Peanut Butter Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake

This cake is pure gooey goodness. Chocolate, peanut butter, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s rich, messy, and totally irresistible.

I made it on a lazy Sunday, and it might be my favorite cake ever. The base is fudgy and soft, and the top? All creamy peanut butter magic. It’s like a brownie and a cheesecake had a baby.

It’s sweet, salty, and oh-so-satisfying. Every bite is warm and gooey with chocolate pockets throughout. Trust me, you’ll be scraping the pan for crumbs.

Let’s get baking. This one’s a keeper—and it’s way easier than it looks. You’re gonna love it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Indulgent: The gooey filling and decadent chocolate topping create the perfect combination of flavors that melt in your mouth.
• Peanut Butter Lovers Dream: If you’re a fan of peanut butter, this cake is a dream come true. The creamy peanut butter filling brings in that nutty, smooth flavor in every bite.
• Easy to Make: While the cake may seem fancy, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare. You won’t need any special skills or equipment, making it a great choice for novice bakers.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This cake stores wonderfully, meaning you can bake it a day or two in advance and still enjoy its gooey goodness when you need it.
• Versatile Dessert: Whether served warm or at room temperature, this cake is versatile and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual get-together or a special celebration.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you dive into making this irresistible dessert, here’s a list of the kitchen tools you’ll need:

• 9×13-inch baking dish: This size dish ensures that the cake bakes evenly and provides plenty of room for the gooey filling.
• Mixing bowls: You’ll need a few bowls to mix both the cake and filling ingredients.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: A hand mixer will help you quickly and efficiently blend the wet ingredients, making it easier to incorporate everything.
• Measuring spoons and cups: To ensure that you use the correct amounts of ingredients, precise measuring tools are a must.
• Spatula: A spatula is perfect for scraping down the sides of your bowls and spreading the filling evenly on the cake.

Ingredients

Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make this cake. Don’t worry – it’s nothing complicated. Most of these ingredients are probably already in your pantry.

For the Cake Base:

• Devil’s food cake mix (1 box): This cake mix is the base for your gooey butter cake. It provides a deep chocolate flavor that perfectly complements the peanut butter filling.
• Eggs (2 large): Eggs help bind the cake mix together and add moisture.
• Butter, melted (1/2 cup or 1 stick): The butter adds richness and flavor to the cake base.

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

• Cream cheese, softened (8 oz): Cream cheese provides the smooth, creamy texture needed for the filling. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Creamy peanut butter (1 cup): This is where the magic happens. The peanut butter adds a rich, nutty flavor and creates the gooey consistency.
• Eggs (2 large): Eggs help set the filling and make it firm but still gooey.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Vanilla adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the peanut butter flavor.
• Butter, melted (1/4 cup or 1/2 stick): The butter in the filling helps it set and gives it a silky texture.
• Powdered sugar (2 cups): This sweetens the filling and gives it the perfect texture for spreading over the cake.

For the Chocolate Topping:

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): These chocolate chips will melt to form the gooey, fudgy topping that ties everything together.
• Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Heavy cream is used to melt the chocolate chips and create a smooth ganache-like texture for the topping.

Variations for Peanut Butter Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake

While this recipe is absolutely perfect as-is, there are a few variations you can try to customize the cake to your tastes:

• Add crushed peanuts: If you love a little crunch in your desserts, add crushed peanuts to the peanut butter filling or sprinkle them on top of the chocolate ganache for added texture.
• Use milk chocolate: If you prefer a sweeter topping, substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate chips.
• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce: For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top of the finished cake.
• Swirl in some peanut butter: If you want even more peanut butter flavor, swirl some extra peanut butter into the chocolate topping before it sets for a decadent touch.
• Use a different cake mix: If you’re not a fan of devil’s food cake, you can substitute it with chocolate or vanilla cake mix for a lighter flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Base

First, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will ensure the cake doesn’t stick to the pan during baking.

In a large bowl, combine the devil’s food cake mix, eggs, and melted butter. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend the ingredients together until well combined. The mixture will be thick and sticky.

Press the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. You’ll want the base to be thick enough to support the gooey filling on top, so don’t worry if it seems a little dense.

2. Make the Peanut Butter Filling

In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and creamy peanut butter until smooth and well-combined. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, melted butter, and powdered sugar, and continue mixing until everything is incorporated into a creamy filling.

Once the filling is smooth, spread it evenly over the cake base. The filling should cover the entire cake and reach the edges of the pan.

3. Bake the Cake

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly gooey. The cake should jiggle a little in the center when you shake it gently.

Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. The cake will firm up as it cools, but the middle will remain gooey and delicious.

4. Make the Chocolate Ganache Topping

While the cake is cooling, prepare the chocolate topping. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Once hot, pour the heavy cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to soften the chocolate, then stir until smooth and glossy.

Once the chocolate ganache is ready, pour it over the cooled cake, spreading it evenly across the top with a spatula. Allow the ganache to set for about 30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate it for a faster setting time.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake

Peanut Butter Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake is perfect for serving at a variety of occasions:

• As a standalone dessert: This cake is rich enough to be served on its own. Simply cut it into squares and enjoy the perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter in every bite.
• With a scoop of vanilla ice cream: Serve each slice with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream to balance out the richness of the cake.
• With a drizzle of chocolate syrup: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle some chocolate syrup over the top of the cake before serving.

Storing Peanut Butter Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, or if you’re baking ahead of time for a special occasion, here’s how to store and preserve your Peanut Butter Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake:

Refrigerating Leftovers

This cake is best when stored in the refrigerator due to its creamy filling and chocolate topping. To keep it fresh, place any leftover cake in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days. Make sure to allow the cake to cool completely before covering it, to prevent condensation from forming and making the cake soggy.

Freezing for Later

If you’d like to freeze the cake, follow these steps for the best results:

1. Cool Completely: Let the cake cool completely at room temperature before freezing.
2. Wrap and Freeze: Slice the cake into individual squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, and then place the wrapped pieces into a freezer-safe bag or container.
3. Thawing Instructions: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cake, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. You can also microwave individual pieces for a few seconds to enjoy a warm slice.

Freezing the cake preserves its flavor and texture, allowing you to enjoy it for up to 3 months. While the texture may be slightly different after freezing, it will still be delicious and indulgent.

Nutrition for Peanut Butter Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Total Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	10g
Cholesterol	45mg
Sodium	200mg
Total Carbohydrates	38g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	26g
Protein	5g

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used. To make this dessert a bit lighter, you can experiment with using lighter versions of the ingredients like reduced-fat cream cheese or a sugar substitute.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake

This cake is so rich and flavorful, it doesn’t need much to shine. However, a little extra touch can make it even more irresistible. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:

• Serve Warm: This cake is perfect when served slightly warm, especially right after the chocolate topping has set. The gooey peanut butter filling becomes even more melty and irresistible.
• Pair with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or peanut butter ice cream is the perfect addition to a warm slice of cake. The ice cream will melt into the cake and make each bite even more indulgent.
• Top with Whipped Cream: For a lighter touch, top each slice of cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The airy texture of the cream balances the richness of the cake, making it even more decadent.
• Drizzle with Extra Peanut Butter: If you’re a peanut butter lover (and who isn’t?), drizzle extra creamy peanut butter on top of each slice. This adds extra richness and enhances the peanut butter flavor.
• Garnish with Chopped Peanuts: For a crunchy texture contrast, sprinkle chopped peanuts over the cake after serving. It adds a nice balance to the soft, gooey layers.
• Serve with Fruit: If you want to add some freshness to cut through the richness, serve the cake with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or a few banana slices on the side. The slight acidity of the fruit will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, gooey dessert.

Decorating Ideas

While this cake is already a showstopper, if you’re planning to serve it for a special occasion, a little decoration can take it to the next level:

• Chocolate Drizzle: After the cake has cooled and the ganache has set, drizzle extra melted chocolate over the top in a zig-zag pattern. It creates an elegant, professional look and makes the cake even more visually appealing.
• Peanut Butter Swirls: To enhance the peanut butter flavor and design, you can swirl melted peanut butter over the top of the ganache or create a beautiful swirl pattern in the filling before baking.
• Sprinkle Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar before serving for a simple yet elegant touch. It adds a soft, finishing touch and makes the cake look even more refined.
• Use Decorative Plates and Serveware: Presentation is key! Serve your cake slices on elegant dessert plates, and garnish each plate with a few decorative touches like a sprig of mint or a dusting of cocoa powder.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare it the day before serving and refrigerate it until you’re ready to enjoy. Just make sure to let the chocolate topping set completely before covering the cake with plastic wrap.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can! While creamy peanut butter is typically used for a smooth texture, crunchy peanut butter will add a fun texture to the filling. It will still taste delicious, but expect some crunch in the middle.

How can I make the filling firmer?

If you prefer a firmer filling, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly. You can also refrigerate the cake for longer before serving to allow the filling to set up more. However, keep in mind that this cake is meant to be gooey and indulgent!

Can I make this gluten-free?

You can make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Just ensure that all of your other ingredients (like the powdered sugar and peanut butter) are gluten-free as well.

Can I use a different cake flavor?

Yes! While devil’s food cake provides a rich chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with peanut butter and chocolate, you can use other cake flavors like vanilla or chocolate fudge cake. Keep in mind that the flavors of the cake will impact the overall taste of the dessert, so go with what you prefer.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake is a dessert that truly stands out. It combines rich, indulgent flavors, a melt-in-your-mouth gooey filling, and a decadent chocolate topping, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday, a birthday party, or just a special treat for yourself, this cake is sure to leave a lasting impression.

The beauty of this dessert lies in its versatility. It’s easy to prepare, store, and serve, making it perfect for both casual and formal occasions. Plus, with its make-ahead-friendly qualities, you can have it ready to go in advance, making it a perfect option for busy days when you want to impress your guests.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to bake this incredible cake. It’s a guaranteed hit that will have everyone coming back for more