Irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
A luscious chocolate cake combined with creamy peanut butter frosting and topped with crunchy Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour For the cake base
- 2 cups granulated sugar Brings sweetness and moisture
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder For chocolate flavor
- 2 teaspoons baking powder Helps cake rise
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda Helps cake rise
- 1 teaspoon salt Enhances overall flavor
- 1 cup buttermilk For rich texture
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil For moisture
- 2 large eggs For structure
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract For depth of flavor
- 1 cup boiling water Enhances chocolate flavor
For the Frosting
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter For frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened For smooth frosting
- 3 cups powdered sugar For sweetness and texture
- 1/4 cup heavy cream For smoothness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For flavor
- 1 cup chopped mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups For topping and crunch
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well blended.
- Add the wet ingredients (buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract) to the dry mixture and stir until smooth.
- Slowly pour in the boiling water, mixing until the batter is creamy and free of lumps.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Baking
- Bake the cakes for about 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 to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Mix until light and fluffy.
Assembly
- Spread a layer of peanut butter frosting on top of one cake layer.
- Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining peanut butter frosting.
- Sprinkle the chopped mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups over the top.
Notes
Consider adding a drizzle of chocolate ganache or mixing in crushed peanuts for added texture. Store the cake in an airtight container or cover tightly in plastic wrap.