Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

Here’s a Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake recipe that combines rich, moist chocolate cake with a creamy peanut butter filling, topped with a luscious chocolate ganache. It’s the ultimate indulgence for chocolate and peanut butter lovers!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 and 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 and 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tbsp vinegar to make buttermilk)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water (or hot coffee for a richer flavor)

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (more if needed for consistency)

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for extra shine)

For Decoration:

• Crushed peanuts or chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions:

For the Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or one 9×13-inch pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the wet ingredients: eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Slowly add the boiling water (or hot coffee) to the batter, mixing well. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay!
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes for round pans (or 35-40 minutes for a 9×13 pan). Check with a toothpick to make sure it comes out clean.
6. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

1. In a large bowl, beat together the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
3. Add the heavy cream a little at a time, beating until the mixture is smooth and spreadable. You can add more cream if you want a softer consistency.

For the Chocolate Ganache:

1. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer (don’t let it boil).
2. Remove from heat and add the chopped semisweet chocolate. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
3. Add butter for extra shine, if desired, and stir until incorporated.
4. Let the ganache cool slightly to thicken before using.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer of the cake on a serving plate.
2. Spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the first cake layer.
3. Place the second cake layer on top and spread the chocolate ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
4. Decorate with crushed peanuts or chocolate shavings if desired.
5. Let the cake set for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the ganache to firm up slightly.

Enjoy your Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake! This cake is a showstopper, combining the best of both chocolate and peanut butter in every bite!