Ultimate Chocolate Peanut Butter Layer Cake: A Decadent Treat for Dessert Lovers

Satisfy your sweet cravings with this Ultimate Chocolate Peanut Butter Layer Cake! This indulgent dessert combines rich, moist chocolate cake layers with creamy peanut butter frosting and a decadent chocolate ganache topping. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup heavy cream (more as needed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

For Garnish:

• Peanut butter chips
• Chocolate chips
• Crushed peanuts

Instructions

1. Make the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
4. Add Boiling Water: Gradually stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin—this is normal.
5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before assembling.

2. Make the Peanut Butter Frosting

1. Cream Butter and Peanut Butter: In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter and softened butter together until creamy and smooth.
2. Add Sugar and Cream: Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, and beat until fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract. Adjust the consistency with more cream if needed.

3. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
2. Melt the Chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before using.

4. Assemble the Cake

1. Layer the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of peanut butter frosting on top. Repeat with the second cake layer and frosting. Top with the third cake layer.
2. Frost the Cake: Cover the entire cake with a thin layer of peanut butter frosting (crumb coat). Chill for 15 minutes, then add a smooth, final layer of frosting.
3. Add Ganache Drip: Pour the cooled ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides. Smooth the top with a spatula.

5. Garnish and Serve

1. Decorate: Sprinkle the top of the cake with peanut butter chips, chocolate chips, and crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.
2. Chill and Slice: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the ganache to set. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Level the Cake Layers: Use a serrated knife to trim the tops of the cake layers for a flat surface before assembling.
• Chill for Stability: Chill the cake between frosting layers to prevent sliding.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all wet ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter and frosting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ultimate Chocolate Peanut Butter Layer Cake is the perfect balance of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter flavors. The moist cake, fluffy frosting, and luscious ganache make every bite a heavenly experience.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Add Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over each slice for a sweet twist.
• Make it Mini: Divide the recipe into cupcake form for individual servings.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Let thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Creative Variations

• Salted Caramel Twist: Add a layer of salted caramel between the cake layers.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold chopped roasted peanuts into the frosting for added texture.
• Triple Chocolate: Use dark, milk, and white chocolate chips in the ganache and as garnish.

Make this Ultimate Chocolate Peanut Butter Layer Cake for your next celebration and watch it disappear in no time! Its rich, decadent flavors and stunning presentation will leave everyone asking for the recipe. Try it today and share your creative variations!