Baking enthusiasts and dessert lovers, rejoice! This homemade chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting will turn your kitchen into a gourmet paradise. Imagine a rich, moist chocolate cake with creamy, smooth peanut butter frosting that melts in your mouth. It creates an unforgettable flavor experience.

Crafting the perfect dessert recipes takes passion and skill. Our chocolate cake combines deep cocoa notes with the nutty richness of peanut butter. This creates a symphony of flavors that will impress family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something delicious, this recipe promises pure culinary joy.

Every slice of this homemade chocolate cake is a labor of love. Each ingredient is carefully selected for maximum taste and texture. From the first bite to the last crumb, you’ll see why this peanut butter frosting makes a simple cake into a show-stopping dessert that everyone will remember.

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and embark on a baking adventure. It will fill your home with irresistible aromas and create memories that last far beyond the last delicious bite.

Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Tools for Your Perfect Cake

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Peanut Butter Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter

4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream (plus more if needed)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Recommended Baking Equipment

Mixing bowls

Electric mixer or hand whisk

9-inch round cake pans (2)

Parchment paper

Cooling rack

Offset spatula or butter knife

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat and prepare the pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

2. Mix the dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.

3. Combine wet ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.

4. Add boiling water

Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin—this is normal!

5. Bake the cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Prepare the peanut butter frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until combined. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add more cream if needed to reach your desired consistency.

7. Assemble the cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake. Smooth the frosting with an offset spatula.

8. Decorate and serve

For an extra touch, garnish the cake with chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, or a drizzle of melted chocolate. Slice and enjoy!

Tips

Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter and frosting.
Chill the frosted cake for 15-20 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Baking at home turns simple moments into unforgettable memories. This chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting is more than a dessert. It’s a way to bring people together through delicious comfort foods.

Creating special birthday cakes like this one lets home bakers show off their creativity. It’s a chance to make treats that bring joy. The whole process is filled with love and connection.

FAQ

How long will this chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting stay fresh?

This cake stays fresh for 3-4 days at room temperature in an airtight container. Refrigeration extends its life to 5-6 days. Always let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Choose a 1:1 baking replacement flour with xanthan gum for the best texture. Make sure all your ingredients are gluten-free too.

Is it possible to make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance. Cool them completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store at room temperature. You can also freeze the unfrosted layers for up to 1 month for advance preparation.

What’s the best type of peanut butter to use for the frosting?

For creamy frosting, use creamy, no-stir peanut butter. Jif or Skippy work well. Avoid natural peanut butters that can make the frosting grainy.

Can I substitute the peanut butter frosting with another flavor?

Certainly! This chocolate cake is versatile. Try vanilla buttercream, chocolate ganache, or cream cheese frosting. The rich chocolate cake pairs well with many frosting flavors.

How can I make this cake look more decorative?

Get creative with decorations! Use chocolate shavings, chopped peanuts, or a drizzle of melted chocolate. Reese’s Pieces or peanut butter cups on top are also great. A piping bag can help with beautiful frosting designs.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, you can! Use dairy-free margarine or coconut oil instead of butter. Non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk works too. For the frosting, use dairy-free peanut butter and plant-based butter alternatives for a vegan version.

What’s the best way to ensure my cake doesn’t come out dry?

Don’t overbake. Check the cake a few minutes before the recommended time. Use the toothpick test. If it has just a few moist crumbs, it’s done. Cool the cake completely before frosting to keep it moist. Homemade Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting: A Decadent Dessert RecipeIndulge in this moist, homemade chocolate cake topped with creamy peanut butter frosting. A decadent dessert perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion! Print Recipe Pin Recipe EquipmentMixing bowlsElectric mixer or hand whisk9-inch round cake pans (2)Parchment paperCooling rackOffset spatula or butter knifeIngredients For the Chocolate Cake1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda1 teaspoon salt2 cups granulated sugar2 large eggs1 cup whole milk1/2 cup vegetable oil2 teaspoons vanilla extract1 cup boiling waterFor the Peanut Butter Frosting1 cup unsalted butter softened1 cup creamy peanut butter4 cups powdered sugar1/4 cup heavy cream plus more if needed1 teaspoon vanilla extractInstructions Preheat and prepare the pansPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.Mix the dry ingredientsIn a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.Combine wet ingredientsIn another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.Add boiling waterCarefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin—this is normal!Bake the cakesDivide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.Prepare the peanut butter frostingIn a large bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until combined. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add more cream if needed to reach your desired consistency.Assemble the cakePlace one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake. Smooth the frosting with an offset spatula.Decorate and serveFor an extra touch, garnish the cake with chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, or a drizzle of melted chocolate. Slice and enjoy!

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