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Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

A delightful dessert with rich chocolate cake layers paired with creamy peanut butter frosting, perfect for celebrations or cozy evenings.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Chocolate Cake, Dessert Recipe, Homemade Cake, Peanut Butter, Sweet Treat
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 450kcal

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour Provides structure for the cake.
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar Adds sweetness.
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Gives rich chocolate flavor.
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder Helps cake rise.
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda Works with baking powder for fluffiness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances flavors.
  • 1 cup buttermilk Adds moisture.
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil Keeps cake moist.
  • 2 large eggs Binds ingredients.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Adds flavor.
  • 1 cup boiling water Creates a thin batter for moisture.

Frosting Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Base for frosting.
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter Main flavor of frosting.
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar For sweetness.
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream Adds creaminess.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Extra flavor for frosting.

Garnishes

  • to taste Chopped peanuts For garnish.
  • to taste Chocolate shavings Enhances chocolate profile.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add Wet Ingredients

  • Incorporate buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture and mix until smooth.
  • Gradually stir in the boiling water to create a thin batter.

Bake the Cake

  • Divide the batter between the cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Prepare the Frosting

  • Beat together unsalted butter and peanut butter until creamy.
  • Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in heavy cream and vanilla extract until fluffy.

Assemble and Garnish

  • Frost one cake layer with peanut butter frosting, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides.
  • Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and chocolate shavings for garnish.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and don’t overmix once boiling water is added. Check cake doneness a few minutes before baking time ends.