Description
Rich chocolate layers embrace creamy peanut butter in this irresistible Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake, promising pure indulgence. Dessert enthusiasts will savor each decadent bite of this classic comfort treat that blends beloved flavor profiles into one unforgettable experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Peanut Butter Frosting Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Thoroughly mix cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a comprehensive dry ingredient bowl.
- Vigorously whisk eggs, granulated sugar, whole milk, vegetable oil, and pure vanilla extract in a separate mixing vessel until completely integrated.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, creating a silky chocolate batter with consistent texture.
- Carefully incorporate boiling water into the batter, stirring gently to maintain a smooth, liquid consistency that prevents lumping.
- Prepare cake pans with a light butter coating and flour dusting to ensure effortless cake release after baking.
- Distribute the chocolate batter evenly across prepared pans, ensuring uniform depth for consistent baking.
- Position pans in a preheated oven and bake until a delicate toothpick inserted emerges clean and crumb-free.
- Allow cake layers to cool completely on wire racks, preventing condensation and maintaining structural integrity.
- Craft a luxurious peanut butter frosting by blending creamy peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until achieving a velvety, spreadable consistency.
- Artfully layer cooled chocolate cake with generous portions of peanut butter frosting, creating a decadent multi-dimensional dessert.
- Optionally embellish the cake’s exterior with decorative frosting swirls, chocolate shavings, or chopped peanuts for visual appeal.
Notes
- Enhance moisture by adding a splash of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the cake batter for a richer, more tender crumb.
- Swap traditional milk with almond or oat milk to create a delightful dairy-free version that’s equally delicious.
- Intensify chocolate flavor by using dark cocoa powder or adding a shot of espresso to the boiling water mixture for deeper, more complex notes.
- Prevent frosting from becoming too sweet by using natural, unsweetened peanut butter and adjusting powdered sugar to taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg