Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that hits all the right notes, then this Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake is just what you need! It’s a delightful combination of rich chocolate cake and creamy peanut butter frosting that always brings smiles to my family’s faces. This cake is a favorite in our home because it’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a busy weeknight treat or a centerpiece for a family gathering, it never fails to impress.

The layers of moistness and the crunch of chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups take this cake to another level. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings everyone together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this delightful cake in no time.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike adore the combination of chocolate and peanut butter.
• Deliciously Indulgent: Each bite is rich and satisfying, making it perfect for special celebrations or just because!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it ahead of time and store it in the fridge; it tastes even better the next day!
• Customizable Fun: Add your favorite toppings or adjust the flavors to suit your taste!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather everything we need for this scrumptious delight!

For the Chocolate Cake

• 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

For the Peanut Butter Frosting

• 2 cups (448g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups (350g) peanut butter
• 9 cups (1035g) powdered sugar
• 6-7 tbsp (90-105ml) water or milk
• 6 Reeses, chopped

For the Ganache Topping

• Pinch of salt
• 6 oz (1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream
• 8 Reeses, cut in half
• Crumble Reeses for garnish

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add More Flavor: Mix in a teaspoon of coffee or espresso powder into the cake batter for an extra depth of flavor.
• Make It Healthier: Substitute half of the sugar with applesauce or mashed bananas for a lighter version.
• Change Up the Nuts: Swap out some of the peanut butter for almond or cashew butter if you want to experiment with different flavors.
• Layer with Fruit: Add fresh banana slices between layers for a fruity twist!

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cakes

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans. In a large bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Then add in milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs. Beat until smooth! Finally, stir in hot water until combined; this step ensures your cakes will be incredibly moist.

Step 2: Cool Your Cakes

Once baked for about 22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean, let them cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Cooling properly helps prevent them from falling apart when frosting.

Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting

In another bowl, beat together room temperature butter and peanut butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar along with water or milk until you achieve a smooth consistency that’s easy to spread. The frosting should be light and fluffy—the perfect complement to our cake!

Step 4: Assemble Your Cake

Place one layer of chocolate cake on your serving platter. Spread an even layer of peanut butter frosting on top. Sprinkle chopped Reese’s over this layer before adding the second cake layer on top. Now frost around the sides and top as desired—don’t worry about perfection; rustic is charming too!

Step 5: Prepare the Ganache

For an indulgent finish, heat cream until it’s just simmering and pour over chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit for a few minutes before stirring until smooth. Drizzle this ganache over your frosted cake for an extra touch of decadence!

Step 6: Decorate & Serve

Top off your masterpiece with halved Reese’s pieces and some crumbled ones sprinkled around for decoration. Now slice into this glorious Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake and watch everyone dig in! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake

Creating the perfect Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake can be a delightful experience, and a few helpful tips can make all the difference!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing your eggs, milk, and butter to reach room temperature helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking. This results in a moist cake that’s perfectly fluffy.

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife rather than scooping it directly from the bag. This prevents packing the flour, which can lead to a dry cake.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined helps retain air in the batter, leading to a lighter cake. Overmixing can develop gluten, resulting in a denser texture.

• Check for doneness: Ovens vary in temperature, so start checking your cake a few minutes before the suggested bake time. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

• Cool completely before frosting: If you’re eager to dive into frosting your cake, be patient! Letting the layers cool completely prevents melting your buttercream and ensures clean layers when serving.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake

Serving this indulgent Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary flavors that enhance its deliciousness. Here are some ideas for making your dessert table truly shine!

Garnishes

• Chopped peanuts: Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the peanut butter.
• Chocolate shavings: Use a vegetable peeler to create delicate chocolate shavings from a chocolate bar. These add elegance and an extra touch of chocolate goodness.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of dairy-free whipped cream on top adds lightness and balances the richness of the cake.

Side Dishes

• Fresh berries: Serve alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries for a burst of tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cake.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with this rich dessert, providing a cool contrast that enhances every bite.
• Coffee or espresso: Brewed coffee or espresso makes an excellent companion for this chocolatey treat, bringing out its flavors while adding warmth.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds color and freshness to your dessert spread, making it feel more balanced while still being indulgent.

By incorporating these serving suggestions, you’ll not only elevate your Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake but also impress your guests at any gathering! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can make it in advance and store it, making it a great option for celebrations or just a sweet treat to enjoy throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Just ensure it’s covered well to prevent drying out.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• For best results, let the frozen cake thaw completely in the refrigerator before serving.
• If you want to warm a slice, place it on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making your Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake!

Can I make Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce or 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg.

What makes this Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake so rich and delicious?

The combination of creamy peanut butter frosting layered between moist chocolate cake, along with chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups, creates an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist!

How do I store my Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?

While you can use natural peanut butter, it may alter the texture slightly since natural varieties tend to be more oily. It’s best to use smooth, creamy peanut butter for optimal frosting consistency.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake! It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience filled with rich flavors and delightful textures. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress. Enjoy baking and savor every delicious bite!