If you’re searching for a decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert, the Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake will absolutely steal the show. This gooey, marbled cake combines swirls of rich chocolate cake batter, creamy peanut butter, tangy cream cheese, and melty pockets of chocolate and peanut butter chips, all crowned by a delightful scattering of chopped peanuts. The “earthquake” effect creates crackly craters, dips, and swirls in every slice, making each serving a surprise of flavor and texture. Whether you serve it warm and melty straight from the oven or at room temperature to highlight its fudgy center, this is one treat that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about the Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is how effortlessly the ingredients come together. Each item on this list plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and achieving that signature gooey, marbled look.
- Chocolate fudge cake mix: Delivers a moist, chocolatey base that’s both rich and foolproof using a shortcut from the box.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake extra tender and ensures every bite melts in your mouth.
- Water: Helps bring the batter together, balancing the richness of the mix and fats.
- Large eggs: Add structure and help with that perfect, fluffy crumb.
- Creamy peanut butter: Lends a luscious, nutty swirl that tastes like heaven with chocolate.
- Cream cheese (softened): Offers tang and silkiness, creating irresistibly gooey pockets throughout the cake.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds a rich, buttery note and makes the cream cheese mixture extra luxurious.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the peanut butter-cream cheese swirl to creamy, dreamy perfection.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Stud the top with molten chocolate for a gooey, melty effect.
- Peanut butter chips: Enhance the nutty swirls and add another creamy texture.
- Chopped peanuts (optional): Provide a salty, crunchy contrast for the ultimate textural bite.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure to get into the corners so nothing sticks. This will help your Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake release easily and bake evenly.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whip up the cake base by following the instructions on your box of chocolate fudge cake mix. Pour in the vegetable oil, water, and eggs, and mix until just combined. The batter should be thick and glossy, promising a rich layer of fudgy chocolate once baked.
Step 3: Pour and Spread the Batter
Pour the chocolate cake batter evenly into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to gently smooth it out—no need for perfection, just ensure it spreads to the edges. This will form the foundation of your Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake.
Step 4: Whip Up the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, melted butter, and peanut butter. Beat until smooth, then gradually add the powdered sugar. Keep mixing until the combination is rich, creamy, and completely lump-free. This is where the magic marbling begins!
Step 5: Create the Earthquake Effect
Scoop generous spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture all over the chocolate batter. Don’t mix it in—simply drop and swirl. Use a butter knife to gently drag and swirl the mixture, creating pretty, marbled patterns. You want those waves and pockets to show when the cake bakes.
Step 6: Add Chips and Peanuts
Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips and peanut butter chips liberally across the top. If you like some extra crunch, add the chopped peanuts. These toppings melt and nestle into the cracks, making every bite extra indulgent.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Watch for the center to be mostly set but still slightly gooey—this “earthquake” appearance, full of cracks and dips, is exactly what you want. Let it cool slightly for easier slicing, or dig in while it’s warm and molten for the ultimate treat.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake
Garnishes
A little flourish goes a long way! Top slices of Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of warm chocolate or caramel sauce, or a sprinkling of extra chopped peanuts for a dreamy presentation that brings out all the best flavors.
Side Dishes
This cake is indulgent on its own, but if you’re hosting a gathering, consider pairing it with fresh berries for a pop of tartness, or a light cup of coffee to balance its richness. A dollop of whipped cream also compliments the gooey texture beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with how you serve it! Cut the cake into rustic squares for a party platter, or use a ring mold to create round portions for a more elegant dessert plate. You could even layer cubes into parfait glasses with ice cream and extra chips for a fun, deconstructed look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If (and that’s a big if!) you have leftovers, simply cover the cake tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 4 to 5 days. The flavors mingle and get even better over time!
Freezing
Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake freezes wonderfully! Wrap individual slices well in plastic wrap and foil, or store the whole cake in a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked, gooey texture, warm leftover cake in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds. If you’ve frozen your cake, let it thaw completely first. A few seconds is all it takes to revive those melty swirls of chocolate and peanut butter!
FAQs
Can I substitute almond butter or another nut butter?
Absolutely! While traditional peanut butter creates the classic flavor, using almond butter or even cashew butter can add a unique twist. It’s a great swap if you need to accommodate allergies or just want to experiment with new flavors.
What makes this cake “earthquake”?
The “earthquake” name comes from the beautiful cracks and dips that appear as the cake bakes and the cream cheese-peanut butter swirl sinks into the chocolate batter. It looks dramatic and ensures every slice has pockets of gooey, molten goodness.
Can I make Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake ahead for a party?
Yes! This cake can be baked a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Gently warm it before serving to bring back its gooey magic, or serve at room temperature for a slightly firmer bite that’s still rich and delicious.
Do I need to use both chocolate and peanut butter chips?
While both types of chips really amp up the flavor and texture, you can absolutely use just one if that’s what you have on hand. Or, try white chocolate chips for a fun variation!
What’s the best way to get perfect marble swirls?
For those signature swirls, drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter, then use a butter knife to gently drag and swirl them together. Don’t overmix; just a few strokes will give you a gorgeous marbled effect every time!
Final Thoughts
Once you try Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake, you’ll see why it’s become a must-make dessert in my kitchen. It’s show-stopping, simple, and irresistibly delicious. Give it a try—the gooey swirls and rich flavors are pure joy in every bite!
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent flavors of this Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake. A rich chocolate fudge cake base is swirled with a creamy peanut butter cheesecake filling and topped with a mix of chocolate and peanut butter chips for the ultimate dessert experience.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box chocolate fudge cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 3 large eggs
Peanut Butter Cheesecake Filling:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Toppings:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup peanut butter chips
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Cake: Mix cake mix, oil, water, and eggs in a bowl. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Make Filling: Beat cream cheese, butter, peanut butter, and powdered sugar until smooth. Spoon over cake batter.
- Swirl: Use a knife to swirl the peanut butter mixture into the cake batter.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and chopped peanuts over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until just set with cracks and dips.
- Serve: Cool slightly and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Best served warm with vanilla ice cream.
- Can use almond butter and dark chocolate chips as substitutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
