Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake – A Decadent, Irresistible Treat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the Cake:

In a large mixing bowl, prepare the dark chocolate fudge cake mix according to the package instructions (usually adding water, oil, and eggs). Stir until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Make the Peanut Butter Filling:

In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the mixture is thick and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake:

Pour the prepared cake batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it evenly.
Dollop the peanut butter filling over the top of the cake batter in spoonfuls. Use a butter knife or spatula to swirl the peanut butter filling into the cake batter (don’t mix it in completely—let the swirls remain).
Sprinkle chocolate chips and halved Reese’s peanut butter cups evenly over the top.
Bake:

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine). The peanut butter filling should be slightly gooey but firmed up around the edges.
Cool and Serve:

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing into it. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Serving and Storage Tips: