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ocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

ocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 15 reviews

This Rich Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a decadent layered dessert that combines moist, cocoa-rich cake layers with creamy, smooth peanut butter frosting. Perfect for celebrations or satisfying your sweet tooth, this cake is topped with assorted chocolate candies and optional chocolate shavings, offering a gourmet indulgence that peanut butter and chocolate lovers will adore.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chocolate Cake:

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 cups Granulated Sugar
  • 3/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Dutch-processed recommended)
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Soda
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 cup Buttermilk (room temperature)
  • 1 cup Hot Water or Hot Coffee
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
  • 2 large Eggs
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

For the Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter (softened)
  • 1 cup Smooth Peanut Butter
  • 4 cups Powdered Sugar (sifted)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1/4 cup Heavy Cream or Milk

For Decoration and Topping:

  • Assorted Chocolate Candies (truffle shapes, chocolate squares, etc.)
  • Chocolate Shavings (optional, for board or plating)

Instructions

  1. Bake the Chocolate Cake Layers: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to ensure easy removal. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. In a separate bowl, blend the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, mixing gently, then stir in the hot water or coffee until the batter is smooth and glossy. Divide the batter equally among the prepared pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let the cake layers cool completely on wire racks.
  2. Make the Peanut Butter Frosting: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter and smooth peanut butter together until creamy and light in texture. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing continuously to combine well. Pour in the heavy cream or milk and continue beating on medium-high speed until the frosting is smooth, thick, and fluffy. Adjust the consistency by adding more cream or powdered sugar if needed.
  3. Assemble the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on your serving platter or cake board. Spread a thick, even layer of peanut butter frosting over the top. Repeat this process with the second layer, then place the final third layer on top. Use the remaining frosting to generously cover the top and sides of the entire cake, smoothing out the surface with an offset spatula or knife for a polished look.
  4. Decorate: Generously pile assorted chocolate candies on the top center of the cake to add texture and a variety of chocolate flavors. Optional: scatter chocolate shavings around the base or on the plating board for an elegant presentation. Refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes before slicing to allow the frosting to set, ensuring clean, neat slices when serving.

Notes

  • For richer flavor, substitute hot water with hot coffee in the cake batter.
  • Allow cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
  • If the frosting is too thick, add a little more heavy cream or milk to reach desired consistency.
  • Use parchment paper to line pans to ensure easy removal of cake layers.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
  • This cake can be frozen either assembled or in layers for up to 1 month; thaw in refrigerator overnight before frosting or serving.
  • To make the recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend of equal measure.

Nutrition

Keywords: peanut butter chocolate cake, chocolate cake, layer cake, peanut butter frosting, buttercream frosting, celebratory dessert, chocolate candies, rich dessert, homemade cake

Find it online: https://maicook.com/ocolate-cake-with-peanut-butter-frosting-recipe/