Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake

Short Description

This Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake is a rich and decadent dessert that combines moist chocolate layers with creamy peanut butter frosting. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and texture, it’s an irresistible treat for any occasion.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic flavor pairing of chocolate and peanut butter.

• Moist, soft cake layers with a tender crumb.

• Creamy frosting that whips up quickly and spreads beautifully.

• Versatile enough for birthdays, parties, or casual family gatherings.

• Can be made ahead and stored or frozen.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Cocoa powder

• Granulated sugar

• Baking powder and baking soda

• Salt

• Eggs

• Milk or buttermilk

• Vegetable oil or melted butter

• Hot coffee or water

• Creamy peanut butter

• Unsalted butter

• Powdered sugar

• Heavy cream or milk

• Vanilla extract

• Optional: chocolate chips, Reese’s cups, or chocolate shavings for garnish

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Directions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare two or three cake pans by greasing and lining them with parchment paper.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Add eggs, milk (or buttermilk), and oil. Mix until smooth.

4. Stir in hot coffee or water to create a glossy batter.

5. Divide the batter evenly into pans and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.

6. For the frosting: beat peanut butter and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in cream and vanilla until light and fluffy.

7. Assemble by placing one cake layer on a plate, spreading frosting, then stacking with remaining layers. Frost the outside and top of the cake.

8. Garnish with Reese’s cups, chocolate curls, or a drizzle of melted chocolate if desired.

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Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12–16 slices

• Prep time: 30 minutes

• Bake time: 30–35 minutes per layer

• Cooling and assembly: 1 hour

• Total time: About 2 hours

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Variations

• Use cream cheese–peanut butter frosting for a tangy twist.

• Add chopped peanuts between layers for crunch.

• Make it as a sheet cake for easier serving.

• Add a chocolate ganache drip for a bakery-style finish.

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Storage/Reheating

• Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerate for up to 5 days; allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

• Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Frosted cakes or slices can also be frozen when wrapped tightly. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

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FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter for the frosting?

Yes, but creamy processed peanut butter gives a smoother consistency. Natural peanut butter may separate.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, bake the cake layers a day in advance and frost before serving.

3. How do I keep the cake moist?

Do not overbake, and consider brushing layers with a simple syrup before frosting.

4. What can I use instead of buttermilk?

You can substitute regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

5. Do I need to use coffee in the batter?

No, but coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.

6. Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?

Yes, simply divide the batter into lined muffin tins and bake for about 18–20 minutes.

7. What type of cocoa powder works best?

Unsweetened natural or Dutch-processed cocoa both work, but Dutch-processed gives a deeper flavor.

8. Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Yes, stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips before baking for extra richness.

9. How do I get smooth frosting on the cake?

Apply a thin crumb coat, chill for 20 minutes, then apply the final layer of frosting.

10. Can I reduce the sugar in the frosting?

Yes, but it may affect texture and stability. You can also try a less sweet frosting such as whipped cream–peanut butter.

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Conclusion

This Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake is a crowd-pleasing dessert that never fails to impress. With its moist chocolate base and luscious peanut butter frosting, it’s the perfect indulgence for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. Easy to customize and store, it is a must-bake recipe for every chocolate and peanut butter enthusiast.

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