Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cake
Is there anything more indulgent than the perfect pairing of peanut butter and chocolate? This Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cake combines rich cocoa layers with creamy peanut butter frosting for a dessert that’s irresistible. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake delivers decadence in every bite.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¾ cup unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup hot water
- ½ cup canola oil, grapeseed oil, or sunflower oil
- ½ cup milk of choice (regular or dairy-free)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Peanut Butter Buttercream
- 1½ cups softened butter (regular or dairy-free)
- 1½ cups smooth peanut butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
Chocolate Peanut Butter Buttercream
- ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and lightly spray with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, milk, oil, and hot water to the dry ingredients. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the three prepared cake pans. Bake for 20–26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 15–20 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes cool, prepare the buttercream. In a stand mixer or large bowl with a hand mixer, beat the butter and peanut butter until smooth.
- Add the salt, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar, ¼ cup at a time, until fully incorporated. If the frosting is too thick, add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Divide the buttercream in half. Leave one half as peanut butter frosting for the cake layers. Mix cocoa powder into the other half to create the chocolate peanut butter frosting for the outer layer.
- Assemble the cake: Place the first layer on a cake plate, spread with peanut butter frosting, and repeat with the second layer. Top with the final cake layer and frost the entire cake with the chocolate peanut butter frosting. Decorate as desired.
Notes
For a deeper chocolate flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder. Substitute almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Natural peanut butter works but may require extra powdered sugar for stability.