There’s nothing quite like the enchanting aroma of fresh-baked chocolate cake mingling with the creamy scent of peanut butter wafting through my kitchen. Every time I prepare this Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake for a crowd, it feels like a small celebration filled with laughter and satisfied smiles. Perfectly uniting the richness of chocolate and the warm, nutty flavor of peanut butter, this cake has become my go-to for gatherings where I want everyone to leave with a sweet memory—and a full belly.
What makes this cake truly special is not just its incredible flavor, but the fact that it’s surprisingly easy to whip up! The moist, tender crumb paired with the light and fluffy peanut butter frosting creates an irresistible dessert that serves 20 to 25 people, making it ideal for parties or family get-togethers. So, whether you’re aiming to impress guests or simply treating your loved ones, this crowd-friendly dessert promises to steal the show!
Why is Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake a must-try?
Irresistible Flavor: The Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake combines rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, delivering a heavenly taste experience.
Crowd-Favorite: Perfect for gatherings, this cake serves up to 25 people, ensuring that no guest leaves unsatisfied!
Simplistic Preparation: Designed for bakers of all skill levels, whipping this dessert up is a breeze.
Customizable: Option to add your favorite toppings like Reece’s or chocolate chips makes it uniquely yours.
Texture Delight: Enjoy a moist, soft cake topped with a light, fluffy frosting that’s utterly addictive.
Make your next party memorable with this delightful cake, and remember to check out our tips on how to perfectly store leftovers!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Ingredients
• Get ready to create magic!
For the Cake
- Flour – Provides structure and stability; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Cocoa Powder – Unsweetened cocoa contributes rich chocolate flavor; try Dutch-processed for an intense taste.
- Baking Powder – Helps the cake rise for a light texture; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
- Baking Soda – Works with baking powder for added lift; you can use more baking powder if needed.
- Sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture; opt for white sugar to keep the cake from becoming too damp.
- Salt – Enhances chocolate flavor; kosher salt is preferred for its clean taste.
- Eggs – Large eggs bind the ingredients and add richness; no need to bring to room temperature.
- Milk – Provides moisture; both low and full-fat options work, or go non-dairy with almond or oat milk.
- Vegetable Oil – Keeps the cake moist; can replace with canola or other neutral oils.
- Vanilla Extract – Elevates flavors; any quality extract will work beautifully.
- Instant Coffee Powder – Optional but beneficial; enhances the chocolate flavor without a coffee taste.
- Boiling Water – Activates cocoa, intensifying its flavor, creating a perfectly blended batter.
For the Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting
- Unsalted Butter – Whipped to create a light, airy consistency; make sure it’s softened but not overly melted.
- Soft Icing Sugar – Adds sweetness and a smooth texture; sift before use for the best results.
- Peanut Butter – Adds a rich, creamy flavor; be sure to use a spreadable variety, not pure natural peanut butter.
- Milk – Adjusts the frosting to your desired consistency; add as needed for a perfect spread.
- Toppings (optional) – Get creative with chocolate chips, melted chocolate, Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups, and chopped peanuts for that extra flair!
Dive into the delightful world of Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake, and make every gathering special!
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
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Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 23 x 33cm (9 x 13″) pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even blending.
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Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
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Add Boiling Water: Carefully stir in the instant coffee powder, followed by the boiling water. This will create a thin batter, but don’t worry—it’s perfect for baking!
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake it in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (~2 hours).
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Make Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Gradually add the sifted icing sugar, mixing in the peanut butter and a pinch of salt until the frosting is light and airy.
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Frost & Decorate: Once the cake has cooled, spread the peanut butter frosting generously over the top. For a colorful touch, drizzle with melted chocolate and top it off with chopped peanuts or Reece’s!
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Serve: Slice into generous portions and serve immediately, or store in the fridge for later enjoyment.
Optional: Drizzle with extra melted chocolate for a more indulgent finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake preparations are a game-changer for busy home cooks! You can prepare the cake batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking; simply cover it tightly to keep it fresh. Alternatively, bake the cake and allow it to cool completely, then refrigerate it for up to 3 days before frosting. For the peanut butter buttercream, you can whip it up in advance and refrigerate it for up to 1 week; just re-whip before spreading to regain its fluffy texture. When you’re ready to serve, frost the cake and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure it’s just as delicious and moist as if made fresh!
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
Fridge: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This helps retain its deliciously moist texture. Bring to room temperature before serving again.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
Reheating: If you prefer your cake warm, gently heat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will make the chocolate flavors pop again!
Cutting: When ready to serve after storage, use a sharp knife to slice clean pieces, keeping presentation just as lovely as when it was freshly baked.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize your cake with these delightful twists!
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Nut-Free: Replace peanut butter with sun butter for a nut-free alternative that maintains a creamy texture and rich flavor.
A hint of sunflower seed flavor adds a nutty note without the allergens. -
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
This way, everyone can enjoy this scrumptious cake without worry. -
Lower Sugar: Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or erythritol to make a lower-sugar version.
This swap helps cut calories while still delivering delightful sweetness! -
Chocolate Overload: Incorporate mini chocolate chips into the batter for added bursts of flavor.
Each bite will be a decadent surprise that chocolate lovers won’t resist! -
Seasonal Spice: Sprinkle in a teaspoon of cinnamon or a dash of pumpkin spice for a warm, seasonal feel.
This adds a lovely dimension that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and peanut butter. -
Enhanced Frosting: Mix in a tablespoon of cocoa powder into your frosting for a chocolatey twist.
This simple addition intensifies the flavor while keeping the frosting fluffy and smooth. -
Fruit Fusion: Top your cake with sliced strawberries or raspberries for a fruity refresh.
The bright acidity of the fruit beautifully contrasts the rich cake and frosting. -
Crunchy Surprise: Add chopped pretzels or crushed graham crackers on top for a salty-crunchy element.
This delicious twist balances the sweetness and adds an exciting texture to every slice.
What to Serve with Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake?
Indulging in a slice of rich Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is heavenly, but what makes it even better is knowing how to complement it with delightful sides.
- Coffee: A warm cup of coffee enhances the cocoa flavor and provides a comforting contrast to the cake’s sweetness.
- Milk: The classic pairing of milk balances the richness and creaminess of both the cake and frosting, making for a satisfying treat.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream adds a refreshing touch that contrasts beautifully with the dense chocolate texture. Serve a scoop atop the cake for an extra indulgent experience!
- Fresh Berries: Bright, tart berries like strawberries or raspberries cut through the cake’s sweetness and provide a pop of color on the plate.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream complements the dense nature of the cake perfectly, adding a lovely creaminess that enhances every bite.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over each slice elevates the dessert experience, deepening the chocolate flavor.
- Chopped Nuts: Adding a sprinkle of crunchy chopped peanuts or walnuts provides a delightful textural contrast to the soft cake and frosting.
- Mint Tea: For a refreshing beverage, mint tea offers a lovely herbal note that balances the cake’s richness well.
- Cheesecake Bites: Serve mini cheesecake bites alongside for an enjoyable variety of flavors and textures at your gathering.
Expert Tips for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
- Cool Completely: Ensure the cake is fully cooled before frosting; this prevents the frosting from melting and creates a clean finish.
- Sharp Knife for Slices: Use a sharp knife for cutting clean slices. Consider refrigerating the frosted cake for about 5 minutes to set the frosting.
- Measure Correctly: Be precise in measuring your dry ingredients to avoid a dense cake; too much flour can weigh it down.
- Boiling Water Trick: Don’t skip adding boiling water; this enhances the chocolate flavor, making your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake truly decadent!
- Don’t Rush the Frosting: Beating the frosting long enough ensures it becomes light and fluffy, creating the perfect texture to complement the cake.
- Optional Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Personalize your cake with chopped nuts or candies to make it unique and visually appealing.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe FAQs
How do I pick the best ingredients for my Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake?
Absolutely! When selecting ingredients, aim for fresh, high-quality items. Look for flour that hasn’t been sitting in your pantry for ages; it should be free of clumps. For cocoa powder, Dutch-processed gives a deeper flavor, while unsweetened offers a classic taste. Peeled or smooth peanut butter provides the best consistency for frosting—avoid natural types that separate.
How should I store my Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake?
Very! Store your cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This keeps it moist and delicious. If you find it hard to keep in one piece, let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavors to shine through!
Can I freeze Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake?
You can certainly freeze it! To do so, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, making sure they’re sealed snugly. It can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for a couple of hours.
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I’m having trouble with my cake’s texture; it’s too dense. What could be wrong?
If your cake came out dense, it might be from over-measuring your flour—scoop with a measuring cup rather than packing it in. You could also see if your baking powder and soda are still fresh; expired leavening agents can significantly affect the rise. Finally, ensure you fully whisk your wet and dry ingredients to avoid lumps!
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend includes a binding agent, such as xanthan gum, for better texture. The Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake will still be delightful while accommodating gluten-free diets without sacrificing taste.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Yes! Always check for allergies, especially with peanut butter and eggs, as these are common allergens. If serving guests, it’s wise to inform them of the ingredients used. For a nut-free option, you could try sun butter as a substitute in the frosting, and use gluten-free flour as needed!
Irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake for a Crowd Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease the pan and line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry mixture. Whisk until smooth.
- Stir in the instant coffee powder and boiling water to create a thin batter.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 45 minutes.
- Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat the unsalted butter until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Gradually add sifted icing sugar, then mix in the peanut butter until airy.
- Spread frosting generously over the cooled cake.
- Decorate with melted chocolate and optional toppings.
- Slice into portions and serve, or store in the fridge.