Reeses Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake

Ingredients:

For the Base:
– 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box—usually eggs, oil, water)

For the Creamy Swirl:
– ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
– 8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened
– ½ cup creamy peanut butter
– ½ tsp vanilla extract
– 4 cups powdered sugar

For the Mix-Ins:
– ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– ½ cup peanut butter chips (optional but highly recommended)
– ½ cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (about 4 regular cups)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Gradually add powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating well after each addition until fully combined and creamy.
5. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into the creamy mixture.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the creamy peanut butter mixture over the chocolate cake batter in the pan.
7. Using a knife or skewer, swirl the creamy mixture into the cake batter to create a marbled effect.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
9. Allow the cake to cool completely before serving to let the flavors meld and the texture set.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour

Kcal: Approximately 450 kcal per serving | Servings: 12 servings

Tips:
Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for a smoother creamy swirl mixture.
For a more intense peanut butter flavor, add an extra ¼ cup of creamy peanut butter to the swirl.