Description
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is an indulgent delight featuring rich, moist layers of chocolate cake paired with creamy peanut butter frosting. Perfect for any celebration or just a sweet treat!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (adjust for consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Chocolate Ganache Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin). Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and peanut butter together until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until combined. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, then beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of peanut butter frosting on top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and spread frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
- Optional Chocolate Ganache Drizzle:
- Heat the chocolate chips and heavy cream in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly before drizzling over the frosted cake.
- Serve:
- Slice and serve the cake. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- For extra texture, sprinkle chopped peanuts or Reese’s Pieces on top of the frosted cake.
- To make the cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- You can prepare the cake layers a day in advance; just wrap them tightly and store them at room temperature or in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American