The Most Scrumptious Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe

Rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter dance together in a homemade chocolate peanut butter cake that promises pure indulgence.

Layers of decadent goodness await your taste buds with every delightful bite.

Crafting this dessert becomes an adventure of sweet satisfaction.

Mixing ingredients transforms simple pantry staples into a luxurious treat that feels like a warm embrace.

Each slice tells a story of comfort and celebration.

chocolate and peanut butter create magic when combined with care and passion.

Savor every moment as you bring this irresistible cake from mixing bowl to serving plate.

Serving Suggestions for Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

• Decadent Dessert Date Night: Create a romantic evening by serving this rich chocolate peanut butter cake with two spoons and a glass of red wine, perfect for sharing an indulgent moment together.
• Afternoon Tea Twist: Slice the cake into smaller elegant squares and serve alongside hot coffee or tea, creating a sophisticated dessert experience for friends or family gatherings.
• Game Day Dessert Bar: Cut cake into bite-sized pieces, arrange on a platter with extra chocolate chips and peanut butter drizzle, making it a crowd-pleasing treat for sports watching parties.
• Kid-Friendly Celebration: Garnish individual cake slices with colorful sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make this dessert extra exciting for children's birthdays or special occasions.

Storage Advice for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, keeping it fresh and moist.
• Refrigerate the cake if you want to extend its shelf life up to 5-7 days, covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze whole or sliced cake portions in freezer-safe containers or wrapped in plastic and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.

FAQs

• Is this cake difficult to make?

No, this chocolate peanut butter cake is beginner-friendly. The recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques that even novice bakers can follow easily.

• Can I use natural peanut butter for the frosting?

Yes, but choose a smooth, creamy variety without added oils. Natural peanut butter might make the frosting slightly less stable, so ensure it’s well-mixed and at room temperature.

• How do I prevent the cake from being dry?

Avoid overbaking and follow the recipe’s exact timing. The boiling water in the batter helps create a moist chocolate cake, and checking with a toothpick ensures perfect doneness.

Why Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Stands Out

• Unleash Crowd-Pleasing Delight: This chocolate peanut butter cake guarantees smiles and excitement at any gathering, making it a total showstopper for family celebrations and friendly get-togethers.
• Master Baker's Dream: Despite multiple steps, the recipe remains approachable for home bakers of intermediate skill levels, offering a delightful challenge without overwhelming complexity.
• Customize with Creativity: Bakers can personalize the cake by adjusting frosting thickness, adding chocolate drizzles, or incorporating extra toppings like chopped peanuts or chocolate shavings for a unique touch.
• Decadent Flavor Fusion: The combination of rich chocolate cake and creamy peanut butter frosting creates an irresistible taste experience that appeals to both chocolate and peanut butter lovers.

Ingredients for Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

• All Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the chocolate cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the cake.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake's moisture and richness.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth and moist cake batter.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains soft and prevents dryness.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the chocolate cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the chocolate flavor.
• Boiling Water: Helps activate the cocoa powder and creates a thin, smooth batter.

• Peanut Butter: Provides a creamy, nutty base for the frosting.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth frosting texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the peanut butter frosting.
• Heavy Cream: Helps achieve a light and fluffy frosting consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle flavor enhancement to the frosting.

• Chocolate Chips: Creates a smooth and glossy chocolate topping.
• Heavy Cream: Helps melt and blend the chocolate for a silky ganache.

How to Bake Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven and Prep Pans

Get your oven ready by setting it to 350°F. Grab two round cake pans and coat them with cooking spray or butter.

Line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper to ensure easy cake removal.

Step 2: Mix Chocolate Cake Batter

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

• Eggs
• Milk
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and beat until smooth.

Gently stir in boiling water to create a thin batter.

Step 3: Bake the Chocolate Layers

Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.

Slide pans into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 4: Whip Up Peanut Butter Frosting

• Smooth peanut butter
• Softened butter

Gradually mix in powdered sugar.

Add heavy cream and vanilla, beating until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Step 5: Build the Cake Masterpiece

Place first cake layer on a serving plate.

Spread a generous layer of peanut butter frosting on top. Carefully position second cake layer.

Cover entire cake with remaining frosting.

Step 6: Create Chocolate Drizzle

In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream until it starts to simmer.

Pour hot cream over chocolate chips. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until glossy and smooth.

Allow ganache to cool slightly before drizzling over frosted cake.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate cake for 30 minutes to help ganache set.

Slice and enjoy your decadent chocolate peanut butter creation!

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

• Choose high-quality cocoa powder for a rich, deep chocolate flavor that elevates the entire cake.
• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to create a smoother, more consistent cake batter that blends effortlessly.
• Measure ingredients precisely, especially flour and cocoa powder, by using the spoon-and-level method to prevent a dry or dense cake texture.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum for better structure.
• Cool the cake layers completely before frosting to prevent the peanut butter frosting from melting and sliding off the cake.

Flavorful Twists for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-safe dessert.
• Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, swap butter for coconut oil, and replace dairy cream with coconut cream. Select vegan chocolate chips for ganache.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, incorporate sugar-free chocolate chips, and replace powdered sugar with stevia-based powdered sweetener. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining rich flavor profile.

Best Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent chocolate peanut butter cake combines rich cocoa with creamy peanut butter for an irresistible dessert. Layers of moist chocolate cake and silky peanut butter frosting promise pure delight for those craving a classic comfort treat.

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Ingredients

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Chocolate Cake Ingredients:

Dry Ingredients:

• 1.75 cups (420 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
• 0.75 cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water

Peanut Butter Frosting Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 g) creamy peanut butter
• 0.5 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
• 0.25 cup (60 ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Ganache Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Calibrate oven to 350F (175C) and meticulously coat two 9-inch round cake pans with grease. Layer bottom with parchment paper for effortless cake removal.
2. Create chocolate cake base by combining dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl. Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, leavening agents, and salt until uniformly blended. Incorporate eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Blend on medium speed for approximately 2 minutes until silky smooth. Gently fold in boiling water, which will transform batter into a liquid-like consistency.
3. Transfer cake pans to preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Test cake’s readiness by inserting a toothpick into center; it should emerge clean without batter residue. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to wire cooling rack.
4. Craft peanut butter frosting by whipping peanut butter and butter until creamy. Gradually introduce powdered sugar, creating a luxurious texture. Stream in heavy cream and vanilla, continuing to beat until frosting becomes light and airy.
5. Construct cake layers by positioning first cake round on serving plate. Generously spread peanut butter frosting across surface. Delicately place second cake layer atop initial layer. Completely enrobe cake with remaining frosting, ensuring smooth, even coverage.
6. Prepare decadent chocolate ganache by heating heavy cream in small saucepan until it reaches gentle simmer. Pour hot cream over chocolate chips and allow to rest for 2 minutes. Stir until ganache transforms into glossy, uniform mixture. Let cool momentarily before elegantly drizzling over frosted cake.
7. Refrigerate cake for 30 minutes to solidify ganache and enhance flavor integration.

Notes

• Adjust cocoa powder’s intensity by selecting dark or milk varieties to match your chocolate preference.
• Create a gluten-free version by replacing wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for sensitive diets.
• Prevent cake layers from sticking by thoroughly greasing pans and using parchment paper for easy removal.
• Control frosting consistency by gradually adding powdered sugar and adjusting cream volume for smooth, spreadable texture.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 493
• Sugar: 43 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg