Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe

If you’re a fan of rich, indulgent desserts, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is the ultimate treat to satisfy your cravings.

With a moist, chocolatey base paired with creamy peanut butter frosting, it’s a flavor combination that’s hard to resist.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to spoil yourself with something sweet, this cake is sure to impress everyone who takes a bite.

The blend of rich cocoa and the salty-sweet peanut butter frosting creates an irresistible balance of flavors. Topped off with mini Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups and a drizzle of melted chocolate and peanut butter, this cake is a true showstopper.

Let’s dive into the ingredients and the process that will have you creating this mouthwatering dessert at home.

Ingredients List

For the Cake:

• 1 3/4 cups plain/all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Note 1)
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda (bi-carb soda) (Note 2)
• 2 cups white sugar (or caster/superfine sugar)
• 1 tsp kosher or cooking salt (Yes, really!)
• 2 large eggs (~55-65g / 2 oz each)
• 1 cup milk (low or full fat)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or another neutral oil like canola, grapeseed, or sunflower)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp instant coffee powder (Optional – Note 3)
• 1 cup boiling water (Helps “bloom” the chocolate flavor)

For the Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting:

• 250g / 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (500g) sifted powdered sugar (Note 4)
• 1/2 cup (120g) smooth peanut butter (spread, not pure peanut butter – Note 5)
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp milk

Optional Toppings (Highly Recommended!):

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips or melts (semi-sweet chocolate chips work best)
• 2 tbsp thickened/heavy cream (not low-fat)
• 3 tbsp peanut butter, warmed in the microwave to make it runny
• 120g / 4 oz mini Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups
• 10+ miniature Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups, halved
• 1/4 cup salted peanuts, finely chopped

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you start baking, it’s essential to gather the right tools. These will make the process easier and ensure your cake turns out perfectly:

1. Two 8-inch round cake pans: To bake the chocolate cake layers. Grease and line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Hand or Stand Mixer: For mixing the cake batter and peanut butter buttercream. A stand mixer is especially helpful if you’re making a larger batch of frosting.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key for a perfect cake and frosting. Invest in reliable measuring tools for precise ingredients.
4. Cooling Rack: After baking, let the cakes cool completely on a rack before frosting to prevent the icing from melting.
5. Piping Bag (Optional): If you want to create beautiful swirls of peanut butter frosting, a piping bag with a large round tip is ideal.

Cake Preparation: How to Make the Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

Now that we have the ingredients and tools ready, it’s time to get baking! Follow these simple steps to create a moist, delicious chocolate cake that pairs perfectly with creamy peanut butter frosting.

Mixing the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line your two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Combine dry ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. These dry ingredients form the base of the cake, and sifting them helps avoid clumps of cocoa powder and ensures even mixing.
3. Add wet ingredients:
   Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients, then crack in the eggs and add the milk, oil, and vanilla extract. If you’re using instant coffee powder, add it now to help intensify the chocolate flavor. Using a hand or stand mixer, mix everything on low speed until just combined.
4. Add boiling water:
   Finally, slowly pour in the boiling water. The batter will be quite thin, but don’t worry—that’s exactly how it should be. The extra liquid helps keep the cake moist and creates that wonderfully tender crumb.
5. Divide and bake:
   Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Tap the pans gently on the counter to level the batter and remove any air bubbles. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
6. Cool the cakes:
   Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cakes from becoming too soft or breaking apart.

Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting

While your cakes are cooling, let’s whip up that creamy peanut butter frosting. This frosting is rich, fluffy, and packed with peanut butter flavor.

1. Beat the butter:
   In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy.
2. Add peanut butter and powdered sugar:
   Add the smooth peanut butter, powdered sugar, and kosher salt. Mix on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud, then gradually increase to medium speed until the frosting is smooth and creamy. If the frosting feels too stiff, add 1 tablespoon of milk to reach your desired consistency.
3. Taste and adjust:
   If you’d like, you can add a pinch of salt or more peanut butter to adjust the flavor to your liking. Set the frosting aside until you’re ready to assemble the cake.

Assembling the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

Now comes the fun part—assembling your delicious cake! This is where you get to layer the rich chocolate cake with the creamy peanut butter buttercream and add those irresistible toppings. Follow these steps for a show-stopping dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Frosting the Cake Layers

1. Level your cakes (if needed):
   Once the cakes have completely cooled, check if the tops have domed. If they have, use a serrated knife to carefully level the tops, making them flat. This will help the frosting layer evenly and make the cake look more professional.
2. Place the first cake layer on a cake stand or serving plate:
   Gently flip one of the cooled cake layers onto your cake stand or a large plate. Be sure the flat side is facing up.
3. Spread the frosting:
   Using a spatula, spread a generous layer of peanut butter frosting on top of the first cake layer. You can spread it as thick as you like, but aim for about 1/2-inch of frosting to get that perfect balance between cake and buttercream. Smooth it out so the frosting covers the entire surface evenly.
4. Add the second cake layer:
   Place the second cake layer, flat side down, on top of the frosted layer. Gently press it down to ensure it sticks.
5. Frost the top and sides:
   Spread the remaining peanut butter frosting over the top of the cake, then work your way down the sides. Use a bench scraper or an offset spatula to smooth the frosting and give it a neat, even finish.

Decorating the Cake

Now that your cake is frosted and looking fabulous, let’s add those extra touches to make it truly special!

1. Drizzle with chocolate and peanut butter:
   In a small microwave-safe bowl, warm 2 tbsp of heavy cream until hot but not boiling. Add the chocolate chips and let them sit for a minute, then stir until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Repeat the same process with warmed peanut butter, drizzling it over the chocolate for an extra peanut-buttery finish.
2. Add mini Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups:
   Take the mini Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups and cut them in half. Gently press them into the top of the cake, arranging them in a decorative pattern. You can also sprinkle a few chopped salted peanuts around the cake for a little crunch and extra flavor.
3. Optional finishing touches:
   For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the cake with a little powdered sugar or drizzle additional peanut butter on the sides. Don’t be afraid to get creative—this cake is all about indulgence!

Once you’ve decorated your cake, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! The Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is now ready to serve and will definitely steal the show at any gathering.

Serving and Storing Your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

How to Serve

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is the kind of dessert that demands attention. With its rich layers of chocolate and peanut butter, topped with chocolate drizzle and Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups, it’s sure to be a crowd favorite. Here’s how to serve it:

1. Slice Carefully:
   Use a sharp knife to slice through the layers without crushing them. For the best results, warm the knife under hot water between cuts and wipe it clean to keep each slice neat and presentable.
2. Pair with a Cold Beverage:
   This cake is wonderfully rich, so pairing it with a glass of cold milk, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream can help balance the sweetness and enhance the experience.
3. Serve as a Special Occasion Cake:
   Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or simply a treat for a weekend gathering, this cake makes a perfect centerpiece for any special occasion. Serve it up with a smile and prepare for the compliments!

Storage Instructions

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is so good, you may want to enjoy it for more than just one day. Here’s how to store it to keep it fresh:

1. Room Temperature Storage:
   If you plan to finish the cake within a couple of days, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. The frosting and cake should remain fresh for up to 2-3 days without refrigeration. Just make sure the cake is not exposed to heat or sunlight.
2. Refrigeration:
   If you prefer to store it longer, you can refrigerate the cake for up to 5-7 days. Simply cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Bring the cake to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
3. Freezing for Later:
   To extend the life of your cake, you can freeze it! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 1 month in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, allow the cake to thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a few hours.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a true indulgence. The moist, chocolate cake layers, paired with the rich peanut butter buttercream frosting and topped with chocolate and Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups, make it a showstopper for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a special event or just treating yourself, this cake will never disappoint.

Remember, the key to a perfect chocolate peanut butter cake is using the best ingredients and taking the time to frost and decorate with care. With these tips and the detailed instructions provided, you’ll have a cake that not only looks amazing but tastes incredible too. So go ahead, get baking, and enjoy every delicious bite of this indulgent treat!