If you are a fan of the magnificent pairing between rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, this Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe is destined to become your new obsession. Imagine tender, moist chocolate layers hugged lovingly by a silky peanut butter frosting that is decadently sweet yet perfectly balanced. This cake brings together the best of both worlds in every bite, crowned with chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups for an irresistible finishing touch that will delight every chocolate and peanut butter lover at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step in creating this marvelous Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe. Each element plays a crucial role—from the fluffy texture of the cake to the creamy, luscious frosting and those crunchy, nutty toppings that make the cake truly unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour (1¾ cups): Provides the structure and tenderness that every great cake relies on.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the batter while contributing to moisture and crumb development.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (¾ cup): Infuses rich, deep chocolate flavor with natural bitterness to balance the sweetness.
- Baking soda (2¼ teaspoons): Helps the cake rise, keeping it soft and airy.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Works alongside baking soda for perfect lift and texture.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all flavors and balances the sweetness for a well-rounded taste.
- Milk (1 cup): Adds moisture and richness, ensuring the cake stays tender.
- Vegetable oil (½ cup): Keeps the cake exceptionally moist and soft.
- Vanilla extract (1½ teaspoons): Boosts overall flavor with its warm, fragrant notes.
- Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients together and provide structure.
- Hot water (1 cup): Intensifies the cocoa flavor and helps create a smooth batter.
- Unsalted butter for frosting (2 cups): Creates a creamy base that’s rich without being overly sweet.
- Peanut butter for frosting (1¼ cups): The star flavor that makes this frosting irresistibly smooth and nutty.
- Powdered sugar (9 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.
- Chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups for topping: Adds a delightful crunch and extra peanut butter chocolate goodness.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing two 9-inch round baking pans. This step ensures your cakes will come out cleanly without sticking, setting you up for perfectly shaped layers that are easy to frost later.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Combining these ingredients early guarantees even distribution of leavening agents and flavor, which is key for a consistent, tender cake crumb throughout.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, blend the milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs. Then add this liquid mixture to the dry ingredients along with the hot water. Stir gently until everything is just combined—be careful not to overmix to keep the cakey texture light and fluffy.
Step 4: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for approximately 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Proper cooling is crucial for the next frosting steps to work smoothly.
Step 5: Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting
Beat the room-temperature unsalted butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well each time, until the frosting reaches your desired thickness. If it’s too stiff, a splash of water or milk can help soften it to the perfect spreading consistency. This luscious frosting is what truly makes this Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe so special.
Step 6: Assemble and Frost
Place one cake layer on your serving plate and generously frost the top. Carefully place the second layer on top and cover the entire cake—top and sides—with the peanut butter frosting. The thick, creamy coating ensures each bite is bursting with flavor and melts in your mouth.
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches
Melt a handful of chocolate chips with a bit of heavy cream and drizzle this glossy chocolate ganache over the frosted cake. Finish by sprinkling chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups on top to add that irresistible crunch and elevate this cake to a new level of indulgence.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the chopped Reese’s on top, consider adding a few whole peanut butter cups or a dusting of cocoa powder to enhance the cake’s presentation. These small touches bring extra visual appeal and deepen flavor complexity as you serve.
Side Dishes
Serve this cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add a cool, creamy contrast. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries also complement the rich peanut butter and chocolate flavors beautifully, providing a refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into smaller, individual slices layered in clear dessert cups for a stylish, portable treat. Alternatively, topping each slice with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can customize the experience and delight your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, cover the Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated to maintain freshness and prevent the frosting from softening too much. This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Freezing
If you want to make this cake ahead or save leftovers for later, freeze individual slices or the whole cake after wrapping it well in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is generally not recommended. If the frosting feels too firm after refrigeration, simply let the slice sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving to soften.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for the frosting?
Natural peanut butter tends to be thinner and less sweet, which can affect the consistency and taste of the frosting. If you choose to use it, consider adding a bit more powdered sugar to maintain thickness and balance the flavor.
Is it necessary to use hot water in the cake batter?
Hot water helps to bloom the cocoa powder, intensifying the chocolate flavor and creating a smoother batter. Skipping this step can result in a less rich chocolate taste.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter in the cake?
While butter adds wonderful flavor, it will also change the texture, potentially making the cake denser. Vegetable oil keeps the cake moist and tender, so it’s recommended for this recipe.
How long will the cake stay fresh?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, this cake will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days. Make sure it’s covered well to avoid drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum, and check that your other ingredients are gluten-free. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavors remain delightfully rich.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe is a luscious celebration of two beloved flavors combined in perfect harmony. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or treating yourself on a cozy weekend, the tender chocolate layers and creamy peanut butter frosting guaranteed will win over every heart—and taste bud. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a cherished favorite in your dessert lineup.
Print
Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake combines rich cocoa flavors with creamy peanut butter frosting for an indulgent dessert perfect for any celebration. Moist chocolate cake layers are baked to perfection, layered with smooth peanut butter buttercream, and topped with a luscious chocolate drizzle and chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups for an extra decadent touch.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2¼ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup hot water
Frosting
- 2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1¼ cups peanut butter
- 9 cups powdered sugar
- Water or milk, to adjust consistency as needed
Topping
- Chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups
- Chocolate chips (quantity estimated around ½ cup for drizzle)
- Heavy cream (about 2 tablespoons for chocolate drizzle)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch baking pans thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt for even distribution.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs until well blended. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients along with the hot water, stirring gently until just combined to maintain cake moisture and lightness.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for approximately 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat room-temperature unsalted butter and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Adjust the consistency by adding a little water or milk if the frosting is too stiff for spreading.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake layers have completely cooled, spread frosting over the top of one layer. Carefully place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake evenly.
- Make the Chocolate Drizzle and Decorate: Gently melt chocolate chips with heavy cream in a microwave or double boiler until smooth. Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the frosted cake and immediately decorate with halved chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups for a visually appealing and delicious finish.
Notes
- Ensure cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use room temperature butter for a smoother frosting texture.
- Adjust powdered sugar quantity if needed to achieve desired frosting thickness.
- For a thicker chocolate drizzle, use less heavy cream; for thinner drizzle, add a bit more cream.
- Store cake covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness, especially because of the peanut butter frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
