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Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

A rich and delicious cake combining moist chocolate layers with creamy peanut butter frosting, perfect for any gathering.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder For a richer flavor, you can use dark cocoa powder.
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs Use room temperature for optimal mixing.
  • 1 cup whole milk Room temperature recommended.
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water Adds moisture and richness.
For the Peanut Butter Frosting
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter Can substitute with almond or cashew butter.
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened Use room temperature butter.
  • 1/4 cup milk Adjust for desired consistency.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
For Assembly
  • 1 cup chocolate frosting For frosting the top and sides.
  • Reese’s peanut butter cups for topping Chopped for garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
  3. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture. Mix until the batter is smooth.
  4. Carefully stir in boiling water. The batter will be thin.
  5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
Baking
  1. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  2. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Frosting Preparation
  1. In a mixing bowl, beat peanut butter and softened butter until smooth.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar and milk, mixing until creamy. Stir in vanilla extract.
Assembly
  1. Once the cakes are completely cool, lay one layer on a serving plate and spread peanut butter frosting on top.
  2. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides with chocolate frosting.
  3. Chop Reese’s peanut butter cups and scatter them on top. Slice and serve!

Notes

Serve at room temperature for optimal flavor. Pairs wonderfully with cold milk or coffee. Can be made ahead of time and improves with flavor over time.