There’s something magical about a dessert that combines the creamy, nutty goodness of peanut butter with the rich, chocolaty delight of brownies. Introducing the Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake—a treat that’s as whimsical as it sounds. Imagine sinking your fork into a lush brownie filled with gooey peanut butter and topped with chunks of chocolate and crushed peanuts. It’s like an explosion of flavor in every bite, making your taste buds dance with joy.
Now, let me take you back to a family gathering where this dessert stole the show. My cousin, who claims to be a “dessert connoisseur,” took one bite and declared it “life-changing.” I still chuckle at her dramatic reaction as she reached for a second serving, completely ignoring her earlier promise to “watch her calories.” This dessert is perfect for gatherings, movie nights, or any time you need a sweet pick-me-up. Trust me; you’ll want to make this again and again.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake is easy to whip up, making it a perfect last-minute dessert option
- Its combination of flavors creates a mouthwatering experience everyone will adore
- Visually striking with its layers of chocolate and peanut butter, it will impress at any gathering
- Enjoy it warm or chilled—this dessert fits any occasion!
I remember making this for my friends’ game night; their reactions were priceless as they dug in.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Brownie Mix: Choose your favorite box mix or make from scratch if you’re feeling adventurous.
Peanut Butter: Use creamy or crunchy based on your preference; both bring delicious flavor.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips offer a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
Cream Cheese: This adds richness and creaminess that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk: This secret ingredient makes everything extra gooey and indulgent.
Crushed Peanuts: Sprinkle these on top for added crunch and texture; they’re optional but recommended!
Eggs: Essential for binding everything together; use large eggs for best results.
Vegetable Oil: Helps keep your brownies moist and fudgy; don’t skimp on this!
Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances all the flavors beautifully; go for pure vanilla for best results.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake
Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray so nothing sticks around when it’s time to dig in.
Prepare the brownie mix: In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix with water, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract according to package directions. Stir until smooth—don’t over-mix or your brownies might turn out tough!
Layer the peanut butter mixture: In another bowl, mix together softened cream cheese and peanut butter until creamy. Add in some sweetened condensed milk until combined well—it should be dreamy and luscious!
Combine layers: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over it before topping it off with more brownie batter. Swirl gently to create that earthquake effect without fully mixing.
Add chocolate chips: Sprinkle chocolate chips generously on top along with crushed peanuts if you’re feeling adventurous! These add great texture and flavor contrast when baked.
Bake it up: Place in your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes until edges are set but center is still slightly gooey. Trust me; that’s where all the magic happens!
Cool & Serve: Let it cool slightly before cutting into squares—if you can resist diving right in! Serve warm or chilled with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable experience.
And there you have it—the Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake that will have everyone begging for seconds! Get ready for smiles all around!
You Must Know
- The Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience
- The rich chocolate mingles with creamy peanut butter, creating a sweet symphony that dances on your taste buds
- Perfect for parties, this treat will leave everyone clamoring for seconds!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by melting the chocolate and peanut butter together, then mix in your dry ingredients for a consistent batter. Pour into a greased pan and bake until bubbly golden perfection emerges.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chocolate chips for butterscotch or even white chocolate for a unique twist. You could also add nuts for some crunch or marshmallows for extra gooeyness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to bring back that melty goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Achieving the perfect Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake is all about timing and balance
- Ensure your oven is preheated to avoid uneven baking
- Also, let the dessert cool slightly before cutting; it helps maintain its structure and flavor
The first time I made this recipe, my friends couldn’t stop raving about it—one even asked if I’d quit my job to become a professional dessert maker!
FAQ
What are the key ingredients in Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake?
The main ingredients include chocolate, peanut butter, flour, sugar, and eggs.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour to enjoy the same deliciousness.
How can I enhance the flavor of my Earthquake dessert?
Adding a pinch of sea salt enhances flavors beautifully and balances sweetness perfectly.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake
Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake is a show-stopping dessert that combines fudgy brownies with a luscious peanut butter filling, all topped with gooey chocolate chips and crunchy peanuts. This delightful treat is perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, delivering an explosion of flavor in every bite. Easy to prepare and visually striking, it will leave your guests clamoring for more. Serve warm or chilled, and don’t forget the scoop of ice cream for an unforgettable indulgence!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients as directed)
- 1 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup crushed peanuts (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine brownie mix with water, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla according to package instructions; stir until smooth.
- In another bowl, blend cream cheese and peanut butter until creamy; mix in sweetened condensed milk.
- Pour half the brownie batter into the prepared dish, layer with the peanut butter mixture, and top with remaining brownie batter.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips and crushed peanuts on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until edges are set but center remains slightly gooey.
- Allow to cool slightly before cutting into squares.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (80g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: - For added texture, swap chocolate chips with butterscotch or white chocolate chips. - Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days; reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.
