If you’re a fan of the delightful combination of chocolate and peanut butter, then this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is about to become your new favorite dessert. This cake is rich, moist, and decadently chocolaty, with a smooth peanut butter frosting that will leave you craving more. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet treat to brighten your day, this cake is sure to impress friends and family alike.
Reasons to Love Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
There are countless reasons to fall head over heels for this cake. Here are just a few:
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter is a classic that never fails to please.
- Moist and Tender: Thanks to the buttermilk and boiling water, this cake is incredibly moist.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip up this masterpiece.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or add toppings to make it your own.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual get-together or a special event, this cake fits right in.
Your Shopping Guide
Before you embark on your baking adventure, here’s a handy shopping list to ensure you have everything you need:
- Granulated Sugar: 2 cups for sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 3/4 cups + 2 tablespoons for structure.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 3/4 cup for that deep chocolate flavor.
- Baking Powder: 1 1/2 teaspoons to help the cake rise.
- Baking Soda: 1 1/2 teaspoons for leavening.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon to enhance flavor.
- Large Eggs: 2 for binding the ingredients.
- Buttermilk: 1 cup for moisture and tenderness.
- Vegetable Oil: 1/2 cup for richness (can use canola or avocado oil).
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons for flavor.
- Boiling Water or Hot Coffee: 1 cup to intensify the chocolate flavor.
- Peanut Butter Frosting: 1 batch (see below for ingredients).
- Melted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick) for the frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: 3 cups for sweetness and texture in the frosting.
- Milk: 1/3 cup for consistency in the frosting.
- Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: 12 for topping, optional but highly recommended!
Gear Checklist
Before you start baking, gather these essential tools:
- Mixing Bowls: Large and medium-sized for mixing ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of dry and wet ingredients.
- Whisk or Electric Mixer: To ensure ingredients are well combined.
- Spatula: For folding in ingredients and smoothing the frosting.
- 9-inch Round Cake Pans: For baking the cake layers.
- Cooling Rack: To cool the cake layers properly.
- Offset Spatula: For spreading frosting smoothly.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake in Steps
Follow these simple steps to create your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 3/4 cups + 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine 2 large eggs, 1 cup of buttermilk, 1/2 cup of oil, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
Step 5: Add Boiling Water
Stir in 1 cup of boiling water or hot coffee carefully. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay! This step helps to create a moist cake.
Step 6: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool the Cakes
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
In a medium bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of melted butter, 2/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 3 cups of powdered sugar, 1/3 cup of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 9: Frost the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of peanut butter frosting between the two cake layers and then cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
Step 10: Add Toppings
For an extra touch, top the cake with 12 mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, if desired.
Make It Year-Round
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is versatile and can be enjoyed year-round. Here’s how to make it fit into any season:
- Spring: Decorate with fresh berries for a vibrant touch.
- Summer: Serve chilled with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Fall: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter for a warming flavor.
- Winter: Drizzle with melted chocolate for a cozy dessert vibe.
Chef’s Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider using hot coffee instead of boiling water.
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
- Feel free to customize the frosting by adding a little more peanut butter for a stronger flavor.
- If you want to elevate the cake further, try pairing it with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting instead of peanut butter frosting.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
To store your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to freeze it, wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, let the cake thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then serve at room temperature. You can also warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds for a delightful treat.
Reader Q&A
Can I use a different type of frosting?
Absolutely! You can try a different frosting like cream cheese or even Chocolate Cupcakes With Peanut Butter Frosting for a fun twist!
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes! This cake can be baked in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just make sure to frost it closer to serving time for the best texture.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure to check the packaging for the right measurements.
The Takeaway
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the best of both worlds: rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet craving, this cake is sure to impress. With its moist texture and luscious frosting, it brings joy to every slice and is perfect for sharing with loved ones. So grab your ingredients and get ready to bake a cake that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 3: In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients: eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Step 4: Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
- Step 5: Stir in the boiling water or hot coffee carefully. The batter will be thin.
- Step 6: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Step 7: Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Step 8: For the frosting, mix melted butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 9: Once the cakes are cool, spread frosting between the layers and on the top and sides of the cake.
- Step 10: Top with mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use hot coffee instead of boiling water.
- Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
- Customize the frosting by adding more peanut butter for a stronger flavor.
