Irresistible Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe

Rich, velvety chocolate peanut butter cake beckons dessert enthusiasts with its irresistible combination of flavors.

chocolate lovers will melt at the first creamy bite.

Intense cocoa swirls deliciously through layers of smooth peanut butter frosting.

Nutty undertones complement the deep, dark chocolate perfectly.

Soft, moist cake promises pure indulgence with every forkful.

Delicate crumbs promise a sensational experience that satisfies even the most discerning sweet tooth.

You won’t be able to resist this ultimate dessert destination.

Creative Takes on Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free milk, coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and create dairy-free frosting using vegan butter and plant-based cream.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, use sugar-free chocolate cocoa powder, and create a lighter frosting using Greek yogurt and reduced powdered sugar.
• Keto-Friendly Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: Use almond flour instead of wheat flour, replace sugar with erythritol, incorporate sugar-free chocolate, and make a cream cheese-based frosting with minimal carbohydrates.

FAQs

• Why is boiling water added to the cake batter?

Boiling water helps activate the cocoa powder, creating a deeper chocolate flavor and making the cake batter more moist and tender.

• Can I use natural peanut butter for the frosting?

It’s best to use creamy, processed peanut butter as natural peanut butter can separate and make the frosting grainy or runny.

• How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done baking.

• What makes this chocolate cake so moist?

The combination of vegetable oil, eggs, and boiling water creates an incredibly soft and tender chocolate cake texture.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake With Intense Layers

• Crafted with simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools, this recipe welcomes bakers of all skill levels to create a showstopping dessert without complicated techniques.
• The rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter blend creates an irresistible taste that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.
• Whether it's a birthday, holiday, or just a sweet weekend treat, this decadent cake transforms ordinary moments into memorable celebrations with its luxurious texture and indulgent flavor profile.
• With straightforward mixing steps and a forgiving batter, this recipe ensures even novice bakers can confidently whip up a delicious dessert that looks and tastes professionally made.

Rich Foundations of Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A key dry ingredient that provides structure for the chocolate cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor to the cake base.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Baking Soda: Works with acidic ingredients to create additional lift in the cake.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture to the cake.
• Milk: Provides liquid and helps create a smooth batter.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and tender.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the chocolate flavor.
• Boiling Water: Helps create a thin, smooth batter and intensifies the chocolate taste.

• Peanut Butter, Butter: Softened dairy ingredients that form the creamy base of the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth and fluffy frosting texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle flavor enhancement to the peanut butter frosting.

Step-by-Step Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Process

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Grab two 9-inch round cake pans and generously coat them with cooking spray or butter.

Dust the pans with flour to prevent sticking.

Set your oven to 350F (175C) and let it warm up while you prep the ingredients.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Cake Base

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Large eggs
• Whole milk
• Vegetable oil
• Pure vanilla extract

Beat the mixture using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth.

Carefully pour in boiling water and mix gently – the batter will look thin, but that’s exactly right.

Step 4: Bake Chocolate Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

Slide the pans into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Let the cakes rest in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire cooling racks.

Step 5: Whip Up Peanut Butter Frosting

• Creamy peanut butter
• Softened unsalted butter

Beat until light and fluffy.

Gradually incorporate powdered sugar.

Pour in heavy cream and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting becomes silky smooth.

Step 6: Construct Decadent Cake

Once the cake layers have completely cooled, place the first layer on your serving plate.

Spread a thick, generous layer of peanut butter frosting across the top.

Carefully position the second cake layer.

Cover the entire cake with remaining frosting, creating swirls and peaks for a gorgeous finish.

Kitchen Tips for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Success

• Let butter sit at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free frosting.
• Line cake pans with parchment paper circles after greasing and flouring for easy cake removal and perfect shape.
• Stir boiling water gently to create a thin batter that results in an ultra-moist, tender chocolate cake texture.
• Use an offset spatula or bench scraper to create smooth, even frosting layers and clean cake edges.
• Reduce powdered sugar slightly if using sweetened peanut butter to avoid an overly sugary frosting.

Holding Onto Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Goodness

• Store covered cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
• Wrap completely cooled cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving at room temperature.
• Cut cake into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in freezer-safe container for convenient single-serving access up to 2 months.
• Let refrigerated cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. For frozen cake, thaw in refrigerator overnight, then let sit at room temperature for 1 hour to soften frosting and restore texture.

What Works Well with Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

• Pair Indulgent Chocolate Port: Rich, fortified port wine complements the deep chocolate notes, offering a smooth, velvety counterpoint to the cake's intense flavors.
• Serve with Espresso Martini: Create a sophisticated cocktail that matches the cake's decadence, blending coffee's bitterness with the dessert's sweet richness.
• Enhance with Salted Caramel Liqueur: This smooth, sweet-salty liqueur perfectly balances the chocolate and peanut butter, creating a luxurious tasting experience.
• Match with Cold Milk Stout: A creamy, chocolate-forward beer provides a robust companion that echoes the cake's deep chocolate undertones and nutty peanut butter notes.

Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Chocolate peanut butter cake delivers a heavenly fusion of rich cocoa and creamy nutty goodness. Sweet indulgence meets irresistible comfort, drawing you into a world of pure dessert bliss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Dry Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

Frosting and Filling Ingredients:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and lightly dusting with flour to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the dry ingredients using a whisk, ensuring an even distribution of flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Incorporate wet ingredients into the dry mixture, using an electric mixer to blend on medium speed for approximately 2 minutes until smooth and well integrated.
4. Gently fold in boiling water, which will create a surprisingly thin cake batter with a liquid-like consistency.
5. Evenly distribute the batter between the prepared cake pans, making sure to spread it smoothly to ensure uniform baking.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
7. Remove cakes from the oven and let them rest in the pans for 10 minutes to stabilize their structure.
8. Transfer cake layers to wire cooling racks, allowing them to reach complete room temperature before frosting.
9. Prepare the peanut butter frosting by creaming together peanut butter and softened butter until smooth and well-blended.
10. Gradually introduce powdered sugar to the butter mixture, then incorporate heavy cream and vanilla extract until the frosting reaches a light, fluffy consistency.
11. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and apply a generous, even layer of peanut butter frosting.
12. Carefully position the second cake layer on top and completely cover the cake’s top and sides with the remaining frosting.

Notes

• Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick at an angle, ensuring it comes out with just a few moist crumbs for the perfect texture.
• Use room temperature ingredients to create a smoother, more evenly mixed batter that results in a lighter, fluffier cake.
• Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version, maintaining the cake’s rich moisture and decadent flavor.
• Reduce sugar content by using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie alternative without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg