Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake: 1…

Name: Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup peanut butter; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup milk

Author: Olivia Bexley

December 5, 2025

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Okay, friends, gather ’round ’cause I’m about to spill the beans on my absolute favorite dessert: **Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake!** Seriously, if there’s one thing I’ve perfected over the years, it’s this cake. I’ve been baking since I was knee-high to a grasshopper, helping my grandma in the kitchen, and let me tell you, this recipe has been through a LOT of iterations. It started with a basic chocolate cake, then I went on a quest to find the *perfect* peanut butter frosting to match! Years of experimenting, countless taste tests (tough job, I know!), and many happy smiles later, and ta-da! This is it.

A slice of Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake on a plate, showing layers of cake and frosting.

You know, there’s just something about that chocolate and peanut butter combo that’s pure magic. And trust me, you’ll be the star of the show with this recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a holiday, or just because it’s Tuesday! So, let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake

Oh honey, listen up! This **Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake** is going to become your new best friend. Seriously, here’s why:

Quick & Easy: I promise, even if you’re a beginner, you got this! It’s less fuss than you think.
Flavor Explosion: The chocolate cake is rich and decadent, and that peanut butter frosting? Forget about it!
Crowd-Pleaser: Bring this to your next gathering, and watch it disappear. Guaranteed.
Satisfying: Trust me, one bite and you’ll be in heaven. It’s the perfect treat to cure any craving.

It’s the best of both worlds, friends!

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake

Alright, you ready to gather your ingredients? You won’t believe how simple it is to whip up this amazing **Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake**! Here’s what you’ll need. Make sure you’ve got everything before you start – it makes things so much smoother, trust me!

For the Cake:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (that deep dark kind!)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk (this keeps it so moist!)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs (room temperature, if you can!)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (the good stuff!)
1 cup boiling water

For the Frosting:

1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, your call!)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened.
3 cups powdered sugar (sifted, for extra smoothness!)
1/2 cup milk (any kind works)

See? Nothing too crazy, I bet you already have most of this in your pantry! Now, let’s get baking!

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake

Alright, friends, here’s the fun part! Let’s get this delicious **Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake** baked and ready to eat! Don’t you worry, I’ll walk you through it, step by step. Trust me, it’s easier than it looks.

A slice of Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake on a plate, showing layers of cake and frosting.

Get Ready, Get Set, Preheat! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). And, while it’s heating up (which takes a few minutes, right?), grease and flour that 9×13 inch baking pan of yours. This is super important, or we’ll have a cake sticking crisis on our hands!
Dry Ingredients Unite! In a big bowl (the bigger, the better!), whisk together all the dry ingredients for the cake: the flour, sugar, cocoa powder (that deep dark kind!), baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is nice and combined, like a happy little dry party.
Wet Ingredients Enter the Stage! Add in the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Now, give it a good beat until everything’s mixed. It might seem like a lot of liquid at first, but don’t worry, it’ll come together!
The Boiling Water Magic! This step is key! Very slowly, and carefully (because, hot!), whisk in that boiling water. The batter will thin out a bit, but that’s what we want. This is a game changer for a super moist cake!
Bake it ‘Til It’s Done! Pour the batter into your prepared pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, but keep an eye on it! Oven times can vary.
Toothpick Time! You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If it’s still got batter on it, give it a few more minutes.
Cool Down, Buttercups! Let that cake cool completely in the pan before you frost it. It’s tough, I know, but trust me, we don’t want a melting, sliding frosting situation. Patience, grasshopper, patience!
Frosting Time: Creamy Goodness! While the cake’s cooling, let’s get that frosting made! Beat the peanut butter and butter together in a bowl until it’s light and fluffy.
Sugar & Milk for the Win! Gradually add the powdered sugar and milk, beating until smooth and perfectly spreadable. You might need a little more or less milk to get the right consistency.
Frost & Devour! Frost that beautiful cake, cut yourself a big slice, and ENJOY!

Close-up of a slice of Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake on a wooden board, showing layers of cake and frosting.

See? Easy peasy! Now, go forth and bake!

Tips for Success: Perfecting Your Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake

Okay, friends, let’s talk about some little tricks to guarantee a *perfect* **Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake** every single time! Trust me, these are things I’ve learned the hard way. First, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature – it helps them blend beautifully. Don’t overmix the batter; that can make the cake tough. And for the frosting? Taste as you go, and adjust the milk until it’s that perfect spreadable consistency. Oh! And to make cutting clean slices, pop the cake in the fridge for about 30 minutes before frosting. You’re welcome!

Variations: Spice Up Your Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake

Okay, friends, let’s get creative! I love this **Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake** the way it is, but sometimes you gotta shake things up, right? Here’s a few ideas to spice things up!

You can get creative with it! Add a dash of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cake batter for a little kick. Or, stir in some chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a handful of dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor. Don’t be shy – baking is all about experimenting!

Serving Suggestions to Complement Your Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake

Okay, so you’ve made this amazing **Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake**… but what do you serve *with* it? Don’t worry, I got you! Honestly, this cake is perfect all on its own, but if you want to take things up a notch, here are a couple of ideas! A big glass of cold milk is ALWAYS a winner. Or, a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Maybe a hot cup of coffee? You can’t go wrong! Go crazy and add whipped cream! Yum!

Storage & Reheating: Preserving Your Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake

Alright, so you made this magnificent **Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake**, and now you have leftovers (lucky you!). Here’s the deal on keeping it fresh as long as possible.

A slice of Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake on a plate, showing layers of cake, peanut butter filling, and chocolate frosting.

For the best results, store your cake in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. If you’re going to eat it within a day or two, room temperature is fine. But for longer storage, pop it in the fridge! It will last for about a week in the fridge. To reheat a slice, microwave it for about 15-20 seconds. It will be like it’s fresh outta the oven!

Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake

Alright, so I know you’re probably just itching to dig into that glorious **Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake**, but let’s quickly answer some common questions first. That way, you’re fully prepared to be a baking superhero! Trust me, these are things people always ask!

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! That’s the beauty of this **Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake**. You can bake the cake layers a day or two in advance and store them wrapped tightly at room temperature (or in the fridge). Make the peanut butter frosting right before serving to keep it nice and fresh, but either way it’s delicious! This makes it a great option for parties or busy weeks.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Oh girl, this is IMPORTANT! Never fear sticking again! Greasing *and* flouring your baking pan is KEY. I like to use a little baking spray, then dust with flour, tapping out the excess. You can also use parchment paper cut to fit the bottom of your pan for extra insurance. It’s truly a game-changer and ensures that perfect cake release every time.

Can I use a different type of chocolate in the recipe?

Oops, yes! You certainly can! Feel free to experiment with different cocoa powders. Just remember that it will impact the flavor. Dark cocoa powder will give a much more intense chocolate flavor. So, that way it won’t overpower the peanut butter. Either way this **Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake** is delicious!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake

Alright, so you’re probably wondering about the nitty-gritty, right? Okay, so here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional info for a single slice of this delicious **Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake**: Please remember, these are just estimates, and they could vary a bit depending on ingredients. But, here’s what you’re looking at!

Calories: About 350
Fat: Around 20g
Sugar: Roughly 35g
Protein: About 5g
Carbohydrates: Around 40g

Enjoy every bite, my friends!