Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe

Who can resist the rich, delicious combination of chocolate and peanut butter? If you're a fan of this indulgent pairing, you're in for a treat! This Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any celebration or as a weekend dessert. Moist chocolate cake layers paired with creamy peanut butter frosting are bound to leave you wanting more. Stick around to get the full recipe and discover tips and tricks to make this dessert flawless. Get ready to indulge!

this Recipe

What Is a Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake?

A Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is a multi-layered dessert combining the rich, deep flavors of chocolate with the creamy, salty sweetness of peanut butter. The contrast between these two flavors creates a balance that appeals to almost every palate. Often topped with decadent peanut butter frosting and even chocolate ganache, this cake is a dream come true for chocolate and peanut butter lovers alike. This recipe will help you bake a cake that’s not just delicious but visually stunning as well.

Ingredients List for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

To get started, you’ll need the following ingredients for the cake:

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water (for a moist, tender crumb)

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup heavy cream (add more if needed for consistency)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt (optional, to enhance the flavor)

For Chocolate Ganache (Optional):

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream

Substitutions and Variations

You can adjust this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe to fit your needs or dietary preferences. Here are a few substitution and variation ideas:

Substitutions:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour. Just make sure the mix includes xanthan gum for structure.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap the whole milk and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter in the frosting.
• Sugar Substitute: Use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia for a lower-sugar option, though the texture and flavor might slightly differ.

Variations:

• Cupcakes: Instead of making a layered cake, use the batter to create Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes. Bake them for 18-20 minutes at 350°F and top with peanut butter frosting.
• Extra Crunch: For a delightful texture contrast, mix some crushed peanuts or chocolate chips into the frosting or sprinkle them between the cake layers.
• Peanut Butter Lovers' Delight: Increase the peanut butter flavor by adding chopped peanut butter cups between the cake layers or on top of the frosting.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s dive into the process. Follow these simple steps to bake a perfect Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps to remove lumps and ensures the cake batter is smooth.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Be sure to mix until just combined; overmixing can make the cake tough.

Step 5: Add Boiling Water

Once the wet and dry ingredients are mixed, slowly stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but don’t worry—this is what creates the moist texture of the cake.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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

Baking this cake might seem like a daunting task, but it's actually quite simple with a few helpful tips. Let’s break down the critical steps in detail:

Layering the Cake

Once your cakes are fully cooled, use a serrated knife to level off the tops. This will ensure your layers stack evenly. Place one layer on a cake stand or serving plate and spread a generous amount of peanut butter frosting on top.

Adding the Frosting

Once the first layer is frosted, gently place the second layer on top. Apply a crumb coat—a thin layer of frosting that seals in any loose crumbs. Refrigerate the cake for 20 minutes to let the crumb coat set.

Finishing the Cake

Once the crumb coat has set, apply the final, thicker layer of peanut butter frosting. Use a spatula to create smooth or textured patterns on the cake, depending on your style preference.

Optional: Adding Chocolate Ganache

If you want to go the extra mile, drizzle the top of the cake with chocolate ganache. To make the ganache, heat the heavy cream until it's almost boiling, then pour it over the chocolate chips. Stir until smooth, and let it cool for a few minutes before drizzling it over the cake for a luxurious finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes you’ll want to avoid when making a Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake:

• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Not Cooling the Cake Completely: Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and slide off. Be patient and let your cake cool fully before adding frosting.
• Skipping the Crumb Coat: A crumb coat is essential for keeping the outer frosting layer smooth. Don’t skip this step if you want a professional-looking cake!

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key when it comes to serving dessert, and this Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is no exception. Here’s how you can make your cake look as good as it tastes:

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

Serve the cake at room temperature to enjoy the full flavors of the peanut butter frosting and chocolate cake layers. For a special touch, drizzle each slice with extra ganache or sprinkle with crushed peanuts. Serve with a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

Presentation Ideas for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

• Drip Cake Style: After frosting the cake, pour ganache around the edges to create a beautiful drip effect down the sides.
• Garnish with Peanut Butter Cups: Decorate the top of the cake with mini peanut butter cups or chocolate chips for an extra layer of decadence.
• Textured Frosting: Use a cake comb or a spatula to create a textured design on the frosting. You could go for a rustic look with swirls or clean lines for a more polished presentation.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe Tips

• Chill the Cake for Easy Slicing: After assembling the cake, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to cut clean slices.
• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure all your ingredients (especially the eggs, milk, and butter) are at room temperature before you start baking.
• Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your peanut butter frosting is too thick, add more heavy cream a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day or two in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. You can also freeze the layers for up to 3 months.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving.

Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter for the Frosting?

It’s best to use creamy, processed peanut butter for a smooth frosting. Natural peanut butter tends to separate and can result in a grainy texture.

Conclusion

This Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is a decadent, irresistible dessert that’s sure to impress at any gathering. With its rich chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter frosting, and optional ganache topping, it’s a treat for the taste buds and the eyes. Whether you’re making this cake for a birthday, holiday, or just because, it’s bound to be a hit. Now that you have all the tips, tricks, and steps, it's time to gather your ingredients and start baking!

Print