Dreamy Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe

Sweet memories of childhood comfort blend perfectly with a decadent chocolate peanut butter cake that promises pure indulgence.

Childhood desserts often spark nostalgic emotions and warm connections around the table.

Rich cocoa and creamy peanut butter create an irresistible combination that makes hearts melt.

Baking this cake feels like wrapping yourself in a delicious, comforting embrace.

Each layer tells a story of classic flavor and homemade love.

chocolate and peanut butter lovers will absolutely swoon over these incredible taste sensations.

You won’t believe how simple ingredients can create such an extraordinary dessert experience.

How To Keep Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Fresh

• 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 individual cake slices by wrapping each piece separately in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

FAQs

• Can I substitute the peanut butter in the frosting?

Yes, you can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor.

• What if I don't have cocoa powder?

Replace cocoa powder with melted dark chocolate or use carob powder as an alternative in the cake batter.

• Is this cake suitable for people with dairy allergies?

No, the recipe contains milk, butter, and heavy cream, which are dairy products. You would need significant modifications to make it dairy-free.

• How can I make the cake less sweet?

Reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup and use a darker chocolate with less sugar content to balance the sweetness.

Why Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Is Irresistible

• Conquer Complex Flavors: Dive into a delightful cake that combines rich chocolate with creamy peanut butter, creating a taste adventure that surprises and delights your taste buds.
• Master Baking Confidence: This recipe guides you through each step with simple instructions, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels to create a show-stopping dessert.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Centerpiece: Ideal for birthdays, family gatherings, or potlucks, this cake becomes an instant conversation starter that brings people together with its irresistible flavor combination.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe offers flexibility with optional chocolate ganache, allowing you to add an extra layer of decadence or keep it classic with just the peanut butter frosting.

Ingredients For Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cake that provides structure and texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake crumb.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep brown color to the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth cake batter.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and tender cake texture.
• Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help bind the ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Boiling Water: Helps to bloom the cocoa powder and create a thin, smooth batter.

• Peanut Butter, Butter: Create a creamy and rich base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the right frosting consistency.
• Heavy Cream: Adds smoothness and helps create a fluffy frosting.
• Chocolate Chips: Used to make a rich and glossy ganache topping.

How To Bake Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C) and lovingly coat two round cake pans with a light butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Create the Dry Flavor Foundation

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

Step 3: Transform Dry Mix into Liquid Gold

• Milk
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Blend everything on medium speed until the batter becomes silky smooth.

Step 4: Add the Magic Water

Pour in boiling water and gently stir. Don’t worry if the batter looks super thin – this is totally normal!

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pans into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 6: Whip Up Peanut Butter Frosting

• Peanut butter
• Butter

• Powdered sugar
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract

Beat until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Step 7: Frost with Flair

Generously spread the peanut butter frosting between cake layers and over the entire cake.

Step 8: Optional Chocolate Drizzle

Create a luscious ganache by heating heavy cream until it simmers. Pour over chocolate chips and stir until perfectly smooth.

Drizzle over the frosted cake for extra decadence.

Tips For Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

• Swap whole milk for almond milk to create a dairy-free version of this decadent chocolate cake.
• Reduce sugar content by using natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie option.
• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature to help create a smoother, more consistent cake batter.
• Prevent cake from sticking by lining cake pans with parchment paper in addition to greasing.
• Test cake doneness by gently pressing the center – it should spring back when fully baked.

Variations For Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free milk, swap butter for coconut oil, and replace heavy cream with coconut cream in frosting.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: Use sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reduce sugar quantity, and incorporate sugar-free chocolate chips in ganache.
• Nutty Alternative Cake: Replace peanut butter with almond butter or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor profile, keeping the chocolate base consistent.

Serving Ideas For Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

• Decadent Dessert Centerpiece: Showcase this stunning chocolate peanut butter cake as the star of your dinner party, placing it on an elegant cake stand with a light dusting of cocoa powder.
• Sweet Celebration Slice: Serve individual slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent dessert experience.
• Picnic Perfect Treat: Pack individual cake slices in small containers for a delightful outdoor treat that will impress friends during summer gatherings or potlucks.
• Coffee Companion Delight: Pair a slice with a rich espresso or creamy latte, creating a perfect afternoon pick-me-up that balances the cake's sweet and nutty flavors.

Indulgent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent chocolate peanut butter cake merges rich cocoa and creamy peanut butter in a delightful dessert. Layers of moist chocolate cake paired with silky peanut butter frosting create a heavenly treat you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (75 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) boiling water

Binding Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Peanut Butter Frosting Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 grams) creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (360 grams) powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Ganache Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (170 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat two 9-inch round cake pans with cooking spray or butter.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, whisking flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well integrated.
3. Incorporate liquid ingredients by adding milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract, then blend using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture achieves a uniform consistency.
4. Gently fold in boiling water, which will create an exceptionally thin batter. Distribute the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
5. Place pans in preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when the cakes are fully baked.
6. Allow cakes to cool completely on a wire rack, ensuring they reach room temperature before frosting.
7. Prepare peanut butter frosting by whipping peanut butter and butter together until creamy and light.
8. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, beating until the frosting becomes smooth and voluminous.
9. Carefully spread the peanut butter frosting between cake layers and over the entire exterior of the cake.
10. For the optional chocolate ganache, heat heavy cream until it reaches a gentle simmer, then pour over chocolate chips and stir until the mixture becomes glossy and smooth.
11. Drizzle the warm ganache decoratively over the frosted cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smooth mixing and better cake texture.
• Sift dry ingredients to prevent lumps and create a lighter, more even cake crumb.
• Use a light-colored metal cake pan for even heat distribution and perfect browning.
• For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense cake texture.
• Check cake doneness early to prevent overbaking and dry results.
• Chill the cake briefly before frosting to minimize crumbs and create cleaner layers.
• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 33 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg