Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cake Recipe

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cake is a rich chocolate cake studded with chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and layered with a homemade peanut butter frosting. This easy, crowd-pleasing dessert is perfect for parties, potlucks, or an indulgent weeknight treat.

This recipe first appeared on the blog several years ago and quickly became a favorite. It’s a simple, dependable way to capture that classic peanut butter-and-chocolate flavor in cake form.

♥️ Why You’ll Love This Reese’s Cake Recipe

• Every bite tastes like a Reese’s cup. Chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter frosting, and chopped peanut butter cups combine for consistent chocolate-and-peanut-butter flavor throughout.
• Quick but impressive. A boxed Devil’s food cake mix is enhanced with a few simple swaps so the cake tastes homemade while keeping prep time short.
• Perfect for crowds. This 9×13″ cake serves about 16 and transports well for potlucks and parties.

🍫 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cake Ingredients

(Exact ingredient measurements are listed in the recipe card below.)

• Devil’s food cake mix – provides a rich chocolate base.
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended)
• Creamy peanut butter – for a smooth frosting and filling.
• Butter – softened to room temperature.
• Chocolate syrup – for swirls and topping.
• Powdered sugar – for the frosting (gives a smooth texture).
• Miniature Reese’s peanut butter cups – chopped and folded into the cake.

Ingredient Variations & Additions

This recipe is beloved for its classic combination, so major changes aren’t necessary. A few small variations that work well:

• Swap the candy: try Rolos, chopped Snickers, or other chocolate-peanut combos.
• Any chocolate cake mix will work, including gluten-free mixes if needed.
• Add chocolate chips or peanut butter chips to the batter for extra texture. Sprinkle Reese’s Pieces on top for a fun finishing touch.

🥜 How to Make Reese’s Cake

Step 1: Mix Cake Batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the Devil’s food cake mix with 4 large eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cup creamy peanut butter, and 1 stick (1/2 cup) softened butter. Mix until smooth, then spread the batter evenly in a greased 9×13″ baking pan.

My Boxed Cake Mix Hack

To make a boxed cake mix taste homemade: use butter instead of oil, milk instead of water, add a teaspoon of vanilla, and include an extra egg. These small changes boost flavor and texture.

Step 2: Make Peanut Butter Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat 1 stick (1/2 cup) softened butter with 1 cup creamy peanut butter and 1/4 cup milk. Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar and beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.

Step 3: Add Mix-Ins to Cake Batter & Swirl

Dollop about half of the peanut butter frosting over the cake batter in several scoops. Add a few generous squirts of chocolate syrup across the top. Using a butter knife or spoon, gently swirl the frosting and syrup into the batter—do not overmix. The swirls should reach the edges and the bottom for visual contrast and pockets of peanut butter flavor.

Sprinkle half of the chopped miniature Reese’s peanut butter cups evenly over the swirled batter and gently press them in.

Step 4: Bake

Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Allow the cake to cool for 15–20 minutes before finishing.

Step 5: Frost & Finish

When the cake has cooled slightly, spread the remaining peanut butter frosting over the top. Drizzle additional chocolate syrup and scatter the remaining chopped peanut butter cups for garnish.

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator since the frosting contains milk. It stays best for 2–3 days. For the best texture and flavor, bring slices to room temperature (or warm briefly in the microwave for about 15 seconds) before serving so the peanut butter and chocolate are soft and melty.

Thanks for stopping by — I hope you love this chocolatey, peanut-buttery cake! If you make it, consider leaving a review and sharing how you served it.