Description
Indulge in this decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake, a luscious layered dessert combining rich chocolate fudge cake with creamy peanut butter frosting, studded with chocolate chips and peanut butter cups. Perfectly baked to create a delightful texture contrast and served warm, it’s an irresistible treat for any chocolate and peanut butter lover.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Cake
- 1 chocolate fudge cake mix (plus ingredients needed to prepare as per package)
Peanut Butter Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2–4 cups powdered sugar
Toppings
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chocolate peanut butter cups, halved
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the assembled cake.
- Prepare Cake Mix: Prepare the chocolate fudge cake mix according to the package instructions, using all necessary ingredients listed on the box.
- Assemble Cake Batter: Pour the prepared cake batter into a lightly greased 9×13 inch cake pan. Important: Do not bake the cake at this stage; set it aside for frosting assembly.
- Make Peanut Butter Frosting: Melt the butter on the stovetop until bubbly. In a mixing bowl, beat the melted butter together with the softened cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the peanut butter and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fully combined and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating continuously until the frosting is light, fluffy, and well-incorporated.
- Assemble Frosting on Cake Batter: Using a spoon, scoop dollops of the peanut butter frosting onto the unbaked chocolate cake batter, distributing evenly across the surface.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the top of the cake evenly with chocolate chips and the halved chocolate peanut butter cups for extra texture and flavor bursts.
- Bake: Place the assembled cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the center of the cake is just slightly jiggly when gently shaken, indicating it is set but still moist inside.
- Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing to let it set properly.
- Serve: Serve the cake warm, optionally paired with ice cream for an even more indulgent experience.
Notes
- You can adjust the powdered sugar in the frosting to achieve your preferred sweetness and consistency.
- Using room temperature cream cheese ensures a smooth frosting without lumps.
- For best results, use fresh peanut butter cups and high-quality chocolate chips.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving to prevent it from falling apart.
- Serve with vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a delicious dessert pairing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American