If you love the rich, indulgent combination of chocolate and peanut butter, then this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is the ultimate dessert you need to try! Imagine a moist, decadent chocolate cake paired with creamy, velvety peanut butter frosting, all topped with a drizzle of smooth chocolate and peanut butter. This cake is a showstopper, guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something indulgent, this cake hits all the right notes. Plus, it’s easier to make than you might think, making it the perfect choice for a crowd-pleasing treat!
About The Recipe
When I first thought about creating this cake, I wanted to combine two of my all-time favorite flavors – chocolate and peanut butter. After testing and tweaking different elements, I came up with a cake that is both incredibly moist and packed with flavor. The addition of peanut butter in both the frosting and as a topping creates a perfect balance with the rich chocolate cake.
The cake itself is incredibly easy to make, with a batter that’s quick to whip up, and the frosting is light and fluffy with just the right amount of peanut butter flavor. And the best part? You don’t need any special skills to make this beauty come together. It’s a cake that looks impressive, tastes amazing, and will leave everyone asking for the recipe!
Every bite of this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is full of rich chocolate flavor with the creamy, nutty punch of peanut butter. Whether you serve it for a birthday, holiday, or just as a sweet treat for yourself, it’s bound to become a favorite.
Reasons You Will Love This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
- Perfectly balanced flavors – The rich chocolate cake paired with the creamy peanut butter frosting creates a mouthwatering combination.
- Moist and tender cake layers – The cake stays moist for days, making it perfect for prepping ahead of time.
- Creamy peanut butter frosting – A luscious frosting that is not overly sweet but complements the cake perfectly.
- Easy to make – The batter comes together quickly, and the frosting is simple to whip up with just a few ingredients.
- Impressive presentation – The chocolate drizzle and peanut butter cup decoration make it an eye-catching dessert for any celebration.
Equipment Needed
To make this delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake, you’ll need a few essential tools to help you achieve the best results. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Mixing Bowls – For combining your dry and wet ingredients.
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer – Helps with beating the batter and frosting for a smooth consistency.
- 9×13 Inch Cake Pan – You’ll need a rectangular pan for this single-layer cake (or you can use two round pans if you prefer layered cakes).
- Sifter – To sift the dry ingredients and prevent lumps in your batter.
- Spatula – For folding ingredients and smoothing out the frosting.
- Offset Spatula or Cake Scraper – Helps spread frosting evenly on the cake.
- Whisk – For mixing dry ingredients and combining wet ingredients.
- Cooling Rack – To allow your cake to cool completely before frosting.
Ingredients
For The Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – This gives structure to the cake while keeping it tender.
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Use good quality cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cake rise and gives it that light, fluffy texture.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda – Works alongside the baking powder to create a light cake.
- 2 cups granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake, balancing the rich chocolate.
- 1 teaspoon salt – A small amount of salt enhances the flavor of the cake.
- 2 large eggs – Adds richness and structure to the cake.
- 1 cup milk – Makes the batter smooth and helps create a moist cake.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil – Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee powder (optional) – This enhances the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.
- 1 cup boiling water – This helps to “bloom” the chocolate flavor and create a moist texture.
For The Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) – The base of your frosting, creating a creamy texture.
- 4 cups powdered sugar – Sifted to ensure a smooth, lump-free frosting.
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter – Gives the frosting a rich peanut butter flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness of the frosting.
- 1 tablespoon milk – Adds the perfect creaminess to the frosting.
For the Toppings (Optional):
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet) – For drizzling over the top of the cake.
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream – To make the chocolate drizzle smooth.
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter – Warmed for a drizzle.
- 1/2 cup mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – For decoration and an extra burst of peanut butter flavor.
- 1/4 cup salted peanuts (chopped) – For added crunch and contrast.
How To Make The Cake
Instructions for the Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×13-inch metal cake pan with butter. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, granulated sugar, and salt. Whisk briefly to combine and set aside.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well until there are no lumps. This will create a smooth, thick batter.
- Add the boiling water: Now, add the boiling water to the batter, one small pour at a time. This will make the batter thinner, but it’s important for creating a moist, tender cake.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should have risen and have a few moist crumbs sticking to the toothpick.
- Cool the cake: Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This can take up to 2 hours.
Making the Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting
- Beat the butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter using a stand mixer or handheld electric mixer on high speed for about 3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy.
- Add the powdered sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar in three parts, starting on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud, then increasing the speed as the sugar is incorporated.
- Add the peanut butter and milk: Once all the powdered sugar is incorporated, add the smooth peanut butter, salt, and milk. Beat everything on high for another 3 minutes until the frosting is fluffy, smooth, and spreadable.
Assembling and Decorating the Cake
Assembly Instructions
- Prepare the cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, use a serrated knife to remove any domes from the top to make the surface even. If you’re using a 9×13-inch pan, you can leave the cake as is, or cut it into squares once frosted.
- Frost the first layer: Place the cooled cake on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of the peanut butter buttercream frosting across the top, ensuring it’s smooth and evenly distributed.
- Add the toppings: Drizzle the cake with the first half of the chocolate drizzle and warmed peanut butter. Sprinkle some miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and chopped salted peanuts over the frosting. The combination of these adds a great texture and flavor contrast to the smooth cake.
- Finish decorating: Drizzle the remaining chocolate and peanut butter over the top of the cake for a decorative and delicious finish. Add any remaining peanut butter cups and a sprinkle of finely chopped salted peanuts on top for extra crunch and garnish.
- Chill the cake: Refrigerate the cake for about 1-2 hours before serving to allow the frosting to set properly. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
- Moisture boost: If you want an even more moist cake, feel free to brush the cake layers with a bit of simple syrup or coffee syrup before frosting.
- Flavors: For a more intense chocolate flavor, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder, though regular unsweetened cocoa works just as well.
- For a smoother frosting: Ensure your butter is soft before mixing, as it helps create a smoother and fluffier texture.
- Serving suggestion: This cake is a crowd favorite, perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or anytime you crave a peanut butter-chocolate indulgence. Make sure to bring it to room temperature before serving to soften the frosting.
Enjoy the richness of the chocolate cake and the creamy peanut butter frosting in every bite of this delicious treat!
