Homemade Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting: A Decadent Delight
Making homemade chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting is the ultimate treat for those who love the combination of rich, moist chocolate and creamy, nutty peanut butter. This recipe combines the best of both worlds, creating a cake that’s not only indulgent but also surprisingly easy to make. Below is a step-by-step guide to crafting this perfect dessert.
Ingredients for Chocolate Cake and Peanut Butter Frosting
Chocolate Cake Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, hot
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
Peanut Butter Frosting Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 4-6 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Recipe for Homemade Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Chocolate Cake Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until smooth.
- Slowly pour in the hot brewed coffee and stir until combined. The batter will be thin, which is perfect for creating a moist cake.
3. Bake the Cake
- 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.
Making the Peanut Butter Frosting
1. Beat the Butter and Peanut Butter
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together until creamy and smooth.
2. Add the Powdered Sugar
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired spreading consistency.
3. Frost the Cake
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting over the top of one cake layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
For more inspiration on peanut butter desserts, check out Peanut Butter Blossoms.
Tips for the Perfect Cake
- Using Coffee in Chocolate Cake: Coffee intensifies the flavor of the chocolate, making it richer without giving the cake a coffee taste.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better cake texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Variations to Try
- Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers for extra indulgence.
- Peanut Butter Cup Topping: Sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups over the top of the cake for a fun and decadent twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
If you’re looking for a simpler chocolate treat, you might like Chocolate Magic Shell Yogurt Cup.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra special dessert.
For more tips on homemade desserts, visit Classic Homemade Donuts.
FAQs About Homemade Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
Q: Can I use natural peanut butter for the frosting?
A: Yes, but natural peanut butter may result in a slightly less creamy frosting. Ensure it’s well-stirred before using.
Q: How do I make this cake more moist?
A: Using buttermilk and hot coffee helps to keep the cake moist. You can also add a tablespoon of sour cream to the batter for extra moisture.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and frost them the next day. Store the layers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap.
Q: How long should I let the cake cool before frosting?
A: Let the cake cool completely, which takes about 2 hours. Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and slide.
Conclusion
This homemade chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting is the perfect dessert for chocolate and peanut butter lovers alike. The combination of moist, rich chocolate cake and creamy peanut butter frosting makes it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Make sure to explore similar recipes on ExoRecipes like No-Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake and Ultimate Peanut Butter Pie for more delicious dessert ideas.
