Dessert

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cake Recipe

ByThomas Greene October 20, 2025October 20, 2025

Introduction

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cake is a rich and indulgent treat perfect for peanut butter lovers. Combining moist devil’s food cake with creamy peanut butter frosting and crunchy peanut butter cups, it’s a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress at any gathering.

A single square piece of dessert on a white plate with a slightly raised, textured edge, placed on a white marbled surface. The dessert has two main layers: a thick, moist, dark brown brownie base with a soft crumb texture, and a lighter, creamy tan peanut butter swirled layer on top with visible swirls that add texture. On top, there are several broken pieces of chocolate peanut butter cups adding a rich brown and tan mix with a smooth chocolate coating. In the background, a glass dish with more of the same dessert is visible, and a metal spatula with brownie crumbs rests on the surface nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 box Devil’s food cake mix
4 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups creamy peanut butter
2 sticks butter (softened to room temperature)
Chocolate syrup
1/4 cup milk
2 cups powdered sugar
30 miniature peanut butter cups (chopped)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, 1 cup milk, vanilla extract, 1 cup peanut butter, and 1 stick of softened butter. Mix well and spread evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Using a hand mixer, blend the remaining stick of butter, 1 cup peanut butter, and 1/4 cup milk. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth to create the frosting.
Step 4: Spoon half of the peanut butter frosting over the cake batter. Add 6-8 large squirts of chocolate syrup on top of the frosting. Gently swirl the frosting and syrup into the cake batter, making sure to reach the edges without fully mixing.
Step 5: Press half of the chopped peanut butter cups gently into the swirled layer.
Step 6: Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes at 350 degrees, then allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes.
Step 7: Spread the remaining frosting over the cooled cake. Drizzle more chocolate syrup on top and sprinkle with the remaining chopped peanut butter cups before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra richness, use heavy cream instead of milk in the frosting.
Swap miniature peanut butter cups for chopped regular-sized cups for bigger peanut butter chunks.
Add a pinch of salt to the frosting to balance the sweetness and enhance the peanut butter flavor.
If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting slightly.

Storage

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Leftover cake freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a layered dessert in a clear glass rectangular dish, featuring a dark brown base, likely chocolate brownie or cake. Above the base is a layer of creamy, light beige peanut butter filling mixed with swirls of dark chocolate syrup. The top is covered with crumbled light brown peanut butter cups, some whole, some cut in half, scattered unevenly over the creamy layer. The dessert has a textured and rich appearance with a mix of smooth, crumbly, and gooey layers all visible. The surface under the dish is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake batter instead of a mix?

Yes, you can use your favorite homemade devil’s food cake recipe instead of the cake mix. Just be sure to adjust the mixing and baking times accordingly.

Can I substitute natural peanut butter in this recipe?

Natural peanut butter tends to be thinner and less sweet, which may affect the frosting consistency. If using natural peanut butter, consider adding a little extra powdered sugar to thicken the frosting and balance flavors.