Irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

There’s something magical about the combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. This Irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is a dream come true for dessert lovers. With layers of moist, decadent chocolate cake, fluffy peanut butter frosting, and a smooth chocolate ganache dripping down the sides, this cake is bound to be a crowd-pleaser! Whether it’s for a special celebration or just because you deserve a sweet treat, this cake will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Combo: Chocolate and peanut butter—need I say more? It’s a timeless flavor combination that’s hard to resist!
• Perfectly Moist Cake: The cake itself is soft, tender, and packed with chocolate flavor.
• Decadent Frosting: The creamy peanut butter frosting is the perfect balance to the rich chocolate, adding a luxurious layer of flavor.
• Impressive Presentation: With chocolate ganache dripping beautifully over the cake, it’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for your taste buds.

Ingredients List

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

• 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

How to Make the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in boiling water—don’t worry if the batter seems thin, it’s supposed to be!
5. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let the cakes cool completely before assembling.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting

1. In a bowl, beat peanut butter and softened butter together until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, until you achieve a fluffy and smooth frosting.
3. Add vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just starts to simmer.
2. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Whisk the mixture until smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly before pouring over the cake.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one layer of the cooled chocolate cake on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of peanut butter frosting over the top.
2. Add the second layer of cake, then frost the entire cake with the remaining peanut butter frosting.
3. Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drip naturally down the sides for a gorgeous finish.
4. Allow the cake to chill for 30 minutes before serving, giving the ganache time to set.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs, butter, and cream are at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing and a fluffy cake.
• Boiling water: Stirring boiling water into the batter is the secret to a super moist chocolate cake!
• Garnish galore: For an extra indulgent touch, garnish with chopped peanuts or crushed peanut butter cups. It adds texture and makes the cake look even more tempting!

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. If you’re feeling fancy, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side is heavenly!

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate leftovers: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Bring to room temperature: Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the soft frosting and cake texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use natural peanut butter in the frosting?

It’s best to stick with creamy, processed peanut butter for the frosting, as natural peanut butter can separate and affect the texture.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers in advance and freeze them for up to a month. Thaw the layers and frost them when you’re ready to serve.

What if I don’t have heavy cream for the ganache?

You can use half-and-half or even whole milk, but the ganache will be slightly less rich.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is a show-stopping dessert that’s guaranteed to impress! Its rich flavors and stunning presentation make it perfect for any special occasion—or whenever you need a sweet indulgence. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, ensuring that you can relax and enjoy the compliments that are sure to follow.

Try These Next!

• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Roll Cake: A decadent roll cake filled with peanut butter cup goodness!
• Chocolate Piña Colada with Kahlua Cream Frosting: A tropical twist on a chocolate lover’s dream.
• Heavenly Summer Peach Cobbler Poke Cake: Light, fruity, and perfect for summer.

Let me know how it turns out in the comments below, and don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest! I’d love to see your creations!

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