Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake – Page 2

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Cake Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper circles for easy removal later.

2. Make the Chocolate Cake Batter

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

Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat everything together until smooth and well combined.
Stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated. This will help make the cake moist and rich.
Carefully add the boiling water to the batter. The batter will be thin, but that’s perfectly fine! The added water helps create a moist, tender cake texture.

3. Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure even baking.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling

While the cakes are cooling, make the creamy peanut butter filling:

In a medium bowl, beat together the peanut butter and softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is smooth and fluffy. The filling should be thick but spreadable. If it’s too thick, add a little more cream until you reach your desired consistency.

5. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

Now it’s time to make the chocolate ganache topping:

In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream and butter over medium heat until it begins to simmer (don’t let it come to a full boil).
Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy. Let it cool for a few minutes before pouring it over the cake to avoid it being too runny.

6. Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, it’s time to assemble your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake.

Place one cake layer on a serving platter or cake stand.
Spread a generous layer of the peanut butter filling over the top, smoothing it out to the edges with a spatula.
Place the second cake layer on top and gently press down to secure the layers.
Pour the chocolate ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful effect.

7. Decorate and Serve

For a finishing touch, you can decorate the top of your cake with chopped peanuts, peanut butter chips, or chocolate shavings. You can also add a few dollops of whipped cream on top for a light contrast to the rich layers.

Let the cake sit for about 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set before slicing and serving.

Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

Moisture: Make sure to use sour cream in the cake batter—this keeps the cake extra moist. Also, don’t skip the step of adding boiling water to the batter, which helps the cake achieve its tender crumb.
Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, use room temperature eggs, milk, and cream cheese when making the filling. This will help everything blend together smoothly without lumps.
Peanut Butter Choice: Use smooth, creamy peanut butter for the filling. Crunchy peanut butter could be used if you prefer more texture, but it may make the filling more difficult to spread evenly.
Allow the Ganache to Cool Slightly: After making the ganache, let it cool for a few minutes before pouring it over the cake. This helps the ganache thicken just enough to coat the cake beautifully without dripping off too quickly.
Serving Tip: If you’re preparing this cake in advance, store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This will help the peanut butter filling firm up and make for cleaner slices. Just let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

This cake truly hits the sweet spot for anyone who loves the combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. The layers of moist chocolate cake, indulgent peanut butter filling, and glossy chocolate ganache come together in a way that is nothing short of divine.

Not only is this cake a visual showstopper, but it’s also incredibly satisfying with every bite. The soft, fudgy texture of the chocolate cake is perfectly balanced by the smooth, velvety peanut butter filling and the decadent ganache topping. Each bite is a little bite of heaven, making this cake the perfect dessert for birthdays, holiday celebrations, or any time you want to indulge in something special.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is an absolute crowd-pleaser that combines two of the most beloved flavors in the world of desserts. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply because you crave a rich and delicious cake, this recipe is sure to be a hit. From the first forkful to the last crumb, each bite is pure bliss. So, grab your ingredients, start baking, and get ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to the ultimate chocolate peanut butter indulgence!

Enjoy!

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