Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake

If you’re looking for the perfect indulgent dessert that combines rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, you’ve landed on the right recipe! This Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake is an absolute dream. The layers of moist chocolate cake, the fluffy peanut butter frosting, and the chopped Reese’s pieces come together to create a slice of heaven with every bite. Trust me, the smell when this is in the oven is incredible! Plus, with a drizzle of chocolate ganache, it’s everything you could want in a dessert and more.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is a total showstopper! Not only does it taste like a Reese’s cup in cake form, but it’s also surprisingly simple to make. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake:

• Rich flavor: The combination of dark cocoa and peanut butter is irresistible.
• Texture heaven: Moist cake, creamy frosting, and crunchy Reese’s pieces make every bite interesting.
• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just because you want something delicious.
• Easy to customize: You can easily add more Reese’s cups, swap frosting flavors, or get creative with the ganache!

The Taste

Let’s talk about the flavor for a second. This cake strikes a perfect balance. The chocolate layers are moist, rich, and have just the right amount of sweetness. The peanut butter frosting? Oh, it’s silky, slightly salty, and not overly sweet, which makes the cake feel balanced. And don’t get me started on those bits of Reese’s! Their familiar crunch and peanut butter filling take this cake to a whole new level of indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup softened butter (for the frosting)
• 2 cups powdered sugar (for the frosting)
• 1/4 cup milk (for the frosting)
• 1 cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
• 1/2 cup chocolate ganache (for drizzling)

Necessary Tools

• Two 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Whisk
• Cooling racks
• Offset spatula (for frosting)
• Knife (for chopping Reese’s cups)

Ingredient Substitutions & Additions

• Peanut Butter: Use almond or cashew butter for a twist, but keep in mind the taste will change.
• Vegetable oil: Can be swapped with melted butter for a richer flavor.
• Cocoa powder: Use dark cocoa for a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor.
• Chopped Reese’s Cups: Add extra if you want more crunch, or sub in peanut butter chips for a different texture.
• Chocolate Ganache: For an easier option, you could drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce instead.

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and set them aside.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set that aside.

In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined, then stir in the boiling water (this will make the batter thin, which is perfect!).

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, whip up the peanut butter frosting! Beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, and powdered sugar. Add milk little by little until the frosting is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are cool, frost the top of one layer and sprinkle some chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake. Press the remaining Reese’s cups into the frosting and drizzle with chocolate ganache for that final touch.

What to Serve with This Cake

This cake is so rich and decadent that it doesn’t really need anything on the side, but if you’re looking to elevate your dessert table, consider pairing it with:

• Vanilla ice cream: The cool creaminess pairs beautifully with the richness of the cake.
• Whipped cream: Light and airy, it adds a nice contrast to the dense cake.
• Fresh strawberries: The slight tartness of the berries cuts through the sweetness of the cake.

Tips for Success

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter and frosting.
• Boiling water: Don’t skip this step! The boiling water makes the chocolate cake extra moist.
• Chill the cake: After frosting, pop the cake in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to set the frosting before slicing.

Storage Instructions

If you happen to have leftovers (unlikely!), store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week, but be sure to let the cake come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature until you’re ready to frost.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes! You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting and serving.

How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?

Be sure to grease and flour your cake pans generously. Alternatively, you can use parchment paper rounds on the bottom of your pans for extra insurance!

Conclusion

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake is an absolute must-try for peanut butter and chocolate lovers alike. The combination of moist cake, creamy peanut butter frosting, and crunchy Reese’s pieces is sure to impress at any occasion. It’s also easy to make, so even if you’re not an experienced baker, you’ll have no trouble whipping up this delicious treat!

Looking for more decadent desserts? Check out these incredible recipes:

• Chocolate Piña Colada with Kahlua Cream Frosting
• Triple Chocolate Mousse Torte — The ultimate chocolate lover’s dream.
• Heavenly Summer Peach Cobbler Poke Cake

And if you try this recipe, be sure to leave a review and share your cake photos on Pinterest. I can’t wait to see your creations!

Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

• Calories: 600
• Carbohydrates: 80g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Sugar: 60g

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