Ingredients
The Cake Base:
1 box chocolate cake mix (plus the ingredients called for on the box: usually water, vegetable oil, and eggs)
The Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Swirl:
8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
½ cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup butter, melted
4 cups powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
The Toppings & Mix-Ins:
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup peanut butter chips (optional)
1 cup mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (or chopped regular cups)
🥣 Directions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Mix and Pour the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the box instructions using the required water, oil, and eggs. Whisk until smooth, then pour the batter evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Do not bake it yet!
Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and peanut butter together with an electric hand mixer until completely smooth. Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract, blending until incorporated. Gradually add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until you have a thick, creamy frosting-like texture.
Step 4: Add the “Earthquake” Dollops
Drop large spoonfuls of the peanut butter cream cheese mixture directly on top of the wet chocolate cake batter. Take a butter knife and gently swirl the two mixtures together a few times. Don’t over-mix—you want large, distinct ribbons of the peanut butter filling.
Step 5: Scatter the Toppings
Evenly sprinkle the chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and your Reese’s peanut butter cups all over the top of the cake.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes. The center should still have a slight, gooey wiggle when shook, but a toothpick inserted into the pure chocolate cake parts should come out clean.
Let the cake cool for at least 20 to 30 minutes before slicing. It will deflate slightly as it cools, forming the signature “earthquake” craters. Serve warm with a glass of cold milk!