Irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Decadent chocolate meets creamy peanut butter in a cake that promises pure indulgence.

Rich layers of moist chocolate cake intertwine with smooth peanut butter frosting, creating a dessert that melts hearts.

Every bite tells a delicious story of classic flavor combinations.

The recipe balances sweetness and depth with expert precision.

Chocolate and peanut butter lovers will find themselves swooning over this irresistible treat.

Bakers of all skill levels can recreate this stunning dessert with confidence.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake – Always a Winner

• Unlock Decadent Flavors: Chocolate and peanut butter create an irresistible combination that delights taste buds with rich, indulgent layers of sweetness.
• Master Baking with Ease: Simple ingredients and straightforward mixing steps make this cake accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
• Perfect for Celebrations: Impressive presentation and crowd-pleasing taste make this cake ideal for birthdays, potlucks, family gatherings, or any special occasion that calls for a show-stopping dessert.
• Quick Mixing Magic: Minimal prep time and a one-bowl mixing method mean you can whip up this delicious cake without spending hours in the kitchen, letting you enjoy more time with loved ones.

All the Goodies for Peanut Butter Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cake that provides structure and texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake crumb.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide moisture and richness.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth cake batter.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor to the chocolate cake.
• Boiling Water: Helps activate the cocoa powder and creates a thin, smooth batter.

• Peanut Butter, Powdered Sugar, Heavy Cream: These ingredients combine to create a creamy, sweet, and luxurious frosting that complements the chocolate cake.

Baking Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake at Home

Step 1: Prepare Baking Equipment

Warm up the oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab two round cake pans and lovingly coat them with grease and a light dusting of flour to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Granulated sugar
• Salt

Step 3: Create Cake Batter

• Eggs
• Milk
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract

Step 4: Add Magical Liquid

Pour in boiling water and stir gently.

Don’t worry if the batter looks super thin – that’s exactly how it should be!

Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

Slide them into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool the Cake

Let the cakes rest in their pans for 10 minutes.

Carefully transfer them to wire racks and allow them to cool completely.

Step 7: Whip Up Peanut Butter Frosting

• Peanut butter
• Powdered sugar
• Heavy cream

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

Generously spread the peanut butter frosting between cake layers and over the entire cake.

Get creative with your decorating style and enjoy your masterpiece!

Tips for Rich, Moist Cake Layers

• Always check cake doneness with a toothpick and remove from oven immediately when it comes out clean to maintain moisture.
• Use high-quality cocoa powder for rich, deep chocolate taste that complements the peanut butter frosting.
• Mix ingredients thoroughly but gently to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough cake texture.
• Adjust heavy cream amount to achieve perfect spreadable frosting – add more cream for softer texture or less for stiffer consistency.
• Ensure eggs, milk, and other wet ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing and better cake rise.

Peanut Butter Cake Flavor Variations

• Gluten-Free Wonder: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Chocolate Delight: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use almond milk, coconut oil instead of regular oil, and create dairy-free peanut butter frosting with vegan butter and plant-based cream.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, use sugar-free chocolate cocoa powder, and create a lighter frosting using Greek yogurt and reduced powdered sugar.
• Nutty Alternative: Add chopped almonds or walnuts into cake batter for extra crunch, replace peanut butter with almond butter for different flavor profile, and sprinkle crushed nuts on frosting for texture variation.

Serving Up Peanut Butter Cake for Dessert

• Decadent Dessert Companion: Serve this rich chocolate peanut butter cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the intense flavors.
• Beverage Pairing Paradise: Complement the cake with a cold glass of milk or a hot espresso to enhance the chocolate and peanut butter notes.
• Garnish Glamour: Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts or drizzle melted chocolate on top for added texture and visual appeal, making the cake look professionally decorated.
• Party Presentation Pro: Slice the cake on a beautiful cake stand and garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for an elegant touch that will impress guests at any celebration.

Storing Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

• Store covered cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Wrap completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Individually wrap cake slices in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months for quick single-serving treats.
• Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for 30 minutes. For frozen cake, thaw in refrigerator, then let sit at room temperature for 1 hour before enjoying soft, moist slices.

FAQs

• Why is my cake batter so thin?

The boiling water helps create a moist, tender chocolate cake by breaking down the cocoa and creating a smoother texture. The thin consistency is normal and will result in a rich, soft cake.

• Can I use natural peanut butter for the frosting?

Stick to creamy, processed peanut butter as natural varieties can separate and make the frosting grainy. Brands like Jif or Skippy work best for a smooth, creamy frosting.

• How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?

Thoroughly grease the pans and dust with flour, or use parchment paper circles at the bottom of each pan to ensure easy cake removal.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent chocolate peanut butter cake marries rich cocoa with creamy peanut butter in a heavenly dessert. Sweet layers promise pure bliss, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of this irresistible treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients (Chocolate Cake):

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup boiling water
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Ganache Drizzle:

• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ¼ cup heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°F and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by coating with grease and flour dusting.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, whisking flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt until thoroughly blended.
3. Incorporate wet ingredients into dry mixture, adding eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, then blend using an electric mixer on medium speed until achieving a uniform, smooth consistency.
4. Gently fold in boiling water, noting the batter will become noticeably thin and liquid.
5. Distribute batter equally between prepared cake pans, ensuring even coverage.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into cake center – it should emerge clean without raw batter.
7. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to wire cooling racks for complete temperature reduction.
8. Prepare peanut butter frosting by whipping peanut butter, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until achieving a light, creamy, and spreadable texture.
9. Once cakes are fully cooled, apply frosting between layers and across entire cake surface, creating smooth and even coverage.
10. Optional: Garnish or decorate cake as desired for visual appeal.

Notes

• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
• Use high-quality cocoa powder and natural peanut butter for richer, more intense flavors.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour.
• Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top to enhance the chocolate and peanut butter combination.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 368 kcal
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 172 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 32 mg