Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake
This Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, from birthdays to celebrations. With its rich layers of moist chocolate cake and creamy peanut butter frosting, it’s a treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth. The addition of chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups makes it even more indulgent and fun. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to treat yourself, this cake will impress everyone who tries it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and peanut butter creates a rich, irresistible taste that everyone loves.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile Occasion: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a weekend treat, this cake fits any celebration.
- Showstopper Presentation: The layered design and decoration with Reese’s make it visually appealing and impressive.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen and enjoying the delicious results!
Tools and Preparation
To prepare this Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake efficiently, you’ll need some essential tools. These tools not only help streamline the baking process but also ensure your cake turns out perfectly.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Saves time and energy when mixing batter and frosting to achieve a light texture.
- Spatula: Helps in folding ingredients gently, ensuring an even mixture without deflating the batter.
Ingredients
This Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe is made with layers of moist chocolate cake, peanut butter frosting and chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups! It’s rich, delicious and so fun!
For the 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 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
For Topping
- 6 Reeses, chopped
- 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
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them lightly with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
2. Whisk together until well mixed.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl:
1. Whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs until combined.
2. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Add hot water to the batter gradually:
1. Mix on low speed with an electric mixer until smooth.
2. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 5: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans:
1. Bake for about 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
2. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to cooling racks.
Step 6: Prepare Frosting
While cakes cool:
1. In a large bowl, beat room temperature butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add in peanut butter followed by powdered sugar.
3. Add water or milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach desired consistency.
Continue with additional steps for assembling and decorating your Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake
Serving a Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake is all about enhancing its rich flavors and creating an enjoyable experience for your guests. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will elevate your cake presentation.
Classic Slice
- Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream on top for added creaminess.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
Chocolate Ganache Drizzle
- Drizzle warm chocolate ganache over the top for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Use a spoon to allow it to cascade down the sides of the cake for a stunning look.
Fresh Berries
- Add a handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side for a tart contrast.
- They provide a refreshing bite that complements the sweetness of the cake.
Coffee Pairing
- Serve with a cup of hot coffee or espresso to enhance the dessert’s richness.
- The bitterness of coffee pairs beautifully with chocolate desserts.
Peanut Butter Cups Garnish
- Top each slice with a few mini Reese’s peanut butter cups for an extra treat.
- This adds texture and reinforces the peanut butter flavor in every bite.
Festive Decoration
- Finish off with some sprinkles or edible glitter for special occasions.
- This makes the cake visually appealing and fun for celebrations.
How to Perfect Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake
To make sure your Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake turns out perfectly, consider these handy tips.
- Measure ingredients accurately: Use kitchen scales and measuring cups for precise quantities, ensuring consistent results.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Allow eggs and butter to come to room temperature before mixing; this helps create a fluffy batter.
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined; overmixing can lead to dense cake layers.
- Check oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right temperature; this helps cakes bake evenly.
- Cool completely before frosting: Let your cake layers cool entirely before applying frosting; this prevents melting and sliding.
- Experiment with flavors: Try adding a hint of espresso powder or vanilla bean into your frosting for added depth.
Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits can lighten up the meal and provide natural sweetness.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries – These add an elegant touch while reinforcing chocolate flavors in your dessert.
- Nutty Granola Parfaits – Layer granola, yogurt, and fruit in a glass for a crunchy, creamy contrast to your cake.
- Homemade Ice Cream Sundaes – Serve ice cream sundaes alongside slices of cake, allowing guests to customize their treats.
- Cheese Plate – A selection of cheeses can offer savory notes that balance out the sweet richness of the cake.
- Coffee or Tea Service – Providing warm beverages allows guests to sip while enjoying their dessert, enhancing flavors further.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking a Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake can be a delightful experience, but certain mistakes can hinder your results.
- Incorrect measurements – Always use precise measurements for flour, sugar, and cocoa powder. A kitchen scale can help ensure accuracy.
- Skipping the room temperature ingredients – Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter. Cold ingredients can lead to lumps.
- Overmixing the batter – Mix just until combined to avoid tough cake layers. Overmixing develops gluten, making the cake dense.
- Not cooling the cakes properly – Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents them from breaking apart.
- Using cold frosting – Ensure your peanut butter frosting is at room temperature for easy spreading. Cold frosting can be hard and difficult to work with.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge.
- It will last up to 5 days while maintaining its flavor and texture.
Freezing Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake
- Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slice on a baking sheet covered with foil and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as it may dry out.
- Stovetop – For a warm slice, place it in a pan over low heat for a few minutes, covering it with a lid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
You can absolutely use crunchy peanut butter! It adds texture and enhances the peanut flavor of your cake.
How do I make my cake more chocolatey?
To intensify the chocolate flavor, consider adding extra cocoa powder or using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake and frost the cake one day in advance. Just store it properly in the fridge to keep it fresh.
What if I don’t have vegetable oil?
You can substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option.
Final Thoughts
The Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake is not only rich and delicious but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with different types of frosting or by adding nuts between layers. This cake is perfect for any occasion, and we encourage you to give it a try!
Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 12 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy delight of Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake, a dessert that effortlessly combines layers of moist chocolate cake with velvety peanut butter frosting. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a sweet self-treat, this cake is sure to impress everyone at the table. Topped with chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups, it brings a fun twist to your celebrations while satisfying even the most discerning sweet tooth. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is straightforward and provides a showstopping presentation that will have guests coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 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
- 6–7 tbsp (90-105ml) water or milk
- 6 Reeses, chopped
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In one bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs until blended.
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix in hot water until smooth.
- Divide batter between pans and bake for 22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Prepare frosting by beating butter until creamy, then gradually adding peanut butter and powdered sugar along with water/milk for desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
