If you’re a fan of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, then Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake is the perfect dessert for you. This cake combines the delightful flavors of chocolate cake with a luscious peanut butter frosting, making it a favorite for celebrations or any occasion. If you enjoyed our other recipes, like the chocolate chip peanut butter cheesecake cake, you’ll love this one too.
Why Make This Recipe
This cake stands out because it brings together two popular flavors: chocolate and peanut butter. The layers of soft chocolate cake complemented by smooth peanut butter frosting create a truly indulgent treat. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a family gathering, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this cake will impress everyone. Plus, it’s quite simple to make, even for those who are new to baking! You may also find Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar Cake useful.
How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp heavy cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- Mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, for decoration
- Chocolate shavings, for garnish
- Extra peanut butter cups, chopped, for topping
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, then slowly stir in the hot coffee for an ultra-rich chocolate cake batter. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs. Let the chocolate cake layers cool completely before frosting.
For the peanut butter frosting, beat the butter and peanut butter until creamy and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt until smooth and thick. Stack and frost the cake generously with the peanut butter frosting, smoothing the sides with an offset spatula.
For the chocolate buttercream, beat butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and cream until fluffy. Pipe thick bakery-style chocolate rosettes around the cake. Top the cake with chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups and chocolate shavings for the ultimate candy-loaded finish. Chill the cake for 20 minutes before slicing for clean bakery-style layers.
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How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake
You can serve this cake on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added sweetness. It makes a great centerpiece for any dessert table. For extra flair, drizzle some chocolate sauce on top before serving.
How to Store Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer bag.
Tips to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor.
- Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- If you want to add a crunch, consider mixing in some chopped nuts in the chocolate cake batter.
- Experiment with the frosting by adding some crushed Reese’s pieces for added texture.
Variation
You can turn this recipe into cupcakes by using the same batter and baking them in cupcake liners. Baking time will be around 15-20 minutes.
FAQs
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1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the chocolate cake layers a day ahead and store them wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator.
2. Can I substitute the peanut butter?
If you have nut allergies, you can use sunbutter or any other nut-free spread instead of peanut butter.
3. How can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking.
Conclusion
Making a Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake can elevate any occasion into something special. You could try similar recipes, like a Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake or a Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake for more delicious options. For a twist, check out Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Poke Cake or indulge in an Insane Reese’s Cake. Enjoy baking and indulging in these sweet treats!
Reese's Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1.5 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee
For the Peanut Butter Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1.5 cups creamy peanut butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp heavy cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Chocolate Buttercream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
For Decoration
- Mini Reese’s peanut butter cups
- Chocolate shavings
- Extra peanut butter cups, chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Slowly stir in the hot coffee for an ultra-rich chocolate cake batter.
- Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let the chocolate cake layers cool completely before frosting.
Frosting
- For the peanut butter frosting, beat the butter and peanut butter until creamy and fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt until smooth and thick.
- Stack and frost the cake generously with the peanut butter frosting, smoothing the sides with an offset spatula.
Chocolate Buttercream
- For the chocolate buttercream, beat butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and cream until fluffy.
- Pipe thick bakery-style chocolate rosettes around the cake.
Decoration
- Top the cake with chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups and chocolate shavings for the ultimate candy-loaded finish.
- Chill the cake for 20 minutes before slicing for clean bakery-style layers.
