Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is an irresistible treat perfect for chocolate lovers and peanut butter enthusiasts alike. This delightful cake combines rich chocolate flavors with creamy peanut butter frosting, making it a sensational dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just indulging your sweet tooth, this cake is sure to impress!
Why make this recipe?
Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is not only fun but also rewarding. The combination of moist chocolate cake and rich peanut butter frosting creates a delicious dessert that’s a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, ensuring that you can whip up this indulgence with minimal fuss. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to make!
How to prepare Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
Ingredients:
- 🥣 2 cups flour (250g)
- 🍫 3/4 cup cocoa powder (75g)
- 🥄 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 🥄 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 🍬 1 3/4 cups sugar (350g)
- 🥚 2 large eggs
- 🥛 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar)
- 🛢️ 1/2 cup vegetable oil (120ml)
- 🌿 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ☕ 1 cup hot water or coffee (240ml)
- 🥜 1 cup peanut butter (250g)
- 🧈 1/2 cup butter (at room temperature)
- 🍚 2 cups powdered sugar (250g)
- 🥛 1/4 cup cream or milk (60ml)
- 🌿 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 🍫 150g milk or dark chocolate
- 🥛 1/2 cup cream (120ml)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
- In another bowl, blend the sugar and eggs until smooth. Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with hot water or coffee, until the batter is smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cakes are baking, prepare the peanut butter frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together peanut butter and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and cream or milk until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Once the cakes have cooled, spread a layer of peanut butter frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake.
- For the chocolate ganache, heat the cream until hot but not boiling. Pour it over the chopped chocolate in a bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth.
- Drizzle the ganache on top of the frosted cake and let it set before serving.
How to serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
Slice the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake into generous pieces and serve it on a beautiful plate. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or just enjoy it on its own!
How to store Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For extended freshness, refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Tips for preparing Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until combined for a lighter cake.
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
Variations
You can add extra flavors to your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake by incorporating chocolate chips into the batter or using crunchy peanut butter for added texture. You could also experiment with different types of frosting, such as cream cheese or even an Oreo frosting for a unique twist!
FAQs
1. Can I use natural peanut butter instead of processed?
Yes, you can! Just note that natural peanut butter may make the frosting slightly less sweet.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake the cakes and frost them a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container.
3. What can I substitute for buttermilk?
You can use regular milk with 1 teaspoon of vinegar added, letting it sit for about 5-10 minutes to sour.
Enjoy baking your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake! 🍰🥜🍫