Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is everything you love about chocolate and peanut butter in one indulgent dessert. The cake is moist and soft, while the peanut butter filling becomes wonderfully gooey and creamy, creating a stunning “earthquake” effect as it bakes. With a touch of semi-sweet chocolate chips melted into the mix, this dessert offers layers of flavor and texture that everyone will love. It’s a simple-to-make, rich dessert that’s perfect for a crowd or just for a cozy night in.

Ingredients

1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box for preparation)
1/2 cup butter, melted
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Prepare the Cake: Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package directions. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Make the Peanut Butter Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, melted butter, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture, beating until everything is well combined and smooth.
Top the Cake: Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter filling over the chocolate cake batter. Use a knife or spatula to swirl the filling into the cake batter, creating the “earthquake” effect. Don’t mix it in completely—let the filling remain swirled.
Bake the Cake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). The cake should be set around the edges but slightly gooey in the center.
Add Chocolate Chips: Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the top. Let the cake sit for a few minutes to allow the chocolate to melt, then spread it out into a smooth layer.
Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. For a richer experience, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12-16
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

Nutty Twist: Add chopped peanuts or other nuts to the peanut butter filling for extra crunch and texture.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving for an added layer of flavor.
Fudge Layer: Spread a layer of fudge sauce over the cake before baking for an even more indulgent dessert.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating: To reheat, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds until warm, or warm the whole cake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of the cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute homemade chocolate cake batter for the box mix if you prefer. Just ensure it’s the right consistency to fill a 9×13-inch pan.

2. Can I use smooth peanut butter instead of chunky?

Yes, smooth peanut butter works better for the filling in this recipe as it creates a creamier texture.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just make sure to let it cool completely before covering and storing it.

4. Can I use a different nut butter for the filling?

Yes, almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter can be used as a substitute, but the flavor will vary.

5. Can I add more chocolate chips to the filling?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips to the peanut butter filling for a double dose of chocolatey goodness.

6. Is it possible to make this cake without the chocolate chips?

Yes, you can skip the chocolate chips, or substitute them with chopped chocolate, mini marshmallows, or even candy chunks for a fun twist.

7. Can I use light cream cheese instead of full-fat cream cheese?

Yes, light cream cheese will work, though it may result in a slightly less rich texture.

8. Can I use a gluten-free cake mix for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Just follow the instructions on the gluten-free mix, and you’ll still enjoy this delicious cake.

9. How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when it is set around the edges and slightly jiggly in the center. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter.

10. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze this cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and enjoy!

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is a showstopping dessert that combines all the best flavors in one indulgent treat. With its rich, gooey peanut butter filling, decadent chocolate cake, and a drizzle of melted chocolate, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just because, it’s a dessert that’s sure to leave everyone wanting more. Enjoy the creamy, chocolatey, peanut butter goodness in every bite!

Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Yield: 12-16 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is a decadent dessert with a rich chocolate cake base, gooey peanut butter filling, and a melted chocolate topping. This irresistible cake is the ultimate indulgence for chocolate and peanut butter lovers, offering a unique texture and flavor explosion in every bite. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to impress at your next gathering!

Ingredients

For the Cake:
1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box for preparation)

1/2 cup butter, melted

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

4 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
Prepare the Cake: Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package directions. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Make the Peanut Butter Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, melted butter, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until well combined and smooth.
Top the Cake: Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the cake batter. Use a knife or spatula to swirl the filling into the batter, creating the “earthquake” effect.
Bake the Cake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The edges should be set, and the center slightly gooey.
Add Chocolate Chips: Once done, remove from the oven and sprinkle chocolate chips evenly on top. Let the cake sit to allow the chocolate to melt, then spread it into a smooth layer.
Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving. For extra indulgence, serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

Nutty Twist: Add chopped peanuts or other nuts to the peanut butter filling for extra crunch.

Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top for added flavor.

Fudge Layer: Spread fudge sauce over the cake before baking for a richer dessert.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American