🥜🍫 Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cake

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cake is the ultimate dessert combination: rich chocolate cake layers paired with creamy peanut butter frosting and a decadent chocolate drizzle. The salty-sweet peanut butter flavor balances the deep cocoa richness, making it a favorite for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions.

6

Prep Time

• Prep: 35 minutes
• Bake: 30–35 minutes
• Total: About 1½ hours

Servings

12–14 slices

Ingredients

Chocolate Cake

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (65 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee or hot water

Peanut Butter Frosting

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups creamy peanut butter
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup heavy cream or milk (adjust as needed)

Chocolate Ganache (Optional)

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Bake the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans.
3. Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until combined.
5. Slowly add hot coffee and mix (batter will be thin).
6. Divide batter between pans.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool completely.

2. Make Peanut Butter Frosting

1. Beat butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add powdered sugar gradually.
3. Mix in vanilla, salt, and cream.
4. Beat until fluffy and spreadable.

3. Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a plate.
2. Spread a thick layer of peanut butter frosting.
3. Add the second cake layer.
4. Frost the top and sides.
5. Drizzle with chocolate ganache if desired.

4. Make Ganache

1. Heat cream until warm (do not boil).
2. Pour over chocolate chips.
3. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
4. Drizzle over cake.

Decoration Ideas

• 🥜 Chopped peanuts
• 🍫 Chocolate shavings
• 🍪 Peanut butter cups
• 🍯 Caramel drizzle

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with vanilla ice cream.
• Pair with coffee or cold milk.
• Add fresh berries for contrast.

Storage

• Room Temperature: Covered for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze slices for up to 3 months.

Tips for the Best Cake

• Hot coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
• Use creamy peanut butter for smooth frosting.
• Chill cake layers before frosting for easier assembly.
• Add a pinch of salt to enhance both the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.