Indulge your sweet tooth with a slice of pure decadence! This Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake is a heavenly combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter that will leave your taste buds begging for more. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just because you deserve a treat, this cake is not only a visual delight but also a crowd-pleaser that promises to impress. With its moist layers and luscious frosting, each bite is a blissful experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to elevate your baking game? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, 1 ½ tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until well blended.
- In a separate bowl, beat together 2 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk, ½ cup vegetable oil, and 2 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Slowly stir in 1 cup of boiling water to the batter. The batter will be thin, which is normal.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, remove the cakes from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the peanut butter frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of peanut butter, ½ cup softened butter, and 2 cups powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add 1 tsp vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of peanut butter frosting on top of the first cake layer.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the frosted layer. Use the remaining peanut butter frosting to frost the top and sides of the cake.
- For the chocolate ganache, melt 2 cups of chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted.
- Once melted, allow the chocolate ganache to cool slightly, then pour it over the top of the frosted cake, letting it drip down the sides for a beautiful finish.
- Let the cake set for about 15-20 minutes to allow the ganache to firm up slightly before slicing.
- Slice the cake into 12 servings and enjoy this delicious Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake!
Tips
- Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so be sure to measure your ingredients carefully for the best results. Use a kitchen scale if possible for precision.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smoother batter, make sure your eggs, milk, and butter are at room temperature before mixing.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a clean, beautiful finish.
- Chocolate Ganache: For a glossy ganache, stir it gently after melting to avoid air bubbles. Let it cool slightly before pouring over the cake for a perfect drip effect.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. This cake stays delicious even after a few days!
- Personal Touch: Feel free to add chopped peanuts or chocolate shavings on top of the ganache for extra texture and flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg
