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Indulgent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe

Indulgent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Rich chocolate peanut butter cake delivers a symphony of indulgent flavors from classic American dessert traditions. Sweet layers combine creamy peanut butter frosting with deep chocolate notes, offering chocolate enthusiasts a memorable culinary experience you won’t soon forget.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base Ingredients:

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water

Frosting Ingredients:

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup butter (softened)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 350°F and prepare two 9-inch cake pans by coating with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, ensuring cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt are thoroughly whisked together.
  3. In a separate container, blend sugar, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-incorporated.
  4. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, creating a consistent batter. Carefully stir in boiling water until mixture is thin and glossy.
  5. Distribute batter evenly between prepared cake pans, ensuring uniform thickness.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes in preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  7. Remove cakes from oven and allow to cool completely on wire rack, which prevents condensation and maintains cake’s texture.
  8. Prepare frosting by creaming peanut butter and butter until silky and unified.
  9. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, mixing until frosting becomes light, airy, and spreadable.
  10. Once cakes have cooled, carefully layer and frost, covering top and sides with smooth, even strokes of peanut butter frosting.

Notes

  • Swap milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version that maintains the cake’s rich, moist texture.
  • Reduce sugar content by using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, which can add depth and complexity to the chocolate flavor.
  • For gluten-sensitive individuals, replace all-purpose flour with a reliable gluten-free blend to ensure the cake’s structure and taste remain consistent.
  • Toast chopped peanuts and sprinkle them around the cake’s exterior for added crunch and an enhanced nutty flavor profile that complements the chocolate and peanut butter.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 386 kcal
  • Sugar: 37 g
  • Sodium: 245 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg