Description
A decadent and moist chocolate cake layered with creamy peanut butter frosting, topped with a smooth chocolate ganache drip and garnished with mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers seeking a rich, indulgent dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water or brewed coffee
Peanut Butter Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar, to desired consistency
- ¼ cup heavy cream or milk, as needed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Chocolate Ganache Drip
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
Garnish
- Approximately 20 mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until fully combined and no clumps remain.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Pour in the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Add Hot Liquid: Slowly incorporate the hot water or coffee into the batter while whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth. Expect a thinner batter at this stage.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together on medium speed until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Add Sugar and Liquid: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and salt. Adjust the consistency with cream or milk as needed and then beat on high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of peanut butter frosting evenly on top. Place the second cake layer over it and apply a thin crumb coat of frosting over the entire cake to seal in crumbs. Chill the cake for 15 minutes to set this layer.
- Frost the Cake: Apply the remaining frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake, smoothing with a spatula and swirling the top decoratively if desired.
- Make the Ganache: Heat the heavy cream until hot but not boiling, then pour it over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a bowl. Let it sit for 2 minutes before stirring gently until completely smooth and glossy. Allow the ganache to cool slightly to thicken.
- Add the Ganache Drip: Using a spoon or squeeze bottle, carefully drizzle the ganache around the edges of the frosted cake so it drips down the sides. Spread some ganache in the center of the top if you like a glossy finish.
- Decorate the Cake: Arrange mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups evenly along the top edge of the cake for a festive and indulgent garnish. Chill the finished cake until ready to serve for best presentation.
Notes
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use brewed coffee instead of hot water in the cake batter.
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- The frosting consistency can be adjusted with more or less powdered sugar and cream depending on preference.
- Chilling the cake after the crumb coat ensures cleaner frosting application.
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator to keep the frosting firm and fresh.
- Bring the cake to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and softness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cake, chocolate cake, peanut butter frosting, chocolate ganache, dessert, chocolate peanut butter cake
