Chocolate and peanut butter are two flavors that are simply meant to be together. When combined, they create a deliciously decadent treat that is a match made in heaven! That’s why I’m excited to share my recipe for a chocolate peanut butter overload cake that is sure to please the palates of even the most discerning dessert connoisseurs.
This cake is the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. It features layers of rich chocolate cake that are sandwiched together with creamy peanut butter frosting and chunks of Reese’s peanut butter cups. The entire cake is then covered in a smooth chocolate ganache and topped with even more peanut butter cups for good measure. It’s a true feast for the senses that is guaranteed to leave you feeling satisfied and content.
Ingredients
I simply can’t resist the temptation of a Chocolate Peanut Butter Overload Cake, so much I love the ambrosial combo of chocolate and PB. This cake is a perfect combination of rich chocolate cake, dreamy creamy peanut butter frosting, and smooth chocolate ganache. Crushed salted peanuts make this cake over the top! Here are the ingredients you will need to make this ultimate palate pleaser:
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee powder
- 1 cup boiling water
Peanut Butter Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
On Top
- 1/4 cup chopped salted peanuts or chopped peanut butter cups
Instructions
Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350 ℉ (175 °C).
- Grease three 8-inch round cake pans, line the bottoms with parchment paper, then grease the parchment and flour the insides of the pans.
- In a medium bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, Dutch-process cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and the instant coffee powder.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix for 2 minutes on medium speed using a paddle attachment. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl and mix for an additional 20 seconds until the batter becomes smooth and thin.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 30—35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Peanut Butter Frosting
- To make the peanut butter frosting, beat the butter and peanut butter in a stand mixer until creamy, about 5—10 minutes.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until the frosting becomes smooth and thick.
- Add the salt and beat until well combined.
Chocolate Ganache
- To make the chocolate ganache, place semisweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
- In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to boil.
- Pour the boiling cream over the chopped chocolate, add butter, and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Whisk the mixture until the ganache becomes smooth and shiny.
Assembly
- To assemble the cake, place one layer of the cake on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of peanut butter frosting on top.
- Repeat with the remaining layers.
- Then, pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake and let it drip down the sides.
- Sprinkle chopped salted peanuts or chopped peanut butter cups on top of the ganache.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the ganache thicken. You can also use this recipe to make cupcakes by filling cupcake liners 2/3 full with batter and baking them for 18—20 minutes.
- Enjoy!
Tips for Decorating the Cake
There are many possibilities to decorate your Chocolate Peanut Butter Overload Cake. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just want to indulge in a delicious treat, there are many ways to make this cake look as good as it tastes.
One popular option is to decorate the cake with peanut butter cups. Simply chop up some peanut butter cups and sprinkle them over the top of the cake. This adds a fun and playful touch to the cake, and it’s sure to be a hit with anyone who loves peanut butter and chocolate.
Another option is to use peanut butter cookie dough as a decorative element. Roll the dough into small balls and place them around the edge of the cake. This not only looks great, but it also adds an extra layer of peanut butter flavor to the cake.
If you’re looking for a way to cool down on a hot day, consider adding a scoop of ice cream to the top of the cake. This is a great way to turn the cake into a delicious sundae, and it’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
To add some extra flair to the cake, consider piping the peanut butter frosting onto the cake in a decorative pattern. This is a great way to make the cake look more professional, and it’s sure to impress your guests.
Tips for Making Perfect Cake
There are a few tips and tricks to ensure that your cake turns out perfectly every time. Here are some of my best tips for making a delicious and beautiful chocolate peanut butter overload cake:
Use high-quality ingredients
The quality of your ingredients can make a big difference in the taste and texture of your cake. For the best results, use high-quality cocoa powder, peanut butter, and chocolate. I recommend using natural peanut butter without added sugar or oils for a more authentic flavor. You’ll add sugar to the recipe, so it’s ensured that your treat will turn sweet and delicious!
Measure ingredients carefully
Accurate measurements are crucial when it comes to baking, so be sure to measure all your ingredients carefully. Use a kitchen scale to measure dry ingredients like flour and sugar for the most accurate results. And don’t forget to level off your measuring cups and spoons to ensure that you’re using the correct amount of each ingredient.
Don’t overmix the batter
Overmixing your cake batter can lead to a tough, dry cake. Mix your ingredients until they are just combined and then stop. You should still be able to see some small lumps in the batter. If you overmix, your cake may not rise properly and could end up dense and heavy.
Use parchment paper
To ensure that your cake comes out of the pan easily, line the bottom of your cake pans with parchment paper. Cut a circle of parchment paper to fit the bottom of your pan and then grease the paper and the sides of the pan with butter or cooking spray. This will help your cake release from the pan easily and without sticking.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting
If you try to frost a warm cake, the frosting will melt and slide off. To avoid this, let your cake cool completely before frosting it. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the cake in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
By following these tips, you can make a delicious and beautiful chocolate peanut butter overload cake that will impress your friends and family. Happy baking!
Variations
When it comes to chocolate peanut butter overload cake, there are endless possibilities for variations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Triple Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cake: Add chopped peanut butter cups to the cake batter and frosting for an extra indulgent treat. Use chocolate cake mix instead of cocoa powder to add more chocolate flavor. Top with chocolate shavings.
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake: Add a layer of jelly or jam between the cake layers for a fun twist on the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
- Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cake: Drizzle caramel sauce on top of the frosting and sprinkle with sea salt for a sweet and salty flavor combination. Don’t forget to add chopped peanut butter cups for a true peanut butter overload!
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake: Add a layer of 1/2 cup peanut butter mixed with 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 16 ounces cream cheese in between the cake layers for a decadent dessert that combines two classic treats.
- Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Cake: Use brownie mix instead of cake mix to make a rich and fudgy cake. Top with peanut butter frosting and chopped peanut butter cups for a delicious dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
The possibilities for variations are numerous, so don’t be afraid to get creative and try something new. Whether you’re a fan of peanut butter and chocolate or just love a good cake, there’s a variation out there that’s perfect for you.