Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is a delightful and indulgent dessert that perfectly marries rich, velvety chocolate with creamy, nutty peanut butter. Imagine slicing into a moist layer cake, with each bite revealing a luscious layer of decadent frosting that transports you back to your childhood. This easy-to-follow recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to casual family get-togethers. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a sumptuous cake that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to love Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake. First, the recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip it up in no time. Not only is this cake a delightful treat for chocolate lovers, but it also charms peanut butter aficionados with its creamy frosting. This cake is rich yet comforting; a slice will evoke nostalgia and warm memories, making it an inviting addition to family gatherings or celebrations.
Ingredients
To create this scrumptious Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – Light and airy, ensuring a tender crumb.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture.
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Deep, rich chocolate flavor.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder – Ensures the cake rises beautifully.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda – Aiding in leavening for a fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1 cup buttermilk – Creamy and tangy for added moisture.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil – Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- 2 large eggs – For structure and richness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Aromatic complement to chocolate.
- 1 cup boiling water – Creates a silky batter.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Creamy base for frosting.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter – Rich and smooth for frosting.
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetness for fluffy frosting.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream – Lightens the frosting’s texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the peanut butter flavor.
- Chopped peanuts (optional) – For crunch and garnish.
- Chocolate shavings (optional) – For an elegant finish.
Step-by-Step Directions
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them, ensuring a smooth release after baking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed, letting the rich chocolate aroma fill your kitchen.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Using a mixer, beat the mixture until smooth. Slowly stir in the boiling water to thin out the batter, which should now be silky and glossy.
Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Peanut Butter Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and peanut butter until creamy and fully combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Pour in the heavy cream and remaining vanilla extract, beating the mixture on high until light and fluffy.
Frost Your Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Generously spread a layer of peanut butter frosting on top. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting. For an extra touch, garnish with chopped peanuts and chocolate shavings if desired.
Tips & Tricks
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature to help achieve a smoother batter and better rise.
- Sifting Cocoa Powder: Sift the cocoa powder to avoid lumps for a silky batter.
- Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: For an added decadent twist, try drizzling chocolate ganache over the frosted cake for a charming presentation.
- Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of the cake relies on the quality of your cocoa powder and peanut butter, so choose brands that you love.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is best served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness of the cake. It’s perfect for birthday parties, family gatherings, or as a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee. Pair it with a cold glass of milk or a robust cup of coffee to enhance the chocolate flavors.
Nutritional Information
While this cake is undeniably indulgent, it’s also a delightful treat to enjoy in moderation. A single serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 550
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 50g
- Protein: 8g
Remember, striking a balance in your diet is key, so enjoy this dessert as part of a varied eating plan!
Storing Tips & Variations
To store leftovers, cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container, ensuring it retains its moisture. The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe container, which can last for up to three months.
For variations, you can experiment with different types of frosting, such as chocolate buttercream, or add a layer of berry jam between the cake layers for a fruity twist.
Conclusion
There you have it! Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is a luscious dessert that truly satisfies every chocolate lover’s craving. With its simple recipe, comforting flavors, and crowd-pleasing appeal, this cake is a must-try for your next gathering. Don’t hesitate to whip up this decadent treat and share your experience with friends and family!
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Just be sure to wrap them well and store them in the refrigerator.Is there a gluten-free option?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, making sure it includes xanthan gum for the right texture.Can I use natural peanut butter for the frosting?
While natural peanut butter can work, it tends to be more oily and may result in a different texture for the frosting. Use creamy peanut butter for best results.What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can create a substitute by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.How can I make the frosting vegan?
Substitute the unsalted butter with vegan butter and use a non-dairy milk (like almond or soy milk) in place of heavy cream for a delicious vegan frosting option.
Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour Light and airy, ensuring a tender crumb.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar Adds sweetness and moisture.
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Deep, rich chocolate flavor.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder Ensures the cake rises beautifully.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda Aiding in leavening for a fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1 cup buttermilk Creamy and tangy for added moisture.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- 2 large eggs For structure and richness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Aromatic complement to chocolate.
- 1 cup boiling water Creates a silky batter.
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Creamy base for frosting.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter Rich and smooth for frosting.
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar Sweetness for fluffy frosting.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream Lightens the frosting's texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances the peanut butter flavor.
- to taste chopped peanuts (optional) For crunch and garnish.
- to taste chocolate shavings (optional) For an elegant finish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well mixed.
- Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat the mixture until smooth.
- Slowly stir in the boiling water to thin out the batter, which should now be silky and glossy.
Baking
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Frosting
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and peanut butter until creamy and fully combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
- Pour in the heavy cream and remaining vanilla extract, beating on high until light and fluffy.
Assembly
- Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of peanut butter frosting on top.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Garnish with chopped peanuts and chocolate shavings if desired.