Description
A rich and flavorful cake combining moist chocolate layers with creamy peanut butter filling and luscious chocolate ganache, perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk (as needed for creaminess)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Chopped peanut butter cups (for garnish)
- Crushed peanuts (for garnish)
- Chocolate shavings or curls (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until smooth. Gradually pour in boiling water while mixing; the batter will be thin. Divide the batter between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
- In another bowl, beat creamy peanut butter and softened butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well. Add vanilla extract and milk as needed to achieve a smooth consistency. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Heat heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl for about 30 seconds. Pour over chocolate chips and let sit for 2-3 minutes. Whisk until smooth and glossy, then cool for 10-15 minutes before pouring over the cake.
- Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of peanut butter filling on top. Place the second cake layer on top and spread a thin layer of peanut butter filling around the sides and top of the cake. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to set.
- Pour cooled ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides. Smooth the top with a spatula if needed. Decorate with chopped peanut butter cups, crushed peanuts, and chocolate shavings. Chill for at least 30-60 minutes to let everything set. Slice and serve.
Notes
For a stronger peanut butter flavor, feel free to add more peanut butter to the filling. The cake is best served chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: cake, chocolate, peanut butter, dessert, indulgent