The Best Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe Ever

Sweet meets savory in this decadent chocolate peanut butter cake recipe that blends rich, creamy flavors into a dessert dream.

Layers of moist chocolate cake pair perfectly with smooth peanut butter frosting, creating a heavenly combination.

Chocolate lovers will swoon over the deep, indulgent texture and intense flavor profile.

Every bite promises a delightful balance of nutty and sweet notes that dance across your palate.

The cake delivers a homemade comfort that store-bought desserts simply cannot match.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can craft this irresistible treat that will become a instant favorite.

Chocolate Cake, Many Ways

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and swap butter for coconut oil in both cake and frosting.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and opt for natural peanut butter without added sugars.
• Dairy-Free Version: Replace milk with almond or oat milk, use coconut cream in frosting, and select dairy-free chocolate chips for topping.

Chocolate Peanut Butter: Plating Tips

• Peanut Butter Paradise Plating: Top each slice with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
• Decadent Dessert Companions: Serve alongside a warm mug of hot chocolate or espresso to enhance the cake's deep, indulgent taste.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream Garnish: Sprinkle crushed peanuts or chocolate-covered peanuts around the cake plate for added crunch and visual appeal.
• Celebration Style: Perfect for birthday parties, potlucks, or weekend family gatherings where everyone craves a delightful chocolate treat.

Cake Storage: Keep It Moist

• Store cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days, covering with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintaining moisture.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.
• Warm individual cake slices on 50% power for 20-30 seconds, checking temperature to prevent overheating and maintain softness.
• Remove frozen cake slices from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving, allowing gradual defrosting.

FAQs

• Is this cake difficult to make?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic baking skills. Follow the steps carefully, and you’ll create a delicious chocolate peanut butter cake.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have exact measurements?

Yes, you can make some substitutions. For cocoa powder, use dark cocoa for deeper flavor. For milk, whole milk or non-dairy alternatives work well. Ensure ingredient ratios remain consistent.

• How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The edges should also slightly pull away from the pan’s sides.

Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: Rich & Dreamy

• Whip Up Delightful Decadence: This chocolate peanut butter cake brings together two classic flavors that create an irresistible dessert loved by chocolate and peanut butter enthusiasts.
• Impress Without Stress: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires basic ingredients and simple mixing techniques that guarantee a professional-looking result with minimal culinary expertise.
• Crowd-Pleasing Celebration Cake: Ideal for birthdays, potlucks, and special gatherings, this dessert delivers rich, indulgent flavors that will make you the star of any event with its stunning appearance and mouthwatering taste.
• Customize Your Creation: Easily adaptable with optional chocolate chip garnishes or chocolate drizzle, this cake allows personal creativity while maintaining a foolproof base recipe that ensures delicious success every single time.

Choc-PB Cake Ingredients At A Glance

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental base that provides structure to the chocolate cake.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake's moisture.
• Milk: Adds richness and helps create a smooth cake batter.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and tender.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with its aromatic quality.
• Boiling Water: Helps activate cocoa powder and creates a smoother batter.

• Peanut Butter, Butter: Provide creamy base for the frosting with rich, complementary flavors.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, spreadable frosting consistency.
• Chocolate Chips, Melted Chocolate: Optional garnish that adds extra chocolate flavor and visual appeal.

Chocolate Cake With PB: How-To

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F and lovingly coat two 9-inch round cake pans with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Dry Cake Foundation

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

Step 3: Transform Dry Mix into Delicious Batter

• Eggs
• Milk
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract

Slowly pour in boiling water and stir gently, watching the batter become wonderfully liquid.

Step 4: Bake the Chocolate Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.

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

The cakes are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting

• Creamy peanut butter
• Softened butter
• Powdered sugar

Add heavy cream and mix until the frosting reaches a dreamy, spreadable consistency.

Step 6: Assemble and Decorate the Cake

Allow cake layers to cool completely.

Spread the peanut butter frosting between layers and over the entire cake.

Finish by sprinkling chocolate chips or drizzling melted chocolate on top for an extra touch of decadence.

Baking Tips For Dreamy Results

• Use high-quality dark cocoa powder for a rich, deep chocolate flavor that elevates the entire cake.
• Add boiling water carefully to activate cocoa's intense flavor without compromising batter consistency.
• Test cake doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean but not completely dry to maintain moisture.
• Let cake layers cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a clean, professional finish.
• Allow eggs, milk, and butter to reach room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.

Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

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

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Description

Indulgent homemade chocolate peanut butter cake melds rich cocoa with creamy peanut butter in a luxurious dessert experience. Chocolate lovers will savor each decadent bite of this irresistible, classic American treat that promises pure comfort and satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients (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

Supporting Ingredients (Cake):

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

Frosting and Topping Ingredients:

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon corn syrup
• Mini peanut butter cups
• Chopped peanuts

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and coating two 9-inch round cake pans with a light grease layer.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, thoroughly whisking flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda until well integrated.
3. Incorporate wet ingredients into the dry mixture, adding eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Blend until the batter becomes uniformly smooth.
4. Carefully pour boiling water into the batter, stirring gently to create a fluid, consistent texture.
5. Distribute the cake mixture evenly between the prepared pans, ensuring smooth surfaces.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool completely on a wire rack, reducing temperature to room level.
8. Prepare the peanut butter frosting by creaming together peanut butter, softened butter, and powdered sugar in a separate bowl.
9. Gradually add heavy cream to the frosting mixture, whipping until achieving a silky, spreadable consistency.
10. Once cakes have cooled, carefully frost the layers, creating an even coating between and on top of the cake.
11. Enhance the presentation by sprinkling chocolate chips or drizzling melted chocolate over the frosted cake for a decorative finish.

Notes

• Enhance cake’s moisture by adding a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter for extra tenderness.
• Opt for natural unsweetened peanut butter in the frosting to control sweetness and avoid artificial additives.
• Prevent dry cake edges by wrapping damp cake strips around the pan during baking, ensuring even heat distribution and uniform rise.
• Elevate the gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the cake’s rich texture and flavor.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 457 kcal
• Sugar: 39 g
• Sodium: 192 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg