Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake

Created on October 7th, 2025 at 02:16 pm

Gooey, Swirled, Chocolatey Bliss

Get ready to sink your fork into a messy masterpiece of chocolate and peanut butter! This Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is everything a fall dessert should be—warm, gooey, and downright irresistible. The rich chocolate cake is swirled with a luscious peanut butter cream cheese layer and studded with melty chocolate chips. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or just craving a sweet escape, this cake delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s simple to make, fun to swirl, and guaranteed to steal the show at your next family celebration or cozy weekend bake.

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake isn’t just dessert—it’s a showstopper.

• The cream cheese and peanut butter swirl melts right into the cake for unbeatable texture.
• Chocolate chips on top? Yes, please.
• It’s one-bowl easy, totally mess-friendly, and always a crowd favorite.
  Make it for your next potluck, fall festivity, or just to treat yourself to something sweet, warm, and downright delicious. Bonus: it tastes even better the next day (if there’s any left!).

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⏱️ Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 12 generous slices

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📝 Ingredients List

For the Cake:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix (any brand)
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter (your preference)

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (full-fat recommended)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

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✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

• Large mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Knife or skewer for swirling

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan or use non-stick spray.
2. Mix the cake batter: In a large bowl, combine cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth. Pour half into the baking dish.
3. Make the swirl: In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla. Beat until creamy.
4. Swirl time! Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the batter. Use a knife or skewer to create swirls.
5. Top it off: Pour the remaining batter gently over the swirls. Sprinkle chocolate chips and optional nuts evenly. 🍫🥜
6. Bake for 35–40 minutes until the top is cracked and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
7. Cool slightly for 10–15 minutes. Serve warm for extra gooey goodness or cool for neat slices. 😋

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💡 Pro Tips

• Texture Tip: Crunchy peanut butter adds great bite, but creamy gives a silkier swirl.
• Flavor Twist: Try butterscotch chips or white chocolate on top for a fun twist.
• Make-Ahead: This cake stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for that warm, gooey feel.
• Lactose-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese to suit dietary needs.

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🍽️ It’s Your Turn to Bake!

If you’re looking for a wow-worthy dessert that’s easy, decadent, and full of comforting fall flavor, this Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake checks every box. It’s the kind of dessert people remember—messy, rich, and absolutely addictive. Serve it up at your next Gratitude Gathering, bake sale, or weekend treat. One slice, and you’ll understand why this one’s a keeper.

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📊 Nutrition Table

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 slice	420	6g	42g	24g	2g	29g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated and may vary based on exact ingredients used. Please consult a nutritionist for specific dietary advice.