Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake

This Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake is a showstopper dessert that combines layers of rich chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter frosting and delightful chunks of Reese’s peanut butter cups. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet treat at home, this cake is sure to please any crowd. Its irresistible flavor and texture make it a must-try for all peanut butter and chocolate lovers!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and peanut butter creates a rich taste that satisfies sweet cravings.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip this up in no time.
• Versatile Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual gathering, this cake is perfect for any celebration.
• Visually Stunning: The layered design topped with chopped Reese’s makes it not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or adjust the sweetness level to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather the necessary tools to ensure everything goes smoothly. Having the right equipment makes preparation easier and helps you achieve great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Baking pans
• Spatula
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing batter and frosting, ensuring a smooth consistency.
• Baking pans: The right size pans ensure even baking and proper cake height for layering.

Ingredients

For the Cake Layers

• 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 Peanut Butter 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
• 6 Reeses, chopped

For the Chocolate Ganache Topping

• 6 oz (1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream

For Decoration

• 8 Reeses, cut in half
• Crumbling Reeses

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your baking pans to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk together milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth.
3. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients while mixing on medium speed until combined.
4. Slowly mix in hot water until smooth; the batter will be thin.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers

Pour equal amounts of batter into prepared baking pans. Bake for about 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cooling in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Step 4: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting

In another bowl:
1. Beat softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add peanut butter and mix until well combined.
3. Slowly add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed; add water or milk as needed to achieve desired consistency.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Once cooled:
1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
2. Spread a generous amount of peanut butter frosting over the first layer.
3. Add chopped Reese’s on top of frosting.
4. Repeat with remaining layers, finishing with frosting on top.

Step 6: Prepare Chocolate Ganache

In a small saucepan:
1. Heat heavy whipping cream until just simmering.
2. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until melted and smooth.

Step 7: Decorate

Drizzle ganache over frosted cake. Top with halved Reese’s and crumbled pieces for an extra touch.

Enjoy your delightful Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake

Serving your Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake is a delightful experience that can be customized to suit any occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dessert presentation.

Classic Slice

• Serve a generous slice of the cake on its own for a rich chocolate and peanut butter experience.

With Ice Cream

• Pair a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast in temperature and flavor.

Topped with Ganache

• Drizzle warm chocolate ganache on top for an extra layer of decadence that enhances the cake’s flavors.

Garnished with Chopped Reese’s

• Sprinkle chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups on top for added texture and an eye-catching finish.

Coffee Pairing

• Serve alongside a cup of coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness, making it the perfect afternoon treat.

As a Celebration Cake

• Decorate with festive sprinkles or candles for birthdays or special events, turning the cake into a centerpiece.

Pin this!

How to Perfect Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake

To achieve the best results with your Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your baking technique.

• Measure ingredients accurately – Use kitchen scales for precision, ensuring consistent results every time.
• Room temperature ingredients – Allow eggs and butter to reach room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t overmix – Mix just until combined to prevent tough cake layers; this keeps them light and fluffy.
• Use quality chocolate – Opt for high-quality chocolate chips in both batter and ganache for richer flavor.
• Cool completely before frosting – Let the cakes cool thoroughly before applying frosting to avoid melting.
• Store properly – Keep leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake

Enhance your dessert experience by pairing your Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake with these delicious side dishes. Each complement adds its unique flavor profile!

1. Fresh Berries – A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds freshness and acidity that balances the richness of the cake.
2. Whipped Cream – Lightly sweetened whipped cream can provide a fluffy texture that contrasts nicely with the dense layers.
3. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels – The salty crunch pairs perfectly with the sweet layers, creating a delightful contrast.
4. Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad brings bright flavors that can lighten up the indulgent cake.
5. Coffee Flavored Mousse – This creamy dessert enhances the chocolate notes while introducing coffee flavors that many love.
6. Nutty Granola – A sprinkle of nutty granola offers crunch and complements the peanut butter flavor beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake, it’s easy to make errors that can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Incorrect ingredient measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for precision when possible.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined for light and fluffy layers.
• Not letting the cake cool: Allow your cake layers to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off.
• Skipping the salt: Salt enhances flavor. Don’t skip it, even in sweet recipes. A pinch can balance the sweetness beautifully.
• Using cold ingredients: Ensure that eggs and butter are at room temperature for better emulsification. Cold ingredients can lead to an uneven texture.

Pin this!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake

• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly with plastic wrap.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cake for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices in 15-20 second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a pan on low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making a Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake.

How do I make my Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake more moist?

To achieve a moist cake, ensure you don’t overbake it and consider adding sour cream or yogurt to your batter.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Yes! Crunchy peanut butter will add texture and extra flavor, giving your cake a delightful twist.

What can I substitute for vegetable oil?

You can use melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce as substitutes that maintain moisture and flavor.

How do I decorate my Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake?

You can top it with additional peanut butter frosting, chocolate ganache, or chopped Reese’s cups for an extra special touch.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake is not only rich and delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different toppings or adjusting the frosting flavors. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this cake is sure to impress!