Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake

This Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is a rich, gooey dessert that’s an irresistible twist on the classic! Packed with layers of chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter, cream cheese swirls, and melty chocolate chips, every bite is decadent and full of texture. Perfect for peanut butter lovers, this easy cake comes together with minimal effort but tastes like a bakery-style treat.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 425 kcal

Ingredients

Box of chocolate cake mix or your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe
Cream cheese softened
Butter melted
Powdered sugar
Peanut butter creamy or crunchy your call
Chocolate chips or chunks dark, semisweet, or a mix
Optional extras: chopped Reese’s cups white chocolate chips, chopped nuts
Pro tip: Use room-temperature cream cheese. Cold cream cheese fights you. I’ve lost that battle more than once.

Instructions

1. Preheat + Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well (don’t skimp this cake will try to stick).

2. Make the Chocolate Cake Base

Follow the directions on your cake mix (or recipe) to make the batter.
Pour that batter into the greased dish, spreading it evenly.

3. Mix the Peanut Butter‑Cream Cheese Layer

In a bowl, combine cream cheese, melted butter, peanut butter, and powdered sugar.
Stir until smooth and creamy.

4. Swirl & Dollop

Spoon dollops of your peanut butter‑cream cheese mix over the chocolate batter.
Use a knife or spatula to gently swirl don’t overdo it. You want those pockets of peanut butter to stay bold.

5. Add the Chocolate Chips + Extras

Sprinkle a generous handful (or two) of chocolate chips over the top.
If you’re feeling extra, toss in chopped Reese’s or nuts.

6. Bake

Bake for 40–45 minutes.
The edges should set, and the center should wiggle just slightly (you don’t want a dry cake).

7. Cool (Kind Of) & Serve

Let it cool for at least 10 minutes (if you can wait).
Dig in warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream.

Video

Notes

Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture or crunchy for extra bite. Avoid natural peanut butter with oil separation for best consistency.
Cake Mix: A chocolate cake mix works best, but you can experiment with devil’s food or fudge cake for richer flavor.
Swirl Effect: Gently drag a knife through the batter to create beautiful peanut butter “earthquake” swirls—don’t overmix!
Add-Ins: For extra indulgence, toss in chocolate chips, chopped peanut butter cups, or crushed peanuts.
Serving Tip: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle of warm peanut butter sauce for a dessert that wows every time.
Storage: Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat slightly before serving for that gooey texture again.

🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Keyword Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake