Creating this Retro Bakery Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is simple and straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a stunning and delicious cake ready in no time:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the instructions on the box, typically by combining the cake mix with water, oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Make the Peanut Butter Filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This will form a thick, rich peanut butter filling.
- Layer the Cake and Filling: Pour half of the chocolate cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then, spoon dollops of the peanut butter mixture over the cake batter, spreading it out slightly but leaving some gaps. Pour the remaining chocolate cake batter over the top, ensuring the peanut butter layer is covered. Do not stir; the “earthquake” effect happens when the filling sinks during baking, creating cracks in the cake.
- Bake the Cake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine). The cake will rise around the peanut butter filling, creating the signature cracks and crevices that resemble an “earthquake.”
- Add Chocolate Chips: About 5 minutes before the cake is done, sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top of the cake, allowing them to melt and form a gooey, chocolatey topping.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before cutting it into squares. If desired, sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top for added texture and flavor.
Serving and Storage
To Serve: This cake is best served warm or at room temperature. It’s so decadent that it can stand alone as a dessert, but you could also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Storage: If you have leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake will stay moist and delicious, with the peanut butter center remaining gooey and rich.
Freezing: You can freeze this cake for longer storage. To do so, place individual slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or heat in the microwave for a few seconds to restore its creamy goodness.
Tips
Here are some tips to make your Retro Bakery Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake even more incredible:
- Customize the Peanut Butter: If you prefer a more intense peanut butter flavor, use chunky peanut butter or add a few more spoonfuls to the filling.
- Mix in More Chocolate: For a more chocolatey cake, mix some chocolate chips into the cake batter itself, along with the chocolate chips on top.
- Use Natural Peanut Butter: For a richer, more natural flavor, opt for creamy natural peanut butter, but be sure to stir it well before using, as natural peanut butter can separate.
- Make It Extra Nutty: Add chopped peanuts or even peanut butter cups to the filling or top the cake with extra chopped peanuts for added texture and flavor.
- Serve with Ice Cream: This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or peanut butter ice cream. It adds a nice contrast to the warm, gooey texture of the cake.
Conclusion
The Retro Bakery Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake is a decadent dessert that combines the best of both worlds: rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. The “earthquake” effect, with its cracks and gooey center, makes it a fun and dramatic dessert that will wow your guests. Whether for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. With its irresistible flavors and satisfying texture, it’s bound to leave everyone asking for seconds!
FAQ
- Can I use homemade chocolate cake mix?
- Yes! You can substitute a homemade chocolate cake recipe for the boxed mix. Just make sure the batter is of similar consistency, as the cake base is crucial to the overall texture.
- Can I make this cake in advance?
- Absolutely! You can bake the cake up to two days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat slices in the microwave before serving to restore its gooeyness.