Description
Rich chocolate peanut butter cake melds classic dessert flavors into one irresistible treat. Silky ganache and creamy frosting make this indulgent cake a perfect centerpiece for celebrations you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
Leavening and Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional for ganache)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 350°F and meticulously coat cake pans with butter, then line with parchment paper.
- Sift together cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring thorough blending after each addition.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
- Evenly distribute batter between prepared cake pans, smoothing the surfaces with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and dry.
- Allow cakes to cool completely on wire racks for approximately 1 hour.
- Whip peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until frosting becomes smooth and spreadable.
- Place first cake layer on serving plate and generously spread peanut butter frosting between layers.
- Cover entire cake with remaining frosting, creating an even, smooth exterior.
- Optional: Drizzle chocolate ganache over the top for enhanced richness and visual appeal.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder and natural peanut butter for more intense, rich flavors.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the cake’s structure and taste.
- Create a dairy-free alternative by substituting butter with coconut oil and using almond milk instead of dairy milk.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg