Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe

Imagine a rich, decadent chocolate cake layered with creamy peanut butter frosting, all wrapped in a velvety chocolate ganache. This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is a delightful fusion of flavors that will transport you to a world of pure bliss. The deep, dark chocolate and the nutty, creamy peanut butter create a perfect harmony that is both indulgent and satisfying. This cake is a staple in many American bakeries, particularly during special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries, where its rich flavors and elegant presentation make it a standout dessert.

Ingredients:

• For the Chocolate Cake:

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 3/4 cups + 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 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 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• Optional Toppings:
  • Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round baking pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients:

   • In a large mixing bowl, sift together the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Add Wet Ingredients:

• In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Add the boiling water (or hot coffee) and whisk until well combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

   • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth.

5. Pour Batter into Pans:

   • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.

6. Bake Cakes:

• Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

7. Prepare Peanut Butter Frosting:

   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the peanut butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, beating well after each addition. Add heavy cream or milk as needed to achieve the desired consistency. Beat in vanilla extract.

8. Assemble Cake:

   • Once the cakes are completely cool, use a sharp serrated knife to cut each cake horizontally in half. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of peanut butter frosting on top. Repeat with the remaining cake layers, adding a layer of peanut butter frosting between each layer of cake.

9. Prepare Chocolate Ganache:

• In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips with heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth.

10. Frost and Decorate Cake:

    • Pour the melted chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drizzle down the sides. If desired, top with mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

11. Chill and Serve:

    • Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Slice and serve.

Top Tips:

1. Use High-Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate for both the cake and ganache.
2. Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix wet and dry ingredients just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can result in a dense cake.
3. Chill Frosting: Chilling the peanut butter frosting before assembling the cake helps it set properly and prevents it from melting.
4. Freeze Cake Layers: Freezing the cake layers before assembling makes it easier to handle and ensures even layers.
5. Adjust Frosting Consistency: Add more cream or powdered sugar to achieve the desired consistency for the peanut butter frosting.
6. Decorate with Freshness: Top with fresh chopped peanuts or additional mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for added texture and flavor.

Variations:

1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes: Divide the batter evenly among cupcake liners and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 20-22 minutes.
2. Nutella Swirl: Add a swirl of Nutella to the peanut butter frosting for an extra layer of flavor.
3. Peanut Butter Cup Topping: Top the cake with additional mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for an extra peanut butter kick.
4. Ganache Drip: Use different types of chocolate chips or add a pinch of salt to the ganache for unique flavor variations.
5. Brown Butter Frosting: Replace regular butter with browned butter in the peanut butter frosting for a nutty flavor.
6. Coffee-Infused Cake: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee powder to the batter for a mocha twist.

Nutritional Guide:

Additional Nutritional Notes:
This recipe is rich in both calories and fat due to the high content of chocolate and peanut butter. However, it is also a good source of protein and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying dessert option. To make it slightly healthier, consider using less sugar in the frosting or adding some chopped nuts for extra fiber and crunch. Always consume in moderation as part of a balanced diet.