The Elegant Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering dark chocolate peanut butter cake promises pure indulgence for serious dessert enthusiasts.

Sweet memories flood back with each decadent slice.

Chocolate and peanut butter create a legendary combination that never disappoints.

Layers of rich, velvety goodness await you in this irresistible treat.

Baking becomes an art form when these incredible flavors meld together.

Home kitchens will transform into gourmet bakeries with this simple yet spectacular recipe.

You can easily master this delightful dessert and impress everyone around the table.

Prepare to experience a slice of pure culinary bliss that will leave you craving more.

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Balances Richness With Sweet Cream

Savor Simplicity: Quick Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Delight

• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combo: Rich dark chocolate perfectly complements creamy peanut butter, creating an irresistible dessert that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Impressive Presentation: Drizzled chocolate ganache and smooth frosting transform this cake into a stunning centerpiece for birthdays, gatherings, or special weekend treats.
• Versatile Dessert Option: Adaptable for casual family dinners or elegant celebrations, this cake requires just one hour of total preparation and baking time.

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Build

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for the cake's texture.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Rich chocolate flavor that makes the cake dark and intense.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents for cake's rise and softness.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create moist cake texture.
• Large Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide richness and structure.
• Whole Milk: Adds moisture and contributes to cake's tender crumb.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures cake remains moist and soft.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complements chocolate flavor.

• Boiling Water, Hot Coffee: Helps activate cocoa powder and creates ultra-moist cake.

Notes: Hot coffee deepens chocolate flavor if preferred; water works perfectly fine.

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up the oven to 350°F.

Coat two 9-inch round cake pans with grease and flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Cake Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Granulated sugar

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Milk
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the batter becomes completely smooth.

Step 4: Add Liquid Magic

Gradually stir in boiling water, mixing until the batter turns silky.

The consistency will be thin – this is perfect.

Step 5: Bake Cake Layers

Distribute batter evenly between prepared pans.

Slide into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool Cake Layers

Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes.

Transfer to wire racks and let cool completely.

Step 7: Whip Peanut Butter Frosting

• Peanut butter
• Softened butter

Blend until perfectly smooth.

Step 8: Create Creamy Frosting

• Powdered sugar
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract

Beat until light and fluffy.

Step 9: Assemble First Cake Layer

Place one cake layer on serving plate.

Spread a generous layer of peanut butter frosting on top.

Step 10: Complete Cake Assembly

Position second cake layer.

Frost entire cake with remaining peanut butter frosting.

Step 11: Prepare Chocolate Ganache

Warm heavy cream in a small saucepan until it barely starts to simmer.

Step 12: Create Glossy Ganache

Pour hot cream over dark chocolate chips.

Let sit for 1-2 minutes.

Stir until smooth and shiny.

Step 13: Drizzle Chocolate Topping

Elegantly drizzle ganache over the cake, allowing delicious drips to cascade down the sides.

Expert Secrets For Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

• Select premium dark cocoa powder for a rich, intense chocolate flavor that elevates the entire cake's taste profile.
• Line cake pans with parchment paper after greasing and flouring to ensure easy cake removal without breaking.
• Add boiling water or hot coffee gradually to maintain a thin, smooth batter that results in an ultra-moist chocolate cake texture.
• Adjust powdered sugar amount based on your peanut butter's sweetness to create a perfectly balanced, creamy frosting.
• Let chocolate and cream sit for exactly 1-2 minutes before stirring to achieve a glossy, smooth ganache that drips elegantly down the cake sides.

Peanut Butter Cake With Dark Chocolate Storage Instructions

• Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or place inside a cake carrier to maintain moisture.
• Keep cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon. Ensure the cake is placed in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.
• Wrap individual cake slices or whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For best texture, let the cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying to restore its soft, moist consistency.

Flavors That Match Peanut Butter Cake

• Savor Perfectly Paired Delights
• Brew Rich Espresso Companion: Dark roast espresso cuts through the cake's sweetness, enhancing the deep chocolate and nutty peanut butter flavors with its intense, robust profile.
• Complement with Sweet Wine: Select a late-harvest port or dessert wine with chocolate and caramel notes that beautifully mirror the cake's rich, decadent character.
• Elevate with Salty Snack Accent: Serve alongside roasted, salted almonds or pecans to create a delightful contrast that amplifies the cake's sweet and creamy texture.
• Match with Creamy Beverage: Enjoy a cold glass of whole milk or a smooth Irish cream liqueur to balance the cake's intense chocolate and peanut butter intensity.

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Swaps

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
• Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, swap butter for coconut oil, and replace dairy cream with coconut cream to craft a completely plant-based dessert.
• Low-Sugar Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar, select a sugar-free dark chocolate, and incorporate natural peanut butter with no added sugars for a diabetic-friendly option.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: Utilize coconut milk, replace butter with dairy-free margarine, and use dairy-free dark chocolate chips to create a cake suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

FAQs

• What makes this cake's chocolate flavor so rich?

The dark cocoa powder and boiling water (or hot coffee) help intensify the chocolate taste, creating a deep, moist chocolate base that enhances the cake’s overall flavor profile.

• How do I ensure my frosting is smooth and creamy?

Beat the peanut butter and butter together first until completely smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and cream, mixing on medium speed to prevent lumps and create a light, fluffy texture.

• Can I tell if the cake is done baking without cutting into it?

Use the toothpick test – insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked and ready to cool.

• Why does the recipe call for boiling water in the cake batter?

The hot water helps bloom the cocoa powder, releasing its full flavor and creating a more tender, moist cake by breaking down the cocoa’s starches and helping to develop a smoother batter texture.

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent dark chocolate peanut butter cake brings luxurious layers of rich cocoa and creamy nutty goodness together in one irresistible dessert. Sweet and bold flavors meld perfectly, promising an unforgettable treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water (or hot coffee for deeper flavor)

Cake Base Components:

• 2 large eggs (about 100 grams)
• 1 cup whole milk (240 milliliters)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (120 milliliters)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by coating with grease and flour.
2. Combine all dry cake ingredients in a large mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to eliminate any potential lumps.
3. Incorporate liquid ingredients into the dry mixture, blending until a uniform, silky batter forms.
4. Carefully introduce boiling water or hot coffee, stirring gently until the batter reaches a smooth, liquid consistency.
5. Evenly distribute the batter between prepared pans, ensuring balanced filling.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, verifying doneness by inserting a toothpick that comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire cooling racks.
8. Create peanut butter frosting by whipping butter and peanut butter until thoroughly combined and creamy.
9. Gradually fold in powdered sugar, then introduce cream and vanilla, beating until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
10. Position first cake layer on serving plate and generously spread with peanut butter frosting.
11. Carefully place second cake layer on top, covering entire cake with remaining frosting.
12. Prepare ganache by gently heating cream until it reaches a soft simmer.
13. Pour hot cream over dark chocolate chips, allowing mixture to rest briefly before stirring until glossy and smooth.
14. Artfully drizzle ganache over cake, permitting delicate drips to cascade down the sides.

Notes

• Swap coffee for boiling water to enhance the chocolate’s depth and create a more intense flavor profile.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and better cake texture.
• Consider replacing regular flour with gluten-free alternatives for those with dietary restrictions.
• Chill the cake before serving to help the ganache set and create cleaner slice presentation.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg