Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
A rich and moist chocolate cake layered with creamy peanut butter frosting and topped with a glossy chocolate ganache drizzle, creating a delicious and indulgent dessert.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour For the chocolate cake layers.
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1.5 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk Provides moisture.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs Room temperature.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water Helps keep the cake moist.
For the Peanut Butter Frosting
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
For the Chocolate Ganache Drizzle
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
Prepare the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth and well combined.
- Slowly stir in the boiling water.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes.
- Transfer them to a wire rack and let them cool completely before frosting.
Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and creamy peanut butter together until smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue beating until well combined.
- Pour in the heavy cream and beat again until the frosting becomes smooth, creamy, and spreadable.
Make the Chocolate Ganache Drizzle
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it is hot but not boiling.
- Pour it over the dark chocolate chips in a bowl. Let it sit for about one minute, then stir until the mixture becomes smooth.
- Allow the ganache to cool slightly before drizzling it over the cake.
Assemble the Cake
- Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
- Spread a generous layer of the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining peanut butter frosting.
- Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake.
Notes
Make sure your cakes are completely cool before frosting. Use room temperature butter and peanut butter for the smoothest frosting. Don’t overmix the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined. For clean slices, use a warm knife and wipe it between cuts.