Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake (Printable Version)
Moist chocolate layers with creamy peanut butter frosting and chocolate ganache finish for a rich treat.
# Ingredients Required:
→ Cake
01 -
240 g all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
02 -
400 g granulated sugar
03 -
75 g dark cocoa powder
04 -
5 g baking soda
05 -
5 g baking powder
06 -
2.5 g salt
07 -
2 large eggs, room temperature
08 -
240 ml milk (or buttermilk for richer texture)
09 -
120 ml vegetable oil
10 -
10 ml vanilla extract
11 -
240 ml boiling water
12 -
5 g espresso powder (optional)
→ Frosting
13 -
227 g unsalted butter, room temperature
14 -
250 g creamy peanut butter
15 -
360 g powdered sugar
16 -
60 ml heavy cream
→ Ganache and Decoration
17 -
170 g semisweet chocolate chips
18 -
6 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped and whole for decoration
# Guide to Cooking:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 175°C and grease three 18 cm round cake pans with cooking spray and parchment paper.
02 -
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until fully blended.
03 -
Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Gradually incorporate boiling water and espresso powder until the batter is smooth.
04 -
Distribute the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 15 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
05 -
Using a stand mixer, whip the unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in peanut butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, a pinch of salt, and heavy cream, mixing until fluffy and spreadable.
06 -
Heat heavy cream until it begins to bubble. Pour over semisweet chocolate chips in a bowl and stir until fully melted and smooth.
07 -
Level the cooled cake layers if necessary. Spread a layer of peanut butter frosting between each layer, sprinkling chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups over the frosting.
08 -
Spread a thin crumb coat of frosting over the entire cake and refrigerate for 20 minutes to set.
09 -
Apply a thicker layer of peanut butter frosting evenly over the cake.
10 -
Drizzle the ganache around the cake edges creating a drip effect and over the top. Pipe frosting swirls and adorn with whole Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
For best results use room temperature eggs and butter to ensure a smooth batter and frosting.