Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a treat that pairs the timeless duo of cocoa and creamy peanut butter in the fluffiest, most decadent way, then this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine three rich chocolate layers, each slathered with thick, luscious peanut butter frosting, finished with a glossy drizzle of chocolate sauce—every bite is pure nostalgia and comfort. Whether it’s a celebration or a just-because-you-deserve-it day, this cake brings together all the crowd-pleasing flavors you love, wrapped up in a dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, and every item truly matters in building flavors, moisture, and the irresistibly tender crumb that makes this cake unforgettable. Quality chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and pantry staples all play their part in achieving the ultimate Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe experience.
- 2 cups all purpose flour: Provides the cake’s foundation—sift for best texture and no lumps.
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor—use Dutch-process if you want a super-rich hue.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder & 2 teaspoons baking soda: Ensures your layers rise evenly for that perfect, airy crumb.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances every other flavor.
- 2 cups water: Keeps the cake extra moist and helps dissolve the sugar.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just right—don’t skimp!
- 5 oz dark chocolate (chopped): Adds real chocolate depth and a luxurious texture to each bite.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter: Lends rich taste and an undeniably tender crumb.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Increases moisture for a cake that stays soft for days.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A flavor booster, bringing warmth to both cake and frosting.
- 2 large eggs: Binds everything together and gives the cake lovely structure.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature: Forms the creamy base of your peanut butter frosting.
- 1 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter: The star for a smooth, nutty frosting—use your favorite brand.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Deepens the frosting’s flavor and aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Offsets sweetness for a perfectly balanced frosting.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the peanut butter frosting to the ideal spreadable consistency.
- 2 tablespoons evaporated milk (or regular milk): Lightens the frosting—as needed for that dreamy, fluffy texture.
- Chocolate sauce: For that beautiful, decadent finish—store-bought or homemade both work.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Butter three 8-inch round cake pans liberally, making sure to coat every corner to prevent sticking. Set them aside while you prepare the batter—this step ensures your cakes will release effortlessly and look picture-perfect.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl. This not only evenly disperses the leaveners and cocoa but also helps avoid lumps in your batter, guaranteeing a silky-smooth Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe texture.
Step 3: Prepare Chocolate Mixture
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, bring water and granulated sugar to a boil. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves—about a minute. Immediately remove from the heat, add the chopped dark chocolate and butter, and stir until everything is utterly melted and glossy. Pop this mixture into the fridge for 10 minutes; chilling prevents the eggs from scrambling later and improves the final crumb of your cake.
Step 4: Combine and Finish Batter
Once your chocolate mixture has cooled, whisk in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Add the eggs quickly (so they don’t cook from any residual heat), beating until the mixture is thick and cohesive. Now gently fold in your dry ingredients, mixing just until the batter comes together. The key here is not to overmix—stop as soon as you no longer see dry flour for the fluffiest Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe layers.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly among your prepared pans and slide them into the oven. Bake for 20 to 23 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. This brief baking time ensures your cakes are tender and avoid drying out. Cool the cakes in their pans until they’re just warm before turning out—they’re delicate when hot but will firm up beautifully as they cool.
Step 6: Whip Up the Peanut Butter Frosting
Cream together the room-temperature butter and creamy peanut butter with a mixer until the blend is smooth and airy. Next, add vanilla and salt for a flavor boost. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, half a cup at a time. Don’t rush—scraping down the sides frequently to blend everything. Once all the sugar’s in and the mixture looks a little dry, beat in milk, a teaspoon at a time, until the frosting is cloud-like and easily spreadable.
Step 7: Assemble and Frost
Now for the fun: stack your cake layers with thick swaths of frosting in between each. Coat the top and sides with a thin ‘crumb coat,’ then pop in the freezer for 10 minutes. This helps lock in loose crumbs. Finish up with a final generous layer of peanut butter frosting all around the outside. Pour over the chocolate sauce for a beautiful, glossy finish. Decorate as you like—sprinkles, chopped peanuts, or mini chocolate chips are all lovely.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe

Garnishes
Take your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe to the next level by topping with a creative flourish! Try a shower of chopped roasted peanuts, curls of dark chocolate, a scatter of mini peanut butter cups, or simply a swirl of extra chocolate sauce. These touches add eye-catching beauty and bring even more flavor to every bite.
Side Dishes
This cake easily holds its own, but if you want a complete dessert spread, serve each slice with a small scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream. Fresh berries (like raspberries or strawberries) on the side offer a tart counterpoint, and a tall glass of cold milk, hot coffee, or robust black tea always matches perfectly with a rich Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe slice.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, transform your cake into cute minis by baking the batter as cupcakes or in mini springform pans—ideal for parties or gifting! Or, serve slices on a swirl of chocolate and peanut butter sauces for stunning plated desserts. For extra flair, layer cake and frosting in clear jars and seal with a ribbon for adorable take-home treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe keeps beautifully. Simply cover any exposed edges with plastic wrap or store slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigerate it for up to a week; just let slices warm up to room temp for the softest bite.
Freezing
If you want to stash some cake away, freeze unfrosted cake layers tightly wrapped in plastic and foil for up to three months. You can also freeze fully assembled slices: freeze them on a tray first, then wrap and store. Always thaw in the fridge overnight for best frosting texture—they’ll taste just as delicious as fresh!
Reheating
For that fresh-out-of-the-oven effect, enjoy your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe slice at room temperature or give it 10–15 seconds in the microwave for a just-warm center and slightly gooey frosting. Be careful not to overheat—it melts fast because of the butter and chocolate!
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter in the frosting?
For best results, stick to creamy, shelf-stable peanut butter rather than natural, which can separate and create a runny or oily frosting. Choose a classic creamy option for the silkiest, fluffiest consistency in your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe.
Is this cake recipe suitable for cupcakes?
Absolutely! Simply divide the batter among lined muffin tins, filling each about two-thirds full, and bake for 15–18 minutes. You’ll get perfect individual treats with all the iconic flavor of the full Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe.
Can I bake the cake layers ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the layers a day or two in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature, then assemble with frosting and chocolate sauce when you’re ready to serve. This makes entertaining much less stressful!
What if I don’t have three matching cake pans?
No problem! You can bake the layers in shifts if you only have one or two pans—or make a two-layer cake with slightly thicker layers. Just adjust the baking time as needed and test for doneness with a toothpick.
How do I make my chocolate sauce glossy?
A little bit of butter or corn syrup whisked into warm chocolate sauce gives it a gorgeous, shiny finish for topping your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe. Warm gently and pour right before serving for the prettiest presentation!
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe is the kind of dessert that makes everyday moments feel special and big celebrations absolutely unforgettable. It’s surprisingly simple, outrageously delicious, and destined to wow anyone lucky enough to share a slice. Whip it up, savor every bite, and don’t be surprised if it’s requested again and again!
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 1 3-layer cake 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake. Moist chocolate layers filled with creamy peanut butter frosting and topped with a luscious chocolate sauce, this cake is a true delight for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 5 oz dark chocolate (chopped)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons evaporated milk (or regular milk)
Chocolate Sauce:
- Ingredients for chocolate sauce not specified
Instructions
- Cake: Preheat oven. Prepare cake pans. Whisk dry ingredients. Melt chocolate and butter. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Bake.
- Frosting: Cream butter and peanut butter. Add vanilla, salt, and powdered sugar. Beat in milk until fluffy.
- Assembly: Layer and frost the cakes. Chill. Apply final frosting layer. Top with chocolate sauce.
Notes
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder.
- Ensure cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Adjust sweetness of frosting to taste by adding more or less powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-23 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake, Peanut Butter Frosting, Chocolate Sauce, Layer Cake, Dessert Recipe