Prepare for a dessert experience that lives up to its name – this Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is a decadent, intensely flavorful treat that will shake up your taste buds! Layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter filling, and a crunchy Oreo cookie crumble create a textural masterpiece. It’s baked until slightly unstable, resulting in a “cracked” appearance that adds to its irresistible charm.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Servings: 12
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients called for on box)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 package (14.3 oz) Oreo cookies, coarsely crushed
- 1 cup chocolate chips
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to package directions and pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool slightly.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the peanut butter filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and butter, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Sprinkle the crushed Oreo cookies evenly over the slightly cooled cake.
- Spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the Oreo cookie layer.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips over the peanut butter filling.
- Gently press the chocolate chips into the peanut butter layer.
- Bake for another 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is slightly cracked.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t overbake the cake, or it will be dry.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest filling.
- Crush the Oreos coarsely for a nice texture.
- For an extra chocolatey boost, use a chocolate cake mix with chocolate frosting.
- Let the cake cool completely before cutting; it will be easier to slice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of cookie?
A: Yes, graham crackers or chocolate wafer cookies would also work well.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: You can use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and gluten-free Oreo cookies.
Q: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
Thank you for trying out this recipe! We hope you and your family enjoy it.
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