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Decadent Chocolate Peanut Cheesecake Layer Cake combines the best of both worlds: a rich, indulgent chocolate cake, a creamy peanut butter cheesecake layer, and a decadent chocolate ganache topping. The peanut butter flavor perfectly complements the dark chocolate, while the cheesecake adds a smooth and velvety texture. This cake is perfect for any special occasion and will surely satisfy any sweet tooth!
Ingredients:
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water (or hot coffee for a richer flavor)
For the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 egg
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped peanuts
- Chocolate shavings or curls
- Whipped cream
Instructions:
1. Make the Chocolate Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottom of two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Pour in the boiling water (or hot coffee) and stir until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Layer:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Add the sour cream and egg, beating until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Place a piece of parchment paper on the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan and lightly grease the sides.
- Pour the peanut butter cheesecake mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the edges are slightly golden. The center should still have a slight wobble.
- Let the cheesecake layer cool in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to firm up.
3. Make the Chocolate Ganache:
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate and butter, stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Allow the ganache to cool slightly before using it to top the cake.
4. Assemble the Cake:
- Once the chocolate cakes and peanut butter cheesecake layer have cooled, carefully remove the cheesecake layer from its pan.
- Place one layer of chocolate cake on a serving platter.
- Top the chocolate cake layer with the chilled peanut butter cheesecake.
- Place the second chocolate cake layer on top of the cheesecake layer, creating a stacked cake.
- Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
5. Decorate and Serve:
- Garnish the cake with chopped peanuts, chocolate shavings or curls, and a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to let the ganache set.
6. Serve:
- Slice and serve the Decadent Chocolate Peanut Cheesecake Layer Cake for a rich and indulgent dessert experience. Each bite is a perfect combination of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and velvety cheesecake!
Tips:
- If you’d like a stronger peanut butter flavor, you can add a bit more peanut butter to the cheesecake layer.
- This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen and meld overnight.
- For an extra special touch, drizzle some extra peanut butter over the ganache before serving.
This Decadent Chocolate Peanut Cheesecake Layer Cake is a dream for chocolate and peanut butter lovers alike, combining the richness of chocolate with the smooth, creamy texture of peanut butter cheesecake for an unforgettable dessert!
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