Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake 🧡🍫🍰

Introduction

There’s something incredibly comforting about a rich chocolate cake, especially when it’s paired with the creamy, nutty goodness of peanut butter. This Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake has become a family favorite, adored by both kids and adults alike. Each bite offers a heavenly combination of textures and flavors—moist chocolate cake layers, a luscious peanut butter frosting, and crunchy bits of peanut butter cups and peanuts on top. It’s the kind of dessert that has everyone coming back for seconds. Whether it’s a birthday celebration or just a weekend treat, this cake always makes an impression.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup heavy cream

For Decoration:

• 1 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped
• ¼ cup crushed peanuts
• ½ cup chocolate ganache (optional for drizzle)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until well combined.
• Gradually reduce the mixer speed to low and carefully add in the boiling water. Beat on high for about 1 minute until the batter is smooth.

1. Bake the Cakes:

• Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing them from the pans. Cool completely on a wire rack.

1. Make the Peanut Butter Frosting:

• In a mixing bowl, beat the creamy peanut butter and softened unsalted butter together until the mixture is creamy.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Beat until light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

1. Assemble the Cake:

• Place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of peanut butter frosting on top.
• Place the second layer of cake on top and repeat the frosting step. Add the third layer and cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
• For decoration, sprinkle the top with chopped mini peanut butter cups and crushed peanuts. If desired, drizzle chocolate ganache over the cake.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 12 servings
• Calories per serving: 520 kcal
• Total Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 60g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 38g
• Protein: 8g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve

• Slice the Cake: Use a sharp knife to cut even slices of the cake.
• Garnish with Extras: Top each slice with additional chopped mini peanut butter cups or a dollop of whipped cream for added flair.
• Pair with Ice Cream: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Additional Tips

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing.
2. Boiling Water: Adding boiling water to the batter creates a moist cake, so don’t skip this step!
3. Storing Leftover Cake: Keep any leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
4. Frosting Variations: For a twist, try adding a bit of chocolate powder to the peanut butter frosting.
5. Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.

Recipe Variations

• Nutty Addition: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for an extra crunch.
• Different Frosting: Swap the peanut butter frosting for a chocolate frosting if you prefer a chocolate-only cake.
• Healthier Option: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative.

Serving Suggestions

• Special Occasions: This cake is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration.
• Coffee Companion: Serve with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.
• Picnic Treat: Slice and pack in a container for a picnic or potluck.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing the Cake: Wrap the unassembled cake layers in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before assembling.
• Storing Frosted Cake: If you’ve frosted the cake, store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

• Yes, crunchy peanut butter can be used for added texture!

1. What can I substitute for buttermilk?

• You can make your own buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

1. Is this cake suitable for freezing?

• Yes, you can freeze both the cake layers and the frosted cake. Just ensure it’s well-wrapped.

1. How long will the cake stay fresh?

• The cake can stay fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

1. Can I make this cake in advance?

• Absolutely! You can prepare the cake layers a day ahead and assemble them before serving.

1. What can I use instead of eggs?

• You can use flaxseed meal mixed with water or unsweetened applesauce as an egg substitute.

1. Can I add other flavors to the cake?

• Yes, you can add chocolate chips or different extracts for a flavor twist.

1. How can I make the frosting smoother?

• Make sure your butter is softened and beat the frosting long enough to incorporate air.

1. Can I use a different size pan?

• Yes, adjust the baking time based on the pan size; smaller pans will bake faster.

1. What should I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
   • Ensure you’re not overmixing and that you’re using the correct oven temperature.

Conclusion

This Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. With its rich layers and delightful frosting, it’s a treat that brings joy to any occasion. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is timeless, and this cake showcases it beautifully. Whether you’re serving it at a party or indulging yourself after a long day, this cake is sure to satisfy. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of heaven!

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