix?

Absolutely! You can use your favorite brand of chocolate cake mix, or even a devil’s food cake mix for an even richer chocolate flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try a dark chocolate or chocolate fudge mix. Just follow the package directions for the wet ingredients, and you’ll have a fantastic base for this creamy ground meat skillet recipe-inspired dessert.

What if I don’t have Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups?

No worries if you can’t find Reese’s! You can chop up other chocolate and peanut butter candy bars, or even just use extra chocolate chips and a bit more creamy peanut butter in the swirl. Another idea is to make your own peanut butter cups if you’re feeling ambitious! The goal is that delicious chocolate and peanut butter combo, which you can achieve in many ways, making it a versatile creamy meat recipe one pan wonder.

How can I make the “earthquake” effect more pronounced?

To get more dramatic cracks and swirls, try using a slightly thicker peanut butter mixture. You can achieve this by reducing the milk slightly or adding a touch more powdered sugar. When you dollop it onto the chocolate batter, don’t be afraid to make larger pockets. The key is to swirl gently with a knife, creating distinct fissures rather than blending everything together. This is similar to how we layer flavors in a savory one pan creamy meat dish.

Is this cake suitable for a potluck or party?

Oh, definitely! This Reeses Chocolate Peanut Butter cake is a guaranteed hit at any gathering. It travels well (once cooled completely, of course) and always disappears quickly. Its rich, decadent flavor appeals to almost everyone, making it a safe and delicious bet for any event, much like a reliable easy one pan creamy meat dinner.

Variations of Reeses Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake You Can Try

This incredible Reeses Chocolate Peanut Butter cake is so versatile, you can tweak it to fit almost any dietary need or flavor preference. It’s a fantastic base recipe, much like how a simple creamy meat recipe one pan can be adapted for different tastes.

Gluten-Free Option: Simply swap out the standard chocolate cake mix for a gluten-free version. The rest of the recipe, including the peanut butter swirl and Reese’s candy, remains the same. You’ll get all the same decadent flavor without the gluten!
Vegan Delight: To make this cake vegan, use a vegan chocolate cake mix and ensure your milk is a plant-based alternative like almond or soy milk. For the peanut butter filling, use a vegan peanut butter and check your powdered sugar is vegan-certified. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a one pan creamy meat dish-inspired treat.
Double Chocolate Peanut Butter: For the ultimate chocolate lover, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the peanut butter filling. You can also use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate chips for a richer taste.
Peanut Butter Cup Lover’s Dream: If you adore peanut butter cups, consider adding a layer of peanut butter frosting on top once the cake has cooled, and then scattering more chopped Reese’s cups over the frosting. It’s a truly decadent take on this easy one pan creamy meat dessert.