Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

The Ultimate Chocolate Peanut Butter Indulgence!

Ever had a cake so decadent that it makes you forget your troubles? Imagine diving into a rich, moist chocolate cake, only to discover a creamy peanut butter frosting that dances on your taste buds. This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of two beloved flavors coming together in perfect harmony.

What makes this recipe special is how effortlessly easy it is to whip up — no fancy techniques or extensive cleanup here! Just pure bliss from mixing to munching. Let’s dive in!

Why Make This Recipe

You’re probably wondering, “Why should I bake this cake?” Well, buckle up for some sweet reasons!

1. Easy Cleanup: Who has time for a pile of dirty dishes? This one’s a breeze!
2. Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will be begging for seconds — and you won’t mind because it’s simple to make.
3. Affordable Ingredients: No need to break the bank on fancy stuff; this cake is all about being deliciously budget-friendly!

Seriously, if dessert had a cheerleader, this cake would be it! 🍰

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 and 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 3-4 tablespoons milk (for frosting)

Directions

Ready to bring your baking game to life? Follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
4. Carefully stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin, and that’s okay!).
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them and cool completely on wire racks.
7. For the frosting, beat together the peanut butter and softened butter until creamy.
8. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing well.
9. Add milk as needed to reach the desired consistency, along with the vanilla extract.
10. Frost the cooled cake layers with the peanut butter frosting and serve!

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake (Overview)

Let’s break down this baking adventure.

1. Start by mixing all your dry ingredients in a bowl — think of it as a party for the flour and cocoa, just waiting to meet the wet ingredients!
2. Introduce your eggs, milk, and oil to the mix, and give it a good stir. Then add that boiling water; things are about to get exciting!
3. Once your cakes are baked and cooled, whip up the creamy peanut butter frosting, because who can resist that luscious taste?
4. Layer, frost, and voilà— your masterpiece is ready to impress!

Pro Tip: Keep that cake on a wire rack while cooling; it’ll help avoid a soggy bottom! 😉

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

When it comes to serving, get creative!

• Layer it up: Add more frosting between the layers for an extra indulgent bite.
• Top it with crushed peanuts: Add a delightful crunch and beautiful color.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a temperature contrast that’s out of this world.

Just imagine sinking your fork into that decadent slice, the creamy frosting melting in your mouth, while the chocolate cake crumbles satisfyingly! Pure bliss! 😍

How to Store Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

Keep this beautiful creation fresh and tasty!

• In the fridge: It’ll last about 3-4 days if covered tightly.
• In the freezer: Pop it in an airtight container, and it can keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tip: Just pop a slice in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly baked feel!

Tips to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

Here are a few handy tips to help your cake shine:

1. Use room temperature ingredients: They’ll blend better and create a fluffier cake.
2. Don’t under-bake: To avoid a gooey center, use that toothpick test diligently!
3. Flavor variety: Swap out vanilla for almond extract in the frosting for a unique twist.
4. Use natural peanut butter: It gives the frosting a more authentic nutty flavor.

Your cake will thank you! 🎉

Variation

Want to switch things up? Here are some quick variations:

• Add coffee: A splash of brewed coffee in the batter intensifies that chocolate flavor.
• Make it vegan: Swap eggs for flaxseed meal and use a dairy-free milk substitute.
• Swirl it up: Marbling in some cream cheese frosting can create beautiful layers and a tangy contrast.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Bake the cakes a day in advance, and frost them just before serving for the freshest taste.

Q: Can I freeze the cake?
A: Yes! Slice it and freeze individual pieces for easy snacking later.

Q: How do I make the frosting thicker?
A: Simply add a bit more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

You’re just a few steps away from chocolate-peanut-butter heaven! Happy baking! 🍫🥜

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

This decadent chocolate cake features a creamy peanut butter frosting, making it a perfect dessert for all occasions with easy preparation and cleanup.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Cake

• 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 and 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs Use room temperature for better results.
• 1 cup whole milk Use room temperature for better results.
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water Carefully stir in; batter will be thin.

For the Frosting

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter Natural peanut butter is recommended.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter Softened.
• 4 cups powdered sugar Add more if you need a thicker frosting.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For frosting.
• 3-4 tablespoons milk Add to reach desired frosting consistency.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
• Carefully stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin, and that’s okay!).
• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them and cool completely on wire racks.

Frosting

• Beat together the peanut butter and softened butter until creamy.
• Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing well.
• Add milk as needed to reach the desired consistency, along with the vanilla extract.

Assembly

• Frost the cooled cake layers with the peanut butter frosting and serve!

Notes

For best results, use room temperature ingredients. Store in the fridge for 3-4 days. Can freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in the microwave for freshness.

Keyword Budget-Friendly Dessert, Chocolate Cake, Decadent Dessert, easy cake recipe, peanut butter cake