This rich and indulgent peanut butter earthquake cake combines a moist peanut butter cake base with a creamy sweet swirl that bakes into irresistible pockets of gooey goodness. It’s the perfect dessert for peanut butter lovers who crave something easy, impressive, and wonderfully messy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This peanut butter earthquake cake is incredibly simple to prepare and requires no mixers or complicated steps. The “earthquake” effect happens naturally as the creamy filling sinks into the cake while baking, creating a marbled, gooey texture everyone loves. It’s ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the earthquake cream swirl:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, halal-friendly)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the peanut butter, oil, eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk. Mix until smooth and combined.
4. Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
5. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the melted butter, powdered sugar, and peanut butter, mixing until creamy.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the cream mixture over the cake batter.
7. Use a knife to gently swirl the filling into the batter—do not overmix.
8. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top if using.
9. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the edges are set but the center remains slightly gooey.
10. Cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 35–40 minutes
Cooling time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
• Add chopped roasted peanuts on top for extra crunch.
• Swirl in a few tablespoons of chocolate hazelnut spread for a deeper chocolate flavor.
• Omit chocolate chips for a purely peanut butter–focused dessert.
• Add a handful of mini marshmallows to the batter for an even gooier finish.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore the soft, gooey texture.
The cake may also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before serving.

FAQs

How do I know when the cake is done if it’s supposed to be gooey?

The edges should look set, but the center will remain slightly soft—this is normal for an earthquake cake.

Can I make this cake without cream cheese?

Yes, but the texture will be less creamy. Replace the cream cheese mixture with a simple swirl of sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

It can be used, but ensure it’s stirred very well to avoid separation that could affect texture.

Do I need an electric mixer?

No, this recipe can be mixed entirely by hand.

Can I use a different pan size?

A 9×9-inch pan works, but the cake will be thicker and may need a longer bake time.

Is this cake very sweet?

It is sweet and rich, similar to a peanut butter lava cake. You may reduce the powdered sugar slightly if desired.

Can I add cocoa powder to the batter?

Yes, adding 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder creates a chocolate–peanut butter hybrid cake.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, it keeps well and can be baked the day before serving.

Can I freeze slices individually?

Absolutely—wrap slices tightly and freeze for easy single-serve desserts.

What type of peanut butter works best?

Standard creamy peanut butter gives the smoothest and most consistent results.

Conclusion

This peanut butter earthquake cake is a simple yet indulgent dessert that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With its gooey pockets of sweet cream, tender crumb, and rich peanut butter taste, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe for family gatherings or any time you crave a comforting treat.

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