Chocolate and peanut butter—two beloved ingredients that, when combined, create the ultimate indulgence. The Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is a decadent dessert that satisfies every sweet tooth craving with its rich, moist texture, luscious frosting, and smooth ganache. In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the process of making this decadent chocolate peanut butter cake step by step.
Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion, a birthday celebration, or simply a family treat, this cake is sure to impress everyone. Let’s dive into the world of chocolate peanut butter heaven!
What is Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake?
The Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is a layered cake that combines the rich, deep flavor of chocolate with the creamy, nutty taste of peanut butter. It typically consists of a moist chocolate cake base, paired with a fluffy, creamy peanut butter frosting. To top it all off, a luscious chocolate ganache is poured over the layers for a beautiful and mouthwatering finish. This cake brings together two classic dessert flavors, making it the perfect treat for those who love both chocolate and peanut butter.
The Origin of Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
While it’s hard to pinpoint the exact origins of the chocolate peanut butter cake, it is widely believed that the combination of chocolate and peanut butter became a popular pairing in the United States. The combination was made famous by the creation of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in the 1920s, which quickly became a favorite candy. Over the years, the flavor pairing of chocolate and peanut butter has found its way into various cakes, cookies, and desserts, and the chocolate peanut butter cake is a staple in many dessert lovers’ repertoires.
Ingredients for the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
To create this moist and indulgent chocolate peanut butter cake, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in giving the cake its richness, flavor, and texture. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ¾ cups sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
For the Peanut Butter Frosting
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
And lastly For the Chocolate Ganache
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
Step-by-Step Directions for Preparation For Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake. From preparing the cake batter to the final garnishing touches, follow along with these instructions to create this delicious masterpiece.
Preparing the Cake Batter
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to allow it to heat up while you prepare the cake batter.
- Grease and line the cake pans: Take two 9-inch round cake pans, grease them with butter or oil, and line the bottoms with parchment paper. This will ensure that your cake layers come out easily after baking.
- Whisk the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Whisk these together until they are well combined.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir well to ensure that the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients while stirring gently. Mix until just combined.
- Add the hot water: Slowly add hot water to the batter. The batter will be thin, but don’t worry, this is how it’s supposed to be.
- Bake the cake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean. Once done, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool completely in the pans.
Making the Peanut Butter Frosting
- Beat the peanut butter and butter: In a large bowl, beat creamy peanut butter and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and milk: Gradually add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, alternating with the milk. Continue to beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth.
- Add vanilla extract: Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
Preparing the Chocolate Ganache
- Heat the cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to steam.
- Add chopped chocolate: Once the cream is heated, pour it over the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Stir the mixture until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy.
Assembling the Cake
- Layer the cake: Once the cake layers have cooled, carefully remove them from the pans. Place one layer on a cake stand or serving platter.
- Frost the cake: Spread a generous amount of peanut butter frosting over the first layer. Top with the second layer of cake.
- Frost the top and sides: Spread the remaining frosting over the top and around the sides of the cake.
- Drizzle the ganache: Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides for a beautiful, glossy finish.
- Garnish: For added texture and flavor, garnish the cake with chopped peanuts or Reese’s peanut butter cups.
Variations of the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
While this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake recipe is already a delicious treat, you can customize it in various ways to suit your tastes:
1. Gluten-Free Version
If you or someone you know is gluten intolerant, you can make this cake gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
2. Adding Crunch
For a fun twist, add some crushed peanuts between the cake layers or sprinkle them on top of the ganache to add some crunch to every bite.
3. Nut-Free Version
If you need a nut-free version, simply replace the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter and skip the garnishing with peanuts.
4. Mini Cake Version
Instead of baking the cake in 9-inch pans, consider baking mini cakes in cupcake or muffin pans for smaller, individual servings. This makes for an adorable dessert to share at parties or gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
1. Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use milk, but the cake will lack some of the tanginess and richness that buttermilk provides. To replicate buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for a few minutes before using.
2. Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the peanut butter frosting ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to use, bring it to room temperature and give it a good stir before frosting the cake.
3. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake! To freeze, wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow the cake layers to thaw completely before assembling and frosting.
4. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the ganache?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate for a sweeter ganache. However, the flavor will be slightly different, so keep that in mind when making your decision.
Conclusion: Enjoying Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake
In conclusion, the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is a show-stopping dessert that combines the best of both worlds—chocolate and peanut butter. From the moist cake layers to the creamy peanut butter frosting and rich chocolate ganache, every bite of this cake is a delight for the senses. Whether you stick to the classic version or try out some of the variations, this cake is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in this decadent chocolate peanut butter masterpiece today!
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe: A Heavenly Combination of Flavors
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is a layered cake that combines the rich, deep flavor of chocolate with the creamy, nutty taste of peanut butter. It typically consists of a moist chocolate cake base, paired with a fluffy, creamy peanut butter frosting. To top it all off, a luscious chocolate ganache is poured over the layers for a beautiful and mouthwatering finish. This cake brings together two classic dessert flavors, making it the perfect treat for those who love both chocolate and peanut butter.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ¾ cups sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
For the Peanut Butter Frosting
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the cake batter: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, combine buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually fold into the dry ingredients. Stir in hot water until smooth.
- Bake: Divide batter evenly between the cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Make the frosting: Beat peanut butter and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Prepare the ganache: Heat heavy cream until steaming, then pour over chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Assemble the cake: Spread peanut butter frosting between the cake layers and over the top and sides. Drizzle chocolate ganache over the cake.
- Garnish: Decorate with chopped peanuts or Reese’s peanut butter cups.
Notes
For an extra indulgent twist, top the cake with crushed peanuts, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This cake also pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days—if it lasts that long!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe