If you have a serious sweet tooth and a love for peanut butter and chocolate, the Crockpot Reese’s Cake is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This decadent dessert combines the rich, fudgy flavors of devil’s food cake with the irresistible gooeyness of peanut butter and Reese’s peanut butter cups, all cooked perfectly in a slow cooker. Whether you’re a novice baker or just craving something cozy and chocolatey, this Crockpot Reese’s Cake delivers warm, melty goodness that’s impossible to resist and perfect for any occasion.

Crockpot Reese's Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Crockpot Reese’s Cake lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role. From the moist devil’s food cake base to the luscious peanut butter topping and those iconic Reese’s cups, every element makes this cake a showstopper. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Devil’s food cake mix (15.25 oz): Provides a rich, chocolatey foundation that’s fluffy yet moist.
Water (1 cup): Hydrates the cake mix to the perfect consistency for slow cooker baking.
Salted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds a silky richness and enhances the cake’s chocolate flavor.
Large eggs (3): Binds the ingredients and contributes to the cake’s tender crumb.
Mini Reese’s peanut butter cups (8 oz package): Infuse each bite with bursts of creamy peanut butter and chocolate.
Creamy peanut butter (1 cup): The star of the topping that adds luscious, nutty sweetness.
Powdered sugar (3 tablespoons): Sweetens and thickens the peanut butter glaze perfectly.
Bite size Reese’s peanut butter cups (10): Used as a delightful garnish to crown this rich cake.
Non-stick spray: Ensures the cake releases easily from the slow cooker without sticking.
6-quart oval slow cooker: Ideal size and shape for even cooking.

How to Make Crockpot Reese’s Cake

Step 1: Mix the Batter

Start by combining the devil’s food cake mix, water, melted butter, and eggs in a large bowl. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth but don’t worry if you see some small lumps; that’s perfectly fine. Now, fold in the mini Reese’s peanut butter cups to ensure each slice will have little bursts of peanut buttery chocolate heaven.

Step 2: Prepare the Crockpot

Spray the inside of your slow cooker generously with non-stick spray to prevent any cake mishaps later. Pour in the batter and spread it out evenly to make sure the cake cooks uniformly. This step is crucial to get a perfectly fluffy texture that’s not too thick or thin.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to HIGH. Let the cake bake for 2 hours without lifting the lid—you want to trap all that heat for an even bake. Avoid opening the lid to keep an even cooking temperature; patience here will pay off with a moist, tender crumb.

Step 4: Remove the Cake from Heat

Once the 2 hours are up, take the slow cooker off the heat to stop the cooking process. This helps prevent overbaking and keeps the cake soft and fudge-like on the inside.

Step 5: Make the Peanut Butter Glaze

In a small pan over medium heat, gently warm the creamy peanut butter, stirring until it melts into a smooth, luscious sauce. Watch this part closely because peanut butter can burn quickly if left unattended. Once melted, whisk in the powdered sugar until fully incorporated and silky smooth.

Step 6: Add the Glaze and Toppings

Pour the warm peanut butter glaze evenly over the surface of the cake, letting it soak into every crevice. Cut the bite-sized Reese’s peanut butter cups in half and sprinkle them generously on top. This finishing touch gives the cake an eye-catching look and extra peanut butter flavor with every bite.

Step 7: Ready to Serve

Your Crockpot Reese’s Cake is now ready! Grab a plate, maybe add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and dive into layers of chocolate and peanut butter deliciousness.

How to Serve Crockpot Reese’s Cake

Garnishes

While the halved Reese’s cups on top are already a dream, you can also sprinkle crushed peanuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra flair. A light dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar adds a bit of elegance without overpowering the dessert’s rich flavors.

Side Dishes

This Crockpot Reese’s Cake pairs beautifully with cool, creamy sides like vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, which balance the richness of the cake perfectly. Alternatively, fresh berries such as raspberries or strawberries add a refreshing fruity contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving this at a party, try cutting the cake into small squares and serving it in mini dessert cups layered with whipped cream or mousse. Another fun idea is to plate a slice with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce and garnish with a whole Reese’s cup for that wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover any leftover Crockpot Reese’s Cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It will keep well at room temperature for up to two days, but refrigeration can extend its life to about five days without sacrificing texture.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. When frozen, the cake maintains its flavor and texture for up to three months.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw slices overnight in the refrigerator and gently warm them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds to bring back that melty peanut butter goodness. Avoid overheating to keep it from drying out or becoming too oily.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Absolutely! While devil’s food cake gives a rich chocolate base that pairs perfectly with peanut butter, you can experiment with chocolate fudge or even classic chocolate cake mixes. Just keep in mind the flavor balance you want to achieve.

What if I don’t have a 6-quart slow cooker?

You can use a slow cooker that’s slightly smaller or larger, but cooking times might vary a bit. Keep an eye on the cake after the 2-hour mark and test for doneness with a toothpick if needed.

Can I replace the peanut butter cups with a different candy?

Sure! If peanut butter cups aren’t your thing, chocolate chips, chopped peanut butter bars, or even toffee bits make excellent alternatives that still offer texture and sweetness.

Is it possible to make this cake without eggs?

You can try egg substitutes like flax eggs or commercial egg replacers, but the texture may be slightly different. Eggs provide structure and moisture, so the cake might be a bit denser without them.

How do I keep the peanut butter glaze smooth?

Melting the peanut butter gently over medium heat and stirring constantly helps avoid burning or clumping. Adding powdered sugar while whisking ensures a smooth, spreadable consistency that’s perfect for drizzling.

Final Thoughts

The Crockpot Reese’s Cake truly feels like a warm hug on a plate, combining comforting chocolate and peanut butter in a way that’s effortless and downright addictive. It’s a fabulous treat to whip up when you want something special without the fuss. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed by how simple ingredients and a slow cooker can create a dessert that’s both nostalgic and extraordinary.

Crockpot Reese’s Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 24 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This decadent Crockpot Reese’s Cake combines rich devil’s food cake with the irresistible flavor of Reese’s peanut butter cups, all conveniently baked in a slow cooker. The moist chocolate cake is studded with mini Reese’s cups and topped with a creamy, sweetened peanut butter glaze and halved Reese’s cups for an indulgent dessert perfect for chocolate and peanut butter lovers alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Batter

15.25 oz. devil’s food cake mix
1 cup water
1/2 cup salted butter, melted
3 large eggs
8 oz. package mini Reese’s peanut butter cups

Peanut Butter Topping

1 cup creamy peanut butter
3 Tbsp. powdered sugar
10 bite size Reese’s peanut butter cups, halved

Instructions

Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, mix together the devil’s food cake mix, water, melted butter, and eggs until the batter is smooth. It’s normal if there are a few lumps. Gently fold in the mini Reese’s peanut butter cups to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray your 6-quart oval slow cooker with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Pour the cake batter into the slow cooker, spreading it out into an even layer for uniform cooking.
Cook the Cake: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on HIGH for 2 hours. Avoid opening the lid during this cooking time to maintain a consistent temperature and ensure the cake cooks evenly.
Remove from Heat: Once the 2-hour cooking time is complete, turn off the slow cooker and remove the cake to prevent it from continuing to cook and drying out.
Make the Peanut Butter Glaze: In a small pan set over medium heat, add the creamy peanut butter. Stir continuously until it melts and becomes smooth, taking care not to burn it. Remove from heat, then whisk in the powdered sugar until the glaze is smooth and creamy.
Top the Cake: Pour the sweetened peanut butter glaze evenly over the warm cake. Finish by topping with the halved bite-size Reese’s peanut butter cups for an extra burst of peanut butter and chocolate.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve the cake warm. For added indulgence, serve with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Notes

Do not open the slow cooker lid during cooking to ensure the cake cooks properly.
Use salted butter to balance the sweetness of the cake and peanut butter topping.
Monitor the peanut butter closely when melting to prevent burning.
This cake pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
You can substitute creamy peanut butter with natural peanut butter but texture may slightly change.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Category: Dessert
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American