Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake

Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake

Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake is a dessert that captivates your senses from the moment you take a whiff of the rich chocolate mingling with creamy peanut butter. This decadent treat features a moist, chocolatey base that is topped with a luscious peanut butter filling and drizzled with smooth chocolate ganache. It’s not just a cake; it’s an experience—a slice of comfort and nostalgia that will bring you back to family gatherings and childhood indulgences. The best part? This recipe is easy to follow with a step-by-step guide that makes your baking journey enjoyable!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe for Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake will quickly become a family favorite. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also requires minimal ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. Perfect for a weeknight dessert or a potluck, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Its luscious layers and rich flavors make it a standout treat that anyone can whip up, regardless of baking experience. Plus, who can resist the combination of chocolate and peanut butter? It’s a match made in dessert heaven!

Ingredients

To create this delightful cake, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This foundational ingredient ensures a tender crumb.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: For that perfect sweetness that balances the rich chocolate.
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds intense chocolate flavor and a deep color.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: This leavening agent makes the cake rise beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake maintain its height and texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
• 1/2 cup buttermilk: Creates a moist cake with a lovely tang.
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Ensures a rich, moist texture.
• 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together while adding richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Imparts warmth and depth to the flavor.
• 1/2 cup boiling water: This secret ingredient intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds moisture.

For the peanut butter filling:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star of this treatment, giving that classic nutty flavor.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and adds a nice texture.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness to the filling.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: For a light, fluffy texture in the filling.

For the chocolate ganache:

• 1 cup heavy cream: Acts as the base for the ganache, providing a silky mouthfeel.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: These melt beautifully into a luscious chocolate layer.
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds shine and gloss to the ganache.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. This will ensure that your cake releases easily once baked.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture is crucial for an even and well-combined cake.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually add this wet mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.

4. Add Boiling Water: Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is well combined. The boiling water will help bloom the cocoa powder, enhancing the chocolate flavor.

5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

6. Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling: While the cake cools, in a mixing bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.

7. Spread Peanut Butter Filling: Once the cake is cool, evenly spread the peanut butter filling over the top of the cake using a spatula.

8. Make the Chocolate Ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips and butter. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and glossy.

9. Top with Ganache: Pour the ganache over the peanut butter filling, spreading it evenly. Allow the ganache to set before slicing and serving.

Tips & Tricks

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: To achieve the best texture, make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before you start mixing.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to ensure a light cake texture.
• Chill the Ganache: If you find your ganache too warm, chill it slightly before pouring it over the cake to help it set more effectively.
• Don’t Skip the Boiling Water: This step is crucial for achieving that ultra-moist and rich chocolate flavor.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake is sensational on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add a creamy texture. Serve it warm for a gooey experience, or chilled for a more structured slice. Perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or just because it’s a Tuesday, this cake will impress!

Nutritional Information

Each slice of this divine cake contains approximately 400 calories. It’s a delicious indulgence that is perfect for special occasions. While it’s best enjoyed in moderation, the rich combination of flavors offers both satisfaction and comfort, making every bite worthwhile.

Storing Tips & Variations

To keep your Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You may also refrigerate it to prolong freshness, where it can last up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, where they can last up to 3 months.

Feel free to experiment with variations such as adding crushed pretzels for a salty crunch or incorporating chopped nuts into the peanut butter filling for added texture.

Conclusion

Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake is a must-try recipe that’s bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire. With its rich flavors and impossibly gooey texture, this cake won’t just satisfy your sweet tooth; it will create lasting memories around the dinner table. We encourage you to whip up this delightful treat and share your experience with family and friends! Don’t forget to take a moment to savor each bite.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   Yes! The cake can be baked a day in advance. Just let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it at room temperature.

2. What can I use instead of buttermilk?
   If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute it with a mixture of 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

3. Can I use natural peanut butter?
   While natural peanut butter can be used, be aware that its texture may differ slightly, which can affect the creaminess of the filling.

4. How do I know when the cake is done?
   A toothpick inserted into the center of the cake should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached when it’s fully baked.

5. Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. Just ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free.

Print Recipe

Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake

A decadent dessert featuring a moist chocolate base topped with creamy peanut butter filling and smooth chocolate ganache, perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time35 minutes mins

Total Time55 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Chocolate Cake, Easy Dessert, Family Favorite, Gooey Cake, Peanut Butter Dessert

Servings: 12 slices

Calories: 400kcal

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour This foundational ingredient ensures a tender crumb.
• 1 cup granulated sugar For that perfect sweetness that balances the rich chocolate.
• 0.5 cups unsweetened cocoa powder Adds intense chocolate flavor and a deep color.
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder This leavening agent makes the cake rise beautifully.
• 0.5 teaspoons baking soda Helps the cake maintain its height and texture.
• 0.25 teaspoons salt Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
• 0.5 cups buttermilk Creates a moist cake with a lovely tang.
• 0.5 cups vegetable oil Ensures a rich, moist texture.
• 2 large eggs Binds the ingredients together while adding richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Imparts warmth and depth to the flavor.
• 0.5 cups boiling water This secret ingredient intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds moisture.

For the Peanut Butter Filling

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter The star of this treatment, giving that classic nutty flavor.
• 1 cup powdered sugar Sweetens the filling and adds a nice texture.
• 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened Adds richness to the filling.
• 0.5 cups heavy cream For a light, fluffy texture in the filling.

For the Chocolate Ganache

• 1 cup heavy cream Acts as the base for the ganache, providing a silky mouthfeel.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips These melt beautifully into a luscious chocolate layer.
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter Adds shine and gloss to the ganache.

Instructions

Preheat Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

• In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually add this wet mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.

Add Boiling Water

• Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is well combined.

Bake the Cake

• Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling

• While the cake cools, beat together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.

Spread Peanut Butter Filling

• Once the cake is cool, evenly spread the peanut butter filling over the top of the cake.

Make the Chocolate Ganache

• In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips and butter until smooth and glossy.

Top with Ganache

• Pour the ganache over the peanut butter filling, spreading it evenly. Allow the ganache to set before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture. Don’t overmix to ensure a light cake texture. If your ganache is too warm, chill it slightly before pouring over the cake.