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Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

Ultimate Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

Indulge in the Ultimate Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake! Rich chocolate layers, creamy peanut butter frosting, and a show-stopping finish—perfect for birthdays and celebrations!
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Assembly & Decoration: 20 minutes 30 minutes
Servings 13
Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls

Ingredients
  

For the Chocolate Cake Layers:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot coffee

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For Decoration (Optional):

  • 1 cup chopped peanut butter cups
  • ½ cup melted chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup chopped roasted peanuts

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease two 9-inch round cake pans, line bottoms with parchment paper, and dust sides with cocoa powder.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  • Make a well in the center for the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  • Pour into the dry ingredients and mix.
  • Slowly add hot coffee and mix until smooth.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

  • Divide batter into prepared pans.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
  • Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.

Step 5: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting

  • Beat butter and peanut butter until creamy (~2 min).
  • Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low.
  • Add heavy cream, vanilla, and salt, and beat until fluffy (~3 min).

Step 6: Assemble & Decorate

  • Place first cake layer on a stand, spread 1 cup frosting over it.
  • Add the second layer, frost the whole cake.
  • Chill for 15 minutes, then add final frosting coat.
  • Decorate with chopped peanut butter cups, melted chocolate drizzle, and peanuts.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: Bake cake layers 2 days in advance and wrap in plastic.
  • Storage: Store at room temperature for 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week (bring to room temp before serving).
  • Cupcakes: This recipe makes ~24 cupcakes (bake 18-20 min).
  • Less Sweet Option: Reduce sugar in cake to 1¾ cups and frosting to 3½ cups powdered sugar.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 6gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 40g
Keyword best chocolate cake, chocolate layer cake, chocolate peanut butter cake, easy peanut butter cake
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