If you love rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, this Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is the ultimate dessert! This cake combines moist chocolate layers, a smooth peanut butter frosting, and a luscious chocolate ganache—creating the perfect balance of flavors.
It’s easy to make, indulgent, and perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a craving for something incredibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Super Moist & Rich – Thanks to cocoa powder and buttermilk.
✔️ Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting – Sweet, nutty, and smooth.
✔️ Decadent Chocolate Ganache – For an elegant, glossy finish.
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple steps for bakery-style results.
✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion – A showstopper for birthdays, holidays, or celebrations!
Ingredients for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee (enhances chocolate flavor)
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped peanuts 🥜
- Mini peanut butter cups 🍫
- Chocolate shavings
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
✔️ Two 9-inch cake pans – For perfect layers.
✔️ Mixing Bowls & Whisk – For easy batter preparation.
✔️ Electric Mixer – To whip up the frosting.
✔️ Cake Stand or Plate – For assembling the cake.
✔️ Offset Spatula – For smooth frosting application.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and brown sugar.
In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until smooth.
Stir in hot coffee (the batter will be thin—this is normal!).
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat peanut butter and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, followed by heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache
Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until warm (but not boiling). Pour over chocolate chips in a bowl, let sit for 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract and let cool slightly.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread a thick layer of peanut butter frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and cover the entire cake with frosting.
Pour the chocolate ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
Step 6: Decorate & Serve
Garnish with chopped peanuts, mini peanut butter cups, or chocolate shavings.
Slice and enjoy this chocolate-peanut butter masterpiece! 🍫🥜🎂
What to Serve with Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
🥛 With a glass of milk – A classic pairing.
☕ With a cup of coffee – Complements the deep chocolate flavor.
🍦 With vanilla ice cream – For an extra indulgent treat.
🍷 With dessert wine or Baileys – Perfect for a fancy dessert moment!
Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
✔️ Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Helps everything mix smoothly.
✔️ Don’t Overmix the Batter – This keeps the cake light and fluffy.
✔️ Let Cakes Cool Completely – Frosting melts on warm cakes.
✔️ Want More Peanut Butter Flavor? – Add ½ cup peanut butter chips to the batter.
✔️ Refrigerate Before Serving – Chilling the cake helps the ganache set beautifully.
How to Store & Freeze
Storing:
- Keep cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing:
- Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
- Freeze fully assembled cake for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use natural peanut butter?
It’s best to use creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) for a smooth, stable frosting.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cake layers a day in advance and frost before serving.
Can I make cupcakes instead?
Absolutely! Bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes for delicious chocolate peanut butter cupcakes.
Is the coffee necessary?
The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor but doesn’t make the cake taste like coffee. You can substitute hot water if needed.
Final Thoughts – Why You NEED to Try This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake!
This Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is a rich, moist, and perfectly balanced dessert that’s bursting with chocolate and peanut butter goodness. Whether for a birthday, holiday, or indulgent weekend treat, this cake is guaranteed to impress!
Try this recipe and let me know what you think! Tag me on Pinterest or Instagram with your chocolate peanut butter cake creations—I’d love to see them! 🍫🥜✨
More Delicious Cake Recipes to Try:
- Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake – A gorgeous layered cake!
- Classic Peanut Butter Blondies – Soft, chewy, and packed with peanut butter.
- Moist Chocolate Fudge Cake – A chocolate lover’s dream.
Now, grab your ingredients and let’s get baking! 🎂🔥