Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake (Printable Recipe)

Rich chocolate cake with peanut butter cream cheese swirls, chocolate chips, and a distinctive cracked top.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Cake Base

01 - 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
02 - 1 cup water
03 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
04 - 3 large eggs

→ Cream Cheese Swirl

05 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened (full-fat recommended)
06 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
07 - 1/2 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
08 - 1 tsp vanilla extract

→ Topping

09 - 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
10 - 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs according to package directions. Mix until well combined and smooth. Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly.
03 - In a separate bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy with no lumps remaining. Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.
04 - Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter in the pan. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter with minimal mixing, creating a marbled effect. Pour the remaining cake batter over the top, spreading carefully to cover.
05 - Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the surface. If using nuts, scatter chopped pecans or walnuts over the top as well.
06 - Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The surface should have a characteristic cracked appearance. Avoid overbaking to maintain a gooey texture.
07 - Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving. The cake can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Use name-brand chocolate cake mix for the most consistent results and reliable texture.
02 - Avoid over-swirling the cream cheese layer to maintain distinct layers and achieve the signature earthquake cracked appearance.
03 - Always use room-temperature cream cheese for smooth, lump-free mixing into the filling.
04 - Let the cake rest for 10 to 15 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set properly before cutting.
05 - Moist crumbs on the toothpick indicate perfect doneness; completely clean means overbaked.
06 - Creamy peanut butter creates smooth swirls while crunchy adds textural contrast throughout the cake.
07 - For a fudgier version, replace chocolate cake mix with boxed brownie mix.
08 - Add chopped Reese's cups between layers for intensified peanut butter chocolate flavor.
09 - Substitute vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce for a slightly lighter version.
10 - For nut allergies, replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter.
11 - Use dairy-free cream cheese and chocolate chips for a lactose-free version.
12 - Natural peanut butter may create a runnier cream cheese layer due to its thinner consistency.
13 - Reduce baking time by 3 to 5 minutes for an extra gooey center.
14 - Drizzle with warm chocolate or peanut butter sauce before serving for added indulgence.
15 - Top with vanilla ice cream while still warm for a decadent dessert experience.

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