why make this recipe
Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the rich flavors of chocolate and creamy peanut butter. Whether it’s for a birthday, special occasion, or simply a treat for yourself, this cake is sure to impress. Its soft texture and sweet frosting make each bite a delicious experience that is hard to resist.
how to make Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups (for decoration)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients, and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the boiling water until the batter is well combined. It will be thin.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, and powdered sugar.
- Add milk as needed to reach a creamy consistency.
- Once the cakes are cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of peanut butter frosting on top, then place the second layer on top.
- Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining peanut butter frosting.
- Decorate with chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups on top.
- Slice and enjoy your rich Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake!
how to serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake
Serve the cake at room temperature for the best flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can slice it into generous pieces and enjoy it with family and friends.
how to store Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake
To store the cake, cover it well with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual slices.
tips to make Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start baking. It helps create a smooth batter.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter. Once the dry and wet ingredients are combined, mix just until you see no dry flour.
- If you like a stronger peanut butter flavor, you can add more peanut butter to the frosting.
variation
You can change the flavor of the cake by swapping chocolate cake with vanilla or even a red velvet cake. Additionally, you can use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture.
FAQs
What can I use if I don’t have unsweetened cocoa powder?
You can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder as a substitute, just keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day or two in advance. Just make sure to wrap them tightly before storing them in the fridge.
Is there a way to make this cake healthier?
You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour and reduce the sugar slightly. You might also replace some of the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients, and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the boiling water until the batter is well combined. It will be thin.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, and powdered sugar.
- Add milk as needed to reach a creamy consistency.
- Once the cakes are cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of peanut butter frosting on top, then place the second layer on top.
- Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining peanut butter frosting.
- Decorate with chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups on top.
- Slice and enjoy your rich Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake!