Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe

If you're a fan of the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter, this Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is the dessert you've been dreaming of. Layers of rich, moist chocolate cake are filled with a creamy peanut butter frosting and topped with a decadent chocolate ganache. This cake is the ultimate indulgence for chocolate and peanut butter lovers alike, perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion where you want to impress. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on how to make this crowd-pleasing dessert!

this Recipe

What is a Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake?

A Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is a layered cake that combines the rich, deep flavors of chocolate with the creamy, salty-sweet taste of peanut butter. The cake typically features layers of moist chocolate cake filled with a smooth peanut butter frosting and often topped with a luscious chocolate ganache. Some versions include peanut butter cups or chopped peanuts for added texture and flavor. This dessert is a dream for anyone who loves the perfect balance of sweet and salty.

Ingredients List for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

For the Chocolate Cake:

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

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3-4 tablespoon heavy cream (or milk)

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoon unsalted butter

For Decoration (Optional):

• Chopped peanut butter cups
• Chopped peanuts
• Mini chocolate chips

Substitutions and Variations

1. Cake Mix Option:
   If you’re short on time, you can use a boxed chocolate cake mix instead of making the cake from scratch. Just follow the package instructions, and fill and frost with the peanut butter frosting and ganache.
2. Peanut Butter Substitutes:
   For a nut-free version, you can substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter if you want a different nutty flavor.
3. Ganache Variations:
   While semi-sweet chocolate creates a balanced ganache, you can use milk chocolate for a sweeter topping or dark chocolate if you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor.
4. Texture Add-Ins:
   For a crunchier texture, add chopped peanuts between the cake layers or fold in some peanut butter chips into the cake batter for bursts of peanut butter flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Gradually add the boiling water to the batter. The batter will be thin, but this helps create a moist cake.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the creamy peanut butter and softened butter together until smooth and fluffy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined.
3. Add the vanilla extract and 3 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat on medium-high speed until the frosting is smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add another tablespoon of cream.
4. Set the frosting aside until ready to use.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Once the cakes are completely cooled, level the tops using a serrated knife or a cake leveler if necessary.
2. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of peanut butter frosting over the top of the first layer.
3. Place the second cake layer on top and press down lightly to secure it.
4. Use the remaining peanut butter frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake. Smooth the frosting with an offset spatula for an even finish.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache

1. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
2. Remove the cream from the heat and pour it over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
3. Let the mixture sit for 2-3 minutes, then add the unsalted butter and whisk until the ganache is smooth and glossy.
4. Allow the ganache to cool for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly but is still pourable.

Step 5: Decorate the Cake

1. Once the ganache has cooled to a pourable consistency, pour it over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides for a dramatic effect.
2. If desired, garnish the cake with chopped peanut butter cups, chopped peanuts, or mini chocolate chips for added texture and decoration.
3. Let the ganache set for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

How to Cook Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is made up of a few key steps: baking the chocolate cake, preparing the peanut butter frosting, and making the rich chocolate ganache. You’ll start by mixing up a simple chocolate cake batter, baking it until moist and fluffy, and letting it cool. Then, whip up a creamy peanut butter frosting to fill and frost the cake. Finally, a silky chocolate ganache is poured over the cake to give it a glossy, decadent finish. The result is a cake that looks as good as it tastes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the Batter:
   Overmixing the cake batter can cause the cake to be dense and tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to ensure a light, moist cake.
2. Not Letting the Cake Cool Completely:
   If you frost the cake while it's still warm, the frosting will melt and slide off. Always ensure your cake layers are completely cooled before frosting.
3. Pouring the Ganache Too Soon:
   Let the ganache cool slightly before pouring it over the cake. If it's too hot, it will melt the frosting and won't have the beautiful drips on the sides of the cake.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

This cake is best served at room temperature, allowing the frosting and ganache to be creamy and smooth. Serve generous slices with a tall glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee to balance the richness. For a special treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.

Presentation Ideas for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

For an eye-catching presentation, sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups or peanuts around the base of the cake or pile them on top. You can also drizzle extra peanut butter or caramel sauce over the ganache for added flair. If you want to go the extra mile, use a piping bag to create swirls of peanut butter frosting around the edges of the cake for a professional look.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead:
  The cake layers can be baked and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before frosting. You can also freeze the cake layers for up to 3 months—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• Room Temperature Ingredients:
  Use room temperature ingredients for both the cake batter and frosting to ensure smooth mixing and even baking.
• Use a Hot Knife for Clean Slices:
  For neat, clean slices, dip your knife in hot water before cutting the cake. Wipe the knife between slices for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this cake in advance?
   Yes! You can bake the cake layers in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also frost and decorate the cake up to 1 day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
2. How do I store leftovers?
   Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to soften the frosting and ganache.
3. Can I freeze this cake?
   Yes, this cake freezes well. To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
4. Can I use natural peanut butter?
   While you can use natural peanut butter, the texture of the frosting may be a bit looser. If using natural peanut butter, be sure to stir it well and consider adding extra powdered sugar if needed to thicken the frosting.

Conclusion

This Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is the perfect indulgence for anyone who loves the combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. With its moist chocolate cake layers, fluffy peanut butter frosting, and glossy chocolate ganache, this cake is a showstopper for any occasion. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress. Try it out, and get ready for a deliciously decadent dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

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