Irresistible Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe

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Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake is like a warm hug on a plate. Imagine rich, velvety chocolate harmonizing with creamy peanut butter, creating a dessert that feels indulgent yet comforting. The moment you slice into this cake, its layers reveal a luscious filling that practically sings to your taste buds.

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This delightful creation isn’t just about flavor; it’s an experience steeped in memories and laughter. Picture family gatherings where everyone fights over the last slice or spontaneous baking sessions when you need to impress someone (or simply treat yourself). Each bite bursts with joy, making it the perfect centerpiece for birthdays, holidays, or any day that ends with “Y.”

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake is easy to prepare, making you look like a baking pro without the fuss
  • Its rich flavor profile balances chocolatey sweetness with nutty notes, ensuring every bite is heavenly
  • The visual appeal of the layered cake will grab attention and leave people drooling
  • Versatile enough for any occasion, it can be served as a birthday cake or simply as an afternoon snack

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure, use unbleached flour for a more natural flavor and texture.

  • Cocoa Powder: Choose high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder to enhance the chocolate flavor of your cake.

  • Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and moisture; consider using brown sugar for extra depth.

  • Baking Powder: A must for leavening; ensure it’s fresh for optimal rise in your cake.

  • Salt: A pinch helps balance the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

  • Milk: Whole milk works best, giving moisture and richness to your batter.

  • Vegetable Oil: Use oil instead of butter for added moisture without compromising texture.

  • Eggs: Bind everything together; choose room temperature eggs for better emulsification.

  • Peanut Butter: Go for creamy peanut butter to achieve that smooth layer of deliciousness between cakes.

For the Frosting:

  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and thickness; sift before using to avoid clumps in your frosting.

  • Butter: Unsalted butter creates a rich base; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.

  • Cream: Heavy cream helps create a silky-smooth texture in your frosting.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake

Preparing the Cake Layers: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two round cake pans. In a bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until well blended.

Mixing Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together milk, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add dry ingredients into wet ones while stirring gently until just combined.

Baking the Cakes: Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Let them cool completely on wire racks.

Making the Peanut Butter Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together peanut butter and softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while alternating with cream until fluffy and smooth.

Assembling the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the peanut butter filling evenly on top. Add the second layer of cake on top.

Frosting the Cake: Use any remaining peanut butter filling as frosting around the sides and top of the cake. For an extra touch, drizzle melted chocolate over it before serving.

Enjoying Your Creation: Slice into your masterpiece and watch as each piece reveals its glorious layers! Serve with coffee or milk for an unforgettable treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

You Must Know

  • This Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration!
  • With rich layers of chocolate cake and creamy peanut butter frosting, it brings joy to any occasion
  • Impress your friends or family with this show-stopping treat that tastes as good as it looks

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by baking the chocolate cake layers first. While they cool, prepare the luscious peanut butter frosting. Once cooled, assemble the layers, spreading frosting generously between each one for a decadent finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to switch up the chocolate in this Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake. Use dark chocolate instead of milk or add crushed peanuts for extra crunch. You can even experiment with different flavored frostings like vanilla!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you want to enjoy it warm, microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to bring it back to life without melting away all that frosting.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For the best results, let your eggs and butter sit out until they reach room temperature before mixing
  • This ensures a smoother batter and fluffier cake
  • Always sift your dry ingredients—it’s a game-changer for texture
  • Lastly, don’t rush cooling; patience makes perfect layers!

Sometimes I whip up this Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake for friends’ birthdays, and they always react like kids at a candy store! Their smiles are worth every minute spent in the kitchen.

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake?

To make a delicious Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake, you will need all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for the dry ingredients. For the wet ingredients, gather sugar, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and peanut butter. Don’t forget to have chocolate frosting on hand for that rich finish. This combination of ingredients will ensure your cake is moist and flavorful.

How long does it take to bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake?

Baking the Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake typically takes around 30 to 35 minutes at 350°F (175°C). After placing the batter in pre-greased round cake pans, keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached. Let the layers cool before frosting.

Can I customize my Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake?

Absolutely! You can customize your Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake in many ways. Consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for added crunch. You can also switch up the frosting by using cream cheese frosting or even a ganache for a richer flavor. Adding layers of caramel or drizzle on top provides extra sweetness and depth to your cake.

How should I store leftover Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake?

To store leftover Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake properly, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. Alternatively, place slices in an airtight container. The cake can last up to five days at room temperature or about a week in the refrigerator. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing individual slices wrapped well in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag.

Conclusion for Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake:

In summary, the Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake is not only indulgent but also easy to prepare with simple ingredients. By baking this delightful dessert at home, you can enjoy its rich flavors while customizing it to your taste. Remember to keep an eye on baking times and storage tips for lasting freshness. This cake is perfect for celebrations or just a sweet treat at any time!

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Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake


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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

Description

Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake is an indulgent dessert that combines rich chocolate layers with creamy peanut butter frosting. Perfect for any celebration or just a sweet treat, this cake offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that chocolate and peanut butter lovers will adore. Each slice reveals luscious layers, making it a showstopper at any gathering.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • ¼ cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two round cake pans.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, mix milk, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ones until just combined.
  4. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely on wire racks.
  5. For the filling, beat peanut butter and softened butter until creamy; gradually add powdered sugar and cream until fluffy.
  6. Assemble by spreading half of the filling on one cake layer, adding the second layer on top, then frosting the top and sides with remaining filling.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (130g)
  • Calories: 470
  • Sugar: 38g
  • Sodium: 360mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 56g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

 

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