Chocolate peanut butter cake is a delightful combination that brings together the rich, velvety taste of chocolate and the creamy, nutty flavor of peanut butter. Imagine sinking your fork into a moist slice that’s drizzled with luscious chocolate ganache—pure bliss.

If you’re anything like me, the thought of chocolate peanut butter cake sends your taste buds into a frenzy. This cake isn’t just dessert; it’s an experience filled with nostalgia, reminiscent of childhood treats and cozy family gatherings. Perfect for birthdays or any day you need a little pick-me-up, this cake promises a flavor explosion that will have you dreaming about your next slice.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chocolate peanut butter cake is easy to whip up, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros
- The flavor combination is a crowd-pleaser, ensuring everyone will want a second slice
- Its stunning visual appeal makes it an impressive centerpiece for any dessert table
- Versatile enough to be dressed up with toppings or enjoyed simply on its own!
I’ll never forget the time I made this cake for my best friend’s birthday. The look on her face when she took that first bite was priceless; she literally swooned!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; sift it well to ensure a light and fluffy cake.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for deep chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
Baking Powder: This helps the cake rise; check its freshness for best results.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the batter; feel free to experiment with brown sugar for added moisture.
Eggs: These bind the ingredients together; use large eggs at room temperature for better incorporation.
Milk: Whole milk adds richness; substitute with almond milk if you’re feeling adventurous.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender; don’t skimp on this!
Peanut Butter: Creamy or crunchy, it adds that irresistible nutty flavor we crave.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips melt beautifully in the warm batter, making each bite heavenly.
Powdered Sugar: For the frosting; sifting it first avoids lumps in your final product.
Cream Cheese: Adds tanginess to the frosting that balances out sweetness beautifully.
- Chocolate peanut butter cake is a blissful combination of rich flavors that can easily elevate any celebration
- The aroma of chocolate baking fills the house, creating an inviting atmosphere
- Don’t forget to savor the creaminess of peanut butter frosting—it’s a game changer!
- To achieve that perfect moistness, avoid overmixing after adding wet ingredients; it’s a common mistake
- If using natural peanut butter, stir it well before measuring to ensure even consistency
- Lastly, let the cake cool completely before frosting for best results
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round baking pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sugar.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, milk, and vegetable oil until smooth. Stir in peanut butter.
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Fold in chocolate chips gently.
- Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes for 10 minutes in pans before transferring to wire racks. Once cooled, frost with cream cheese frosting.
- Serving Size: 1 slice (103g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round baking pans with nonstick spray or line them with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sugar until well combined. The aroma will make you feel like a master baker.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat eggs, milk, and vegetable oil until smooth. Stir in peanut butter until fully incorporated. It should look creamy and delicious!
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add wet mixture into dry ingredients while stirring gently. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix—it’s not bread!
Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in chocolate chips gently using a spatula to avoid breaking them apart. You want pockets of gooey goodness throughout your cake.
Bake the Cake: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Cool and Frost: Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Once cooled completely, frost with cream cheese frosting generously on top and between layers.
Now you’re ready to slice into this divine creation! Each piece reveals layers rich with flavors and textures—your friends will declare you a baking genius!
So there you have it: an unforgettable chocolate peanut butter cake that marries decadence with comfort in every bite! Enjoy every moment spent savoring this delightful treat as you create sweet memories around your table!
You Must Know
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing dry ingredients first, then cream the butter and sugar before adding eggs. This order ensures even texture and flavor distribution throughout the cake.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular flour for almond flour or add chopped nuts for extra crunch. These twists can make your chocolate peanut butter cake uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
The first time I made this chocolate peanut butter cake, my friends couldn’t stop raving about it! Their smiles were priceless as they devoured every last crumb.
FAQ
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
You can use applesauce or mashed bananas as egg substitutes for moisture.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for great results.
How long does this cake last once baked?
It lasts up to three days at room temperature if stored properly in an airtight container.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
Chocolate peanut butter cake is a heavenly treat that combines the decadent flavors of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. Each moist slice, drizzled with silky chocolate ganache, is not just a dessert but an indulgent experience that evokes memories of childhood delights. Perfect for any celebration or a cozy night in, this cake is sure to impress friends and family alike.
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