If you adore the rich combination of smooth peanut butter and decadent chocolate, then you are in for a treat with this irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe. This cake perfectly balances the nutty creaminess of peanut butter with luscious chocolate layers, creating a dessert that’s as comforting as it is show-stopping. Whether for a special celebration or just because you deserve a slice of happiness, this recipe brings joy with every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a few pantry staples and some iconic peanut butter treats makes this cake delightfully straightforward yet incredibly flavorful. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the moist yellow cake base to the peanut butter chips that add bursts of creamy texture and taste throughout.
- Yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces): The foundation of your cake, providing a light crumb and perfect structure to carry all the flavors.
- Chocolate instant pudding (3.4 ounces): Adds an extra layer of chocolate richness and moistness, making every bite melt in your mouth.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps stabilize the batter for a consistent texture throughout the cake.
- Large eggs (4): Essential for binding and lending moisture and richness.
- Water (½ cup): Balances the batter’s consistency for a tender crumb.
- Milk (1 cup): Enhances the cake’s softness and deepens its flavor.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm aromatic note that complements both chocolate and peanut butter beautifully.
- Creamy peanut butter (½ cup + ½ cup): Splitting it into the batter and frosting layers infuses that unmistakable peanut butter goodness throughout.
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips (5 ounces): Small pockets of peanut butter flavor and sweetness dotted in the cake layers.
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Miniatures (8 ounces, quartered): Chunky and melty bits folded into the cake for supreme indulgence.
- Chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Miniatures (¾ cup): For added texture and bursts of chocolate-peanut butter delight.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure an easy release. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, chocolate instant pudding, and all-purpose flour thoroughly. This blend of dry ingredients creates the perfect balance of flavor and texture that makes this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe extra special. Next, whisk in the eggs, water, milk, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and evenly mixed. Finally, fold in the creamy peanut butter, Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips, and quartered peanut butter cup miniatures. This mixture bursts with peanut butter and chocolate flavors and gives the cake its signature delightful surprises in every bite.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Place in the oven and bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma of chocolate and peanut butter will begin to fill your kitchen, teasing your taste buds with the promise of an extraordinary dessert. After baking, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial for the frosting to adhere perfectly and for clean, beautiful slices.
Step 3: Prepare the Frosting
While your cake cools, whip up the luscious peanut butter frosting by combining the remaining creamy peanut butter with chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Miniatures. This frosting adds just the right amount of sweetness and texture, complementing the moist cake layers like a match made in dessert heaven. Spread this creamy, dreamy frosting between the cooled cake layers and generously on the top and sides for that picture-perfect finish that will impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy a slice.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To take your cake presentation to the next level, sprinkle a handful of Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips or finely chopped peanut butter cups on top of your frosted masterpiece. For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle melted chocolate or add a dollop of whipped cream on each slice. These simple garnishes not only enhance the cake’s appearance but give every bite an exciting pop of texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
This cake stands as a star dessert, but pairing it with a few thoughtfully chosen sides makes your serving even more memorable. Consider a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to contrast the dense richness with creamy coldness, or fresh berries to add a refreshing burst of fruitiness. A cup of rich coffee or a glass of cold milk also pairs beautifully, bringing out the deep chocolate and peanut butter notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring a bit of fun and creativity to your table by serving your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe as individual mini cakes or cupcakes for parties. Alternatively, try layering it in a trifle bowl with whipped cream and crushed peanut butter cups for a stunning layered dessert. You can even stack smaller cake rounds with frosting between each layer to create impressive towers perfect for celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, which is highly likely because this cake disappears fast, store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensuring the cake stays covered prevents it from drying out and keeps the peanut butter frosting tasting fresh and luscious.
Freezing
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe cakes freeze wonderfully, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time. Wrap whole cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving. Individual slices can also be frozen for up to 2 months, wrapped carefully in plastic wrap and stored in a resealable freezer bag.
Reheating
When you want to enjoy leftovers slightly warm, especially on chillier days, gently warm your slice in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This short burst brings the peanut butter frosting to just the right spreadable temperature without melting it completely, enhancing the cake’s soft and gooey texture.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
You can substitute natural peanut butter, but keep in mind it may alter the texture slightly since natural versions tend to be less smooth and sometimes oilier. To maintain the cake’s consistency, it’s best to use creamy peanut butter as recommended in the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe.
Do I need to use Reese’s products specifically?
While Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips and Miniatures are iconic and add the fullest flavor experience, you can use other peanut butter cups or chips if preferred. Just choose good-quality chocolates and peanut butter candies to preserve the rich peanut butter and chocolate balance this recipe shines with.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
This recipe calls for yellow cake mix and flour that contain gluten, but you can try substituting with a gluten-free yellow cake mix and a gluten-free flour blend. The texture might differ slightly, but the flavors of the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe will still come through beautifully.
How long does the cake stay fresh at room temperature?
Because of the creamy peanut butter frosting, it’s best to keep the cake refrigerated if not consuming within a couple of hours. At room temperature, freshness may only last around 2 to 3 hours before the frosting risks melting or spoiling.
Can I double the recipe for a larger gathering?
Absolutely! This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe scales well; just double all ingredients and bake in appropriately sized pans. Bake times may vary slightly with larger pans, so keep an eye on the cake as it bakes to avoid over- or undercooking.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe is a celebration of two beloved flavors combined into one unforgettable dessert. It’s irresistible, comforting, and perfect for sharing. If you’re craving a cake that delights both chocolate and peanut butter lovers, give this recipe a try—you’ll be handing out smiles with every slice!
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake combines the rich flavors of chocolate and creamy peanut butter in a moist and fluffy yellow cake base enhanced with chocolate pudding. Topped with peanut butter chips and chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Miniatures, this dessert offers a luscious peanut butter and chocolate experience perfect for parties or special occasions.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 15.25 ounces yellow cake mix (432 grams, 1 box, such as Betty Crocker)
- 3.4 ounces chocolate instant pudding mix (96 grams, 1 box)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (15 grams)
- 4 large eggs (200 grams)
- ½ cup water (114 grams)
- 1 cup milk (227 grams)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (4 grams)
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter (135 grams, Jif recommended)
Topping and Filling
- 5 ounces Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips (142 grams, ½ bag)
- 8 ounces Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Miniatures (227 grams, cut into quarters; do NOT use Peanut Butter Cup Baking Cups)
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter (135 grams, Jif recommended)
- ¾ cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Miniatures (128 grams; do NOT use Peanut Butter Cup Baking Cups)
- Additional Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips and chopped Peanut Butter Cups Miniatures for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, chocolate instant pudding mix, and all-purpose flour. Add the eggs, water, milk, vanilla extract, and ½ cup creamy peanut butter. Beat the mixture on medium speed until well blended and smooth, ensuring the peanut butter is fully incorporated into the batter.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into a greased bundt or tube pan. Evenly sprinkle the 5 ounces of Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips and quartered Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Miniatures over the top of the batter. Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool and Add Filling: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely. When cooled, gently slice the cake horizontally to create a layer. Spread ½ cup creamy peanut butter mixed with the ¾ cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Miniatures between the layers.
- Garnish and Serve: Decorate the top of the cake with additional Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips and chopped peanut butter cup miniatures as desired. Slice into 8-8 slices and serve. Enjoy your rich, chocolate peanut butter creation!
Notes
- Do not use Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Baking Cups for the chopped decorations; use miniatures instead.
- The peanut butter used should be creamy for easiest mixing.
- Make sure to fully incorporate the peanut butter into the batter for best texture and flavor.
- Use a bundt or tube pan to ensure even baking.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and adding the filling to prevent it from crumbling.
