Description
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is a rich, moist layer cake made with deep chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter frosting, and classic dessert flavors that make every bite unforgettable. This chocolate peanut butter cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, and anytime you want an easy homemade cake with soft layers, fluffy frosting, and a delicious chocolate and peanut butter combination.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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 hot coffee or hot water
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups creamy peanut butter
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream or milk, plus more if needed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for topping, optional
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth.
4. Slowly stir in the hot coffee or hot water. The batter will be thin.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
6. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. To make the frosting, beat the butter until creamy. Add the peanut butter and mix until smooth.
9. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, then add the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Mix until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
10. Place one cake layer on a plate and spread peanut butter frosting over the top.
11. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.
12. Finish with chocolate chips or chopped peanuts if desired, then slice and serve.
Notes
Use creamy no-stir peanut butter for the smoothest frosting and the most reliable texture.
Make sure the cake layers are fully cool before frosting so the peanut butter frosting stays fluffy and does not melt.
For cleaner slices, chill the finished cake for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 49g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 78g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 78mg