Chocolate and peanut butter make a great team. Imagine a cake that blends these two flavors into one sweet treat. It’s the perfect dessert for anyone who loves fun and tasty food.
Why do chocolate and peanut butter taste so good together? Chocolate is sweet, and peanut butter is salty. Together, they make every bite extra yummy.
Think of soft chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter frosting. Add a shiny layer of chocolate on top. One slice will make you smile!
Want to try it? Grab your tools and start baking. Your family will love it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent and Irresistible: The rich chocolate cake and creamy peanut butter buttercream are a match made in dessert heaven.
- Moist and Flavorful: This cake is anything but dry! Each bite is packed with flavor, thanks to the moist chocolate cake and luxurious frosting.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a fun family gathering, this cake will steal the spotlight.
- Versatile: While the recipe is already fantastic, you can also play around with toppings and flavors to make it your own.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The cake and frosting can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prepping or last-minute parties.
Required Kitchen Tools
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s make sure you have all the tools you’ll need to bring this masterpiece to life:
- Mixing Bowls (Large and Medium)
- Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer (If you prefer not to mix by hand)
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- 8-inch Round Cake Pans (2 pans)
- Parchment Paper (For lining the pans)
- Cooling Racks
- Spatula
- Microwave-Safe Bowl (For melting chocolate)
- Knife (For chopping peanuts and slicing the cake)
Ingredients for the Chocolate Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make the most delicious chocolate cake:
- 1 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour (Plain flour, sifted)
- 3/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (High-quality cocoa powder will give you the best flavor)
- 1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder (Leavening agent)
- 1 1/2 tsp Baking Soda (Bi-carb soda, another leavening agent for the rise)
- 2 cups White Sugar (Or superfine/caster sugar)
- 1 tsp Salt (Kosher or cooking salt)
- 2 Large Eggs (~55-65g each)
- 1 cup Milk (Use full-fat or low-fat, based on your preference)
- 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil (Plain oil like canola, sunflower, or grapeseed)
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract (For added flavor)
- 2 tsp Instant Coffee Powder (Optional, but it helps intensify the chocolate flavor)
- 1 cup Boiling Water (This helps the chocolate flavor really “bloom”)
Ingredients for the Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting
Next, we’ll need the ingredients to make that creamy, irresistible peanut butter buttercream:
- 250g (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter (Softened)
- 4 cups (500g) Soft Icing Sugar / Powdered Sugar (Sifted)
- 1/2 cup (120g) Smooth Peanut Butter (Choose peanut butter spread, not pure)
- 1/4 tsp Salt (Kosher or cooking salt)
- 1 tbsp Milk (Adjust for consistency)
Optional Toppings for Extra Decadence
For those of you who love to go the extra mile, these toppings will elevate your cake even further:
- 1/2 cup Chocolate Chips or Melts (Semi-sweet is best for balance)
- 2 tbsp Heavy Cream (To melt the chocolate into a ganache)
- 3 tbsp Peanut Butter (Warm in the microwave to make it runny)
- 120g (4 oz) Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (Chopped into smaller pieces)
- 10+ Miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (Halved for decoration)
- 1/4 cup Salted Peanuts (Finely chopped for crunch)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this cake to life. Follow these steps carefully for the ultimate chocolate peanut butter cake.
1. Prepare Your Pans
Start by prepping your cake pans. Line the bottom of your 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. This will help the cakes release easily once they’ve cooled. Grease the sides of the pans with butter or oil, making sure they’re well-coated.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Make sure these ingredients are well-mixed. The cocoa powder should be sifted to avoid any lumps in the final batter.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. If you’re using instant coffee powder, add that in as well. This gives the chocolate cake a deeper, richer flavor. Stir until everything is combined.
4. Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until the batter is smooth and well-combined. Don’t overmix, or the cake may turn out dense. The batter should be thick but pourable.
5. Add Boiling Water
Now, add the boiling water to the batter. This step is crucial for making a moist cake. The water thins the batter, but don’t worry—your cake will still turn out fluffy and moist. Stir until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated.
6. Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the top of the batter. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
7. Make the Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting
While your cakes are cooling, it’s time to make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter with an electric mixer until it’s creamy and smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, a little at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once all the sugar is incorporated, add the smooth peanut butter, salt, and milk. Beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. If you want a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk to reach your desired consistency.
8. Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes have cooled completely, it’s time to put everything together:
- Place one layer of the cake on a serving plate or cake stand.
- Spread a generous amount of peanut butter buttercream frosting on top of the first layer. Use a spatula to smooth it out evenly.
- Top with the second layer of cake and gently press down to secure.
- Frost the entire cake with the peanut butter buttercream. Make sure to cover the top and sides with a nice even layer.
9. Add the Toppings
Now, let’s make this cake even more indulgent! You can drizzle the melted chocolate (made by heating chocolate chips and heavy cream in the microwave) over the top of the cake for a rich ganache layer. Then, drizzle the warmed peanut butter over the cake for that signature peanut butter touch. Finish by decorating with mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, halved, and chopped salted peanuts. These will give your cake a fun, festive look and add some texture.
Serving and Decoration
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
This cake is perfect for any occasion! Serve it at:
- Birthday Parties: It’s the ultimate birthday cake that everyone will love.
- Holiday Gatherings: Whether it’s Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter, this cake is a crowd-pleaser.
- Special Occasions: Anniversary, graduation, or any celebration can be made extra sweet with this cake.
Cut slices and serve with a glass of milk, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make it even more indulgent!
Storing Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
- Unfrosted Cake: You can store the unassembled chocolate cake layers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them in the fridge if you’re not using them within that time frame.
- Frosted Cake: Once frosted, the cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you live in a hot climate, store it in the fridge to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Leftover Frosting: If you have leftover frosting, store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before reapplying to the cake.
Conclusion
Chocolate and peanut butter are a dream team, and this cake brings those flavors together in the most decadent way. With moist chocolate cake layers, rich peanut butter frosting, and indulgent toppings, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is a dessert everyone will rave about. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, holiday, or just because you deserve something sweet, this cake is sure to impress. Follow the steps, and you’ll create a cake that’s both beautiful and delicious. Happy baking!
FAQs
Can I use creamy peanut butter instead of smooth peanut butter?
Yes, but make sure to choose a smooth peanut butter spread, not pure peanut butter. The spread is softer and will mix better into the frosting.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the flour blend has a good binding agent to keep the cake’s texture.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! You can freeze the unassembled cake layers for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container. Thaw them at room temperature before frosting and serving.
How can I make the frosting lighter?
If you want a lighter frosting, try swapping half of the butter with cream cheese for a tangy, fluffy frosting that still has that peanut butter flavor.