If you’re looking for a dessert that practically demands a second helping, Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is your next baking adventure! Imagine a gooey chocolate cake rippled with creamy peanut butter swirls and studded with chocolate chips and peanut butter cup treasures in every bite. Warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this showstopper is an absolute crowd-pleaser that turns any gathering into a celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this treat will steal the spotlight and have everyone begging for the recipe.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is how it takes simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and transforms them into something truly magical. Each element is essential—bringing rich chocolate flavor, creamy texture, and that irresistible peanut butter twist.

Chocolate fudge cake mix: The super-chocolaty foundation—easy, reliable, and always moist.
Eggs, oil, and water: Follow your cake mix’s package instructions for amounts; these are the magical trio that brings the batter together.
Butter: Adds lusciousness and helps create that creamy, decadent swirl layer.
Cream cheese (softened): The secret ingredient for the ultra-creamy peanut butter ribbon—it melts into the cake for pockets of tangy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Peanut butter: For that classic nutty flavor; smooth is best, but feel free to use crunchy if you love a little extra texture.
Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavors and adds warm, comforting notes.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the peanut butter swirl until fluffy and rich.
Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips add melty, gooey pockets of chocolate in every forkful.
Chocolate peanut butter cups (halved): The “treasure” bites—these make the cake wholly irresistible and a true treat for peanut butter lovers.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Grab a trusty 9×13-inch cake pan and give it a light greasing. This will keep every sticky, fudgy edge of your Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake intact and easy to serve later.

Step 2: Mix and Pour the Cake Batter

Prepare your chocolate fudge cake mix as directed on the box. That usually means combining the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water in a bowl and mixing until smooth and glossy. Pour the batter into your greased pan, smoothing it out into an even layer. Don’t bake it yet—this is just the beginning of the magic!

Step 3: Prepare the Peanut Butter Swirl

Melt your butter on the stovetop until it’s bubbling, then transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add in the softened cream cheese and beat those together until completely smooth—no lumps allowed! Next, blend in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes almost tempting enough to eat as is. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, about a cup at a time, beating between each addition until everything’s fully incorporated and the mixture is light, fluffy, and thick.

Step 4: Layer and Swirl

Grab spoonfuls of your peanut butter mixture and dollop them all over the unbaked chocolate batter. There’s no need to be precise—the more rustic, the better for an “earthquake” effect! Use a butter knife to gently swirl the peanut butter mixture into the chocolate batter, creating ribbons and pockets of peanut butter goodness throughout.

Step 5: Add the Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cups

Sprinkle chocolate chips and halved chocolate peanut butter cups generously over the top. This is the moment when your Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake starts to look a little wild and totally irresistible—like it’s bursting with hidden treasures.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle (that’s how you know it’ll be decadently gooey!). Allow your cake to cool for about 15 to 20 minutes in the pan; this helps everything set just enough to slice neatly, while still staying luscious and warm inside.

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake

Garnishes

This cake is already a showstopper, but a little finishing touch makes it extra special! Top warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of chopped peanuts or extra chocolate shavings also adds a lovely crunch and “wow” factor.

Side Dishes

You really don’t need much to go alongside such a rich and decadent dessert, but a tall glass of cold milk or a piping hot cup of coffee makes each bite even better. For a fruit-forward touch, serve it with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a pop of tart contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Wow your friends and family by turning individual servings of Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake into sundaes: warm cake in a bowl, ice cream on top, and your favorite sundae toppings. Or cut cooled cake into fun shapes with a cookie cutter for birthday parties or special occasions—guaranteed smiles all around!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, simply cover the pan tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. The cake stays fresh at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days. Let it come to room temperature or warm slightly before eating to recapture the gooey delight.

Freezing

Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake freezes beautifully! Slice cooled cake and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Defrost slices overnight in the refrigerator, and they’ll be ready for a quick reheat whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. This brings back that just-baked warmth and gooey swirl that makes the cake so irresistible. Avoid overheating to keep the cake moist and the chocolate chips melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! While chocolate fudge is classic for Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake, you can substitute a devil’s food or even a peanut butter cake mix for a unique twist. Just expect slight changes in flavor and richness.

What type of peanut butter is best?

Smooth, commercially processed peanut butter works best for that creamy swirl. If you use natural or crunchy peanut butter, the texture will be a bit different, but you’ll still get fantastic nutty flavor.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The edges and top will look set, but the center should still jiggle slightly when you gently shake the pan. That gooey, molten middle is exactly what you want for Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake—don’t overbake!

Can I add more mix-ins?

Please do! Extra chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even mini marshmallows can be sprinkled over the top. Make it your own and surprise your guests with every batch.

Is this cake suitable for making ahead for parties?

Yes, you can bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake a day ahead. Warm slices just before serving, and top with ice cream for the ultimate easy party dessert that tastes like it’s fresh from the oven.

Final Thoughts

There’s magic in every forkful of Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake—the way the chocolate, peanut butter, and cream cheese melt together is pure dessert happiness. Gather your ingredients, call over your favorite people, and let this crowd-pleaser steal the show. Trust me: you’ll love every decadent bite!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake Recipe

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Indulge in the decadent goodness of Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake, a warm and gooey dessert that combines rich chocolate flavors with creamy peanut butter in every bite. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings!

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 20 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Cake:

1 Chocolate Fudge cake mix, plus ingredients needed to prepare (eggs, oil, water)

Peanut Butter Filling:

1/2 cup butter
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3 1/2 to 4 cups powdered sugar

Toppings:

1/2 cup chocolate chips
1 cup chocolate peanut butter cups, halved

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare chocolate cake mix according to package instructions and pour into a lightly greased 9×13 cake pan, DO NOT BAKE – set aside.
Melt butter on stove top until bubbly. Pour into mixing bowl and beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add the peanut butter and vanilla extract, beat till smooth. Add one cup of powdered sugar at a time to bowl, and beat until fully incorporated and mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Scoop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture onto the chocolate cake batter, all over. Sprinkle with the chocolate chips and peanut butter cups.
Bake for 45-55 minutes or until the center is only slightly jiggly. Let cool for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing and serving warm. Top with ice cream if desired! Enjoy!

Notes

This cake is best enjoyed warm and pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
For a richer taste, you can drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over the cake before serving.