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Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake photo

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is a decadent treat! Rich chocolate meets creamy peanut butter in a moist, flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:
  • 2 cups Granulated Sugar
  • 1 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour plus 2 tablespoons
  • 3/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Baking Soda
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 large Eggs
  • 1 cup Buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
  • 1 cup Boiling Water or Hot Coffee
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
  • 1/2 cup Melted Butter (1 stick)
  • 3 cups Powdered Sugar
  • 1/3 cup Milk
  • 12 pieces Mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups for topping, optional

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Spatula
  • 9-inch round cake pans
  • Cooling rack
  • Offset spatula

Method
 

Instructions:
  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Step 3: In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients: eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully incorporated.
  4. Step 4: Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
  5. Step 5: Stir in the boiling water or hot coffee carefully. The batter will be thin.
  6. Step 6: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Step 7: Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  8. Step 8: For the frosting, mix melted butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  9. Step 9: Once the cakes are cool, spread frosting between the layers and on the top and sides of the cake.
  10. 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.