Who doesn't love the heavenly combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter? If you're a fan of this iconic flavor duo, you're in for a real treat! This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake recipe is a decadent dessert that's perfect for any occasion—birthdays, holidays, or even just because. From the moist layers of chocolate cake to the velvety peanut butter frosting, every bite will leave you wanting more. Read on for the full recipe, including tips, variations, and presentation ideas to ensure you bake the perfect cake every time. Ready to make your own masterpiece? Let’s dive in!
What is a Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake?
A Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is a dessert that beautifully marries the rich, indulgent flavor of chocolate with the creamy, slightly salty taste of peanut butter. Typically, this cake consists of multiple layers of moist chocolate cake, which are frosted or filled with peanut butter frosting or ganache. The final result is a sweet, balanced, and absolutely mouth-watering treat. Whether it’s a birthday cake, a party dessert, or simply a treat for yourself, this cake is sure to impress!
Ingredients List for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
Here are the ingredients you'll need to make the chocolate cake base:
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
These simple pantry ingredients create a rich, moist, and flavorful chocolate cake that serves as the perfect foundation for your peanut butter frosting. Make sure to sift the cocoa powder to avoid lumps in the batter and use fresh baking powder and soda for optimal rising!
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4-6 tablespoon heavy cream (adjust for consistency)
The peanut butter frosting is light, airy, and perfectly creamy. The combination of peanut butter and butter provides a silky texture, while the powdered sugar sweetens the frosting. Heavy cream helps thin the frosting to a spreadable consistency.
Substitutions and Variations
Whether you’re short on ingredients or looking to experiment with flavors, this recipe can be easily adapted to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Substitutions:
- Flour: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free cake.
- Milk: Use any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk in place of whole milk.
- Eggs: If you're looking for an egg-free version, substitute eggs with applesauce (¼ cup per egg) or flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water per egg).
- Vegetable Oil: Swap out vegetable oil for melted coconut oil or canola oil.
Variations:
- Chocolate Ganache: If you want an extra rich layer, add a chocolate ganache filling between the cake layers. Simply melt chocolate with heavy cream and pour it over the cake before it sets.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter: Swap creamy peanut butter for chunky peanut butter in the frosting for added texture.
- Peanut Butter Cups: Stir chopped peanut butter cups into the frosting or use them as a topping for added indulgence.
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle salted caramel over the top of the cake for a delicious sweet-salty flavor contrast.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get to the fun part: baking! Follow these easy steps to create your mouth-watering Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line the bottoms with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the sugar until evenly combined.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Slowly add the boiling water into the batter, mixing until smooth. The batter will be thin, but that’s what makes the cake so moist!
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
How to Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
Step 6: Beat the Butter and Peanut Butter
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy.
Step 7: Add the Powdered Sugar
Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
Step 8: Add Vanilla and Cream
Beat in the vanilla extract and heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a light and fluffy consistency.
Step 9: Frost the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of peanut butter frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Smooth the frosting with a spatula for a professional finish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Cooling the Cake Fully: Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off. Make sure the cake is fully cooled before you begin frosting.
- Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough cake. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
- Not Leveling the Cake Layers: If your cake layers are uneven, trim the tops with a serrated knife to create flat, even layers for stacking.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is just as important as flavor when it comes to desserts, and this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is no exception.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
- Serve generous slices with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
- For special occasions, top each slice with a drizzle of chocolate syrup or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts.
Presentation Ideas for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
- Garnish the cake with mini peanut butter cups around the edge for a visually stunning and delicious topping.
- Use a piping bag to add decorative swirls of frosting on the top for a bakery-style look.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cake for an elegant touch.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: The cake layers can be baked a day in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge until ready to frost.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
- Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add more cream. If it's too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Add Crunch: For an extra crunch, sprinkle chopped peanuts between the cake layers or on top.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use natural peanut butter for the frosting?
Natural peanut butter can be used, but it tends to have a runnier consistency. If you use natural peanut butter, you may need to reduce the amount of heavy cream to achieve the right consistency.
2. How do I store the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate the cake, but bring it to room temperature before serving.
3. Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day or two ahead of time. Store them tightly wrapped in the fridge, and frost them on the day you plan to serve.
4. Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?
Absolutely! Simply divide the batter into lined muffin tins and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Decorate with peanut butter frosting.
5. Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Yes! Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips into the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake recipe is the perfect dessert for any occasion. The combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter will satisfy even the most indulgent cravings. Whether you're a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, the step-by-step guide, tips, and variations in this recipe will ensure you create a cake that's as beautiful as it is delicious. Don’t forget to experiment with presentation ideas and make it your own! Ready to wow your friends and family with a show-stopping cake? Let’s get baking!
PrintChocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
This rich Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake recipe combines moist chocolate cake layers with a creamy peanut butter frosting, making it a decadent dessert that’s perfect for celebrations or any special occasion. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is a classic favorite, and this cake is easy to make with simple ingredients for an indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vegetable oil
- Vanilla extract
- Boiling water
- Creamy peanut butter
- Powdered sugar
- Butter
- Heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pans.
- Mix dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs, sugar, oil, milk, and vanilla.
- Slowly combine the wet and dry ingredients, then add boiling water to the batter.
- Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Let cakes cool, then prepare peanut butter frosting by mixing peanut butter, powdered sugar, butter, and cream.
- Frost the cake and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the cakes are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- For extra flair, top with chocolate ganache or chopped peanuts.
- This cake can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 300mg
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