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Homemade Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting: A Decadent Dessert Recipe

Indulge in this moist, homemade chocolate cake topped with creamy peanut butter frosting. A decadent dessert perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion!
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Ingredients Equipment Method

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

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or hand whisk
  • 9-inch round cake pans (2)
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack
  • Offset spatula or butter knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prepare the pans
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  3. Mix the dry ingredients
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
  5. Combine wet ingredients
  6. 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.
  7. Add boiling water
  8. Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin—this is normal!
  9. Bake the cakes
  10. 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.
  11. Prepare the peanut butter frosting
  12. 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.
  13. Assemble the cake
  14. 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.
  15. Decorate and serve
  16. For an extra touch, garnish the cake with chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, or a drizzle of melted chocolate. Slice and enjoy!