This Decadent Chocolate and Peanut Butter Layer Cake is a luxurious treat for all the senses. The cake features layers of rich, moist chocolate cake, each enveloped in a creamy, smooth peanut butter buttercream. Topped with a silky chocolate ganache that drips down the sides, it's adorned with peanut butter cups and salted peanuts for added texture and flavor. This cake is an ode to the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter, making it a perfect choice for celebrations or indulgent desserts.
Why You'll Love This Cake:
- Chocolate and Peanut Butter Heaven: A timeless flavor pairing that never fails to delight.
- Moist and Rich Layers: The chocolate cake is tender and full of deep chocolate flavor.
- Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting: The buttercream is smooth and rich, with the perfect balance of peanut butter sweetness.
- Elegant Chocolate Ganache: Adds a touch of sophistication and enhances the chocolatey goodness.
- Decorative and Delicious: Topped with peanut butter cups and chopped peanuts for both beauty and taste.
Ingredients:
Chocolate Cake:
- 2 1/4 cups (300g) all-purpose flour (see notes for GF option)
- 1 cup (90g) Dutch process cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (110g) vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs, room temp
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (235ml) milk, room temp
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 3/4 cup (180ml) hot water
- 1 tbsp instant espresso powder
Peanut Butter Buttercream:
- 1/2 cup (110g) unsalted butter, room temp
- 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups (220g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
Chocolate Ganache:
- 2 oz dark chocolate
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
- Peanut butter cups, regular and mini, for decoration
- Chopped salted roasted peanuts, for decoration
Instructions:
- Prepare Cake Layers: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line 3 6" cake pans. Mix milk and vinegar; set aside. Whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla, and milk-vinegar mixture. Combine hot water and espresso powder, then mix into the wet ingredients. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Divide batter among pans and bake for 35-40 minutes. Cool in pans, then on a rack.
- Make Peanut Butter Buttercream: Cream butter and peanut butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then milk, until creamy.
- Assemble the Cake: Level and halve each cake layer. Spread buttercream between layers, smoothing edges for a naked cake look. Chill the cake.
- Prepare Chocolate Ganache: Heat cream until steaming, then pour over chocolate. Let sit, then whisk. Chill ganache for 15 minutes. Test and drip ganache over the chilled cake. Refrigerate to set.
- Decorate: Once ganache is set, decorate with peanut butter cups and chopped peanuts.
Indulge in this decadent treat, where every layer and every bite is a celebration of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. Enjoy this luxurious dessert that's sure to impress! 🍫🥜🍰