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Imagine a dessert that combines the rich flavors of dark chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and the delightful surprise of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Introducing the Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake! This indulgent treat is perfect for those who crave a sweet escape in the comfort of their own home. While it may not win any beauty contests, its taste more than makes up for its humble appearance.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake is a dream come true for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. The combination of a dark chocolate cake base with a creamy peanut butter and cream cheese layer creates a rich and decadent dessert. The addition of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups adds an extra layer of indulgence, making each bite a delightful experience. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 Box Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix (plus ingredients required: oil, eggs, water)
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup miniature Reese’s peanut butter cups, unwrapped and halved
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, water, eggs, and oil. Whisk until well blended.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- In another mixing bowl, mix together the softened butter, peanut butter, vanilla, and cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, stirring well after each addition.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the chocolate cake batter in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips and halved Reese’s peanut butter cups over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool on a wire rack.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Tips for Success
- Keep the cream cheese mixture about 1 inch away from the edges to prevent overflow during baking.
- Place a cookie sheet underneath the baking dish in the oven to catch any potential drips.
Additional Tips and Variations
For a twist, try adding chopped nuts or drizzling melted chocolate over the finished cake. You can also experiment with different flavors of cake mix to suit your taste.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
This cake is an indulgence, so enjoy it in moderation! The nutritional content will vary depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of cake mix? Yes, feel free to try other flavors like milk chocolate or even a peanut butter cake mix for a different twist.
How should I store leftovers? Store any leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just be sure to store it properly and reheat before serving for the best taste.
Conclusion
This Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake is a delightful treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Give it a try and let the rich flavors capture your heart. We’d love to hear about your baking adventures, so feel free to share your experiences and any variations you try. Happy baking!
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