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Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake

A rich and indulgent cake made with chocolate layers and creamy peanut butter frosting, perfect for celebrations or any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 3/4 cups (228g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (414g) sugar
  • 3/4 cup (85g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) milk
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240ml) hot water
  • 2 cups (448g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 1/4 cups (350g) peanut butter
  • 9 cups (1035g) powdered sugar
  • 67 tbsp (90-105ml) water or milk
  • 6 Reese’s, chopped
  • Pinch of salt
  • 6 oz (1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 4 Reese’s, cut in half
  • Crumble of Reese’s

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. Combine the wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix the milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs. Whisk until well combined.
  4. Add the wet mixture into the dry, mixing until just combined.
  5. Stir in the hot water until smooth.
  6. Pour the batter equally between the prepared cake pans. Tap gently on the counter.
  7. Bake for about 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  9. Make the peanut butter frosting by beating together unsalted butter and peanut butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fluffy.
  10. Assemble the cake, placing one layer on a serving platter. Spread frosting on top, sprinkle with chopped Reese’s, and add the second layer.
  11. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
  12. Prepare the ganache by heating chocolate chips and heavy cream until smooth.
  13. Drizzle the ganache over the frosted cake and decorate with halved Reese’s and crumbles.
  14. Slice and serve your masterpiece!

Notes

For a nut-free version, replace peanut butter with sun butter. For vegan options, use flax eggs and non-dairy milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate cake, peanut butter cake, layer cake, dessert, baking