Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake (Print-Friendly Version)

Moist chocolate cake swirled with creamy peanut butter and topped with chocolate chips and Reese’s candy bites.

# Ingredients:

→ Cake

01 - 1 box chocolate cake mix (prepare as per box instructions with eggs, oil, and water)
02 - 1/2 cup butter, melted

→ Creamy Peanut Butter Swirl

03 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
04 - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
05 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
06 - 4 cups powdered sugar

→ Toppings

07 - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
08 - 1 cup mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, halved

# Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9×13-inch) glass baking dish to ensure even heat distribution. Alternatively, a metal pan can be used with careful baking time monitoring.
02 - Prepare the chocolate cake mix following the instructions on the box, incorporating water, oil, and eggs as specified. Pour the smooth batter into the prepared baking dish.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and melted butter until smooth. Incorporate peanut butter and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the mixture becomes thick and fluffy.
04 - Spoon dollops of the peanut butter cream mixture over the cake batter in the dish, creating swirls without fully mixing it into the batter.
05 - Sprinkle chocolate chips and halved mini Reese’s cups on top of the cake. Slightly press some pieces into the batter but leave others visible for presentation.
06 - Bake the cake for 45–55 minutes. Check for doneness when the edges are set, the top is cracked, and the center is just firm with a slight jiggle. It will set further as it cools.
07 - Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. For a warm and gooey texture, serve immediately, or refrigerate after cooling to achieve cleaner slices.

# Notes:

01 - For smoother swirls, use room-temperature cream cheese.
02 - Avoid overbaking to maintain the gooey texture.
03 - Add a swirl of melted peanut butter on top before baking for a stronger peanut butter flavor.
04 - Refrigerate the cake for 1 hour after cooling for easier slicing.

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