Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
This blog post was originally Oct 2013 and has been updated with new photos.
Hey there, and welcome back, friends.
You are in for a treat!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
Chocolate peanut butter cake is a peanut lover’s dream dessert! A dark chocolate cake recipe with peanut butter frosting makes this chocolate peanut butter cake decadent and delicious!
I originally created this cake to celebrate my hubby’s birthday. He is a HUGE peanut butter fan, and I don’t think I’ve met anyone who loves peanut butter as much as he.
When he knew I wanted to make him a chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting, he said, “didn’t I see someone top a cake with loads of Reese’s and peanut butter cups the other day? Do that!” The man knows what he wants and apparently spies on me. He was referring to this cake from Kristan.
Is this cake too much? Absolutely YES! It’s a dark chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter frosting, and as you can see, topped with a chocolate ganache glaze.
Would I ever want a birthday cake with this much peanut butter and chocolate? No. This Strawberry Lavender Cake is more my birthday cake style.
But it was his day, and as a chocoholic peanut butter lover, his dream did come true with this!
If you want more desserts with peanut butter and chocolate, try out these peanut butter high-hat cupcakes.
So the next time you want to celebrate a peanut butter lover, you HAVE to make them this chocolate peanut butter cake!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Ingredients
The ingredient list is long but it’s so worth it to make the chocolate and peanut butter cake.
The ingredients for the chocolate ganache are below.
- all-purpose flour
- cocoa powder
- baking powder & baking soda
- salt
- granulated sugar
- some hot water (or hot water plus hot coffee)
- dark chocolate
- unsalted butter
- vegetable oil
- pure vanilla extract
- a few large eggs
- creamy peanut butter
- powdered sugar
- some milk
- corn syrup
- garnishes like Reese’s cups and Reese’s pieces candy
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line and grease two 8-inch pans with parchment circles.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Mix together on low speed for 1 minute.
In a small bowl, whisk together the hot water, melted chocolate, butter, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
Add the eggs and whisk quickly until combined so they donโt cook.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients all at once. Mix on medium-low speed until all combined, about two minutes.
Divide batter equally into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out almost clean.
Cool cakes in a pan for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a cooling rack and allow to cool completely before frosting.
To make the peanut butter frosting for chocolate cake, in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and peanut on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
Add the rest of the ingredients and mix on low speed to combine. Increase speed to medium and mix until light and fluffy.
Fill and frost the cake with peanut butter frosting. Chill in the refrigerator while making ganache.
In a small saucepan, combine the butter, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract and heat over medium heat until the butter is melted. Reduce heat to low and stir in the chocolate until melted.
Remove from heat and stir in the powdered sugar. Whisk until smooth. Let glaze cool slightly until it appears to thicken.
Pour over the top of the frosted chilled cake and allow the drizzle to drip.
Let glaze set before topping with candy. Serve!
How to Store the Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake
Store refrigerated or in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
More Chocolate Peanut Butter Recipes
- No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie
- Peanut Butter High Hat Cupcakes
- Snickers Peanut Butter Cheesecake
- Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream
What do you think of this amazing Reese’s chocolate cake recipe? What would you serve with a slice of this cake? Let me know in the comment section below.
If you share across social media, make sure to tag #aclassictwist, so I can see your beautiful creation come to life!
Happy baking, friends!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
Chocolate peanut butter cakeย is a peanut loverโs dream dessert! A dark chocolate cake recipe with peanut butter frosting makes this chocolate peanut butter cake decadent and delicious!
Ingredients
Dark Chocolate Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups hot water (Or 1 cup hot water plus 1 cup hot coffee)
- 5 ounces dark chocolate, chopped and melted
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Peanut Butter Frosting:
- ยพ cup (1 ยฝ sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ยฝ teaspoon salt
- 1 ยฝ cups powdered sugar
- 1 ยฝ tablespoons milk
Chocolate Glaze:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoons corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
Instructions
For the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line and grease two 8-inch pans with parchment circles.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar. Mix together on low speed for 1 minute.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the hot water, melted chocolate, butter, vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Add the eggs and whisk quickly until combined so they don’t cook.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients all at once. Mix on medium-low speed until all combined, about two minutes.
- Divide batter equally into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out almost clean.
- Cool cakes in pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a cooling rack and allow to cool completely before frosting.
For Peanut Butter Frosting:
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and peanut on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and mix on low speed to combine. Increase speed to medium and mix until light and fluffy.
- Fill and frost cake with peanut butter frosting. Chill in refrigerator while making ganache.
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine the butter, milk, corn syrup and vanilla extract and heat over medium heat until butter is melted. Reduce heat to low and stir in the chocolate until melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in the powdered sugar. Whisk until smooth. Let glaze cool slightly until it appears to thicken. Pour over the top of frosted chilled cake and allow drizzle to drip. Let glaze set before topping with candy. Serve!
- Store refrigerated or in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
16Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 489Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 515mgCarbohydrates: 68gFiber: 3gSugar: 50gProtein: 7g
Oh my God. This cake is just too good to be true!! To say it looks amazing is understatement. I love peanut butter and chocolate together, but I love the topping even more!!
Thank you Christina! The glaze and candy do take the cake to a whole other level.
That’s so funny how he knew what other bloggers do with their cakes … you married one smart man! And girl, this cake is so incredibly gorgeous. I think these are my most favorite photos of yours. They are STUNNING. Wow. Thinking about how it would taste is making my mouth water like crazy! A chocoholic and peanut butter lover’s dream!
Thank you so much Mary for the sweet comment! I didn’t like the look of the glaze but after the pictures I got over it lol! I was shocked that he remembered that cake. He said he saw me pin it one day and it stood out.
I am like your husband, chocolate and peanut butter is my all-time favorite combination. I need this cake!!
Then you would love this cake! It’s been two days and there is only two slices left. He loved it and I’m sure you will too. (PS: your apple crumble cake is so on my list of to-do this weekend!)
Too much? Not on your (or your husband’s) birthday. Anything goes on birthdays!
This has to be my favorite flavor combos ever. Mmmmm!
Hhahah I know he didn’t think it was too much at all. In fact he walked in and his eyes light up when he saw the cake.
Happy birthday, indeed!!! I always thought this cake was beautiful. I’m the peanut butter lover in my family… I might need to make it for myself when my birthday comes around. ๐
You will have to make it for yourself. It’s worth it ๐
You are a good wife, Zainab! Happy birthday to your boy, and I’m sure he was pretty happy with that cake! It is a work of art! ๐ ๐ ๐
Thanks Allie! He was very happy with the cake and refused to share much except with his best buddy.
Can I face plant this?
You know, as I wrote the post I kept thinking to myself, Erin will definitely approve this cake!
Absolutely!
Happy belated birthday to your husband!!! I’d definitely love to have this cake for mine, it looks wonderful and that combo is one of my favorites ๐
Thanks Consuelo!
Happy birthday to your hubby! Your cake looks wonderful, Z! I’m with him…I’d rather have a PB and chocolate birthday cake…or any day cake. Thanks for sharing, girl!
Stacy thank you very much!!
I would totally fight your husband for this cake! the best combo! I have a cake plate that looks just like that! Now I just need that gorgeous cake on top….
I told him you would fight for this cake and he goes “Uhmm, yeah it is worth fighting for” lol! I got this cake plate at pottery barn after stalking it for weeks. It’s my favorite ๐
yes! my cake plate is from Pottery Barn also! I received it as a gift several years ago from some of my best friends! It is one of my prized possessions!
Hello again Zainab! This cake is beautiful and looks delicious. I am sure it was a great birthday for your husband with that cake.
I know how you feel though, I didn’t get any blogging (or anything on my list) done this weekend either. I also had a busy weekend! Hopefully its a great start to the week though for both of us ๐
Ciara thank you so much! He had a a great day after eating two slices of the cake :). How’s your week shaping up? Mine is just tumbling down as I am drowning from laziness. Hope you are standing strong ๐
Oh I bet it was after that cake, I am definitely drooling ๐ The week is shaping up pretty good. Laziness has been a issue for me too, but because this week has been exhausting. It seems my little one is determined to wear me out! LOL
Maybe this week will turn around for us both! Hope you are standing strong too ๐
Happy birthday to your husband!! What a cake to celebrate, this looks SO good!
Thanks Cathleen!
Wow — what a cake! The PB frosting looks perfectly smooth and creamy. And I love how you garnished it — such a cute way to use mini Reese’s cups and Reese’s Pieces.
BTW, I think your Strawberry Lavender cake would be more my speed, as well. This chocolate PB cake looks amazing, but I’ve always been a sucker for fruity cakes!
Thanks Jamie! I’m glad we are on the same wavelength for fruity cakes ๐
Happy belated birthday to your husband! He is a lucky man to get such a wonderful cake. I know I wouldn’t be able to stop at just 1 slice ๐
Thanks Christin. He didn’t stop at one..just so you know you are not alone ๐
My husband loves Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups but he’s never been a big fan of cake. This one might just change his mind…I’m tempted to try it for him upcoming birthday! And if he didn’t care for it (which I can’t imagine!), I guess I could reluctantly be persuaded to polish it off for him… ๐
I can’t see why he wouldn’t love this if he is PB cups fan. He might just have a slice or two and then you can enjoy the rest ๐
I am dying!!! This looks glorious–and perfect for my husband, who is also a huge Reese’s (and peanut butter) fan. While I might fall into your lavender birthday cake camp, I could definitely chow down on a big slice of this bad boy. Looks beautiful!
Thank you Amy!! I did enjoy a slice during the party but I’m always more excited about vanilla or fruity cakes.
Happy belated birthday to Mr. B!!
And can I just say how I absolutely agree that Mondays seem to come too fast!! In fact, I feel like time is absolutely FLYING!! I looked down and next thing I know, 3 weeks have passed!!
But I could absolutely be ok with that if this cake was involved!! I’m all about dark chocolate and peanut butter. I mean chocolate and peanut butter is a delightful combination but amp it up with some dark chocolate. I’m ALL.OVER.IT!!!
Emily it sucks!! I would like things to slow down please because I don’t want to blink and it’s Christmas.
Zainab, this is SO gorgeous!! I love me some chocolate and peanut butter. Simply Beautiful!!!
Thanks Erin!!
Mondays are definitely coming around too fast! Hope your husband had a great birthday. I’m sure he loved this cake.
Thanks Laura. He sure did!
Yummilicious! Chocolate and Peanut Butter are some of my favs! How exciting!
Thanks!
what a masterpiece! I would never have been able to cut that,but I bet it was beyond delicious
It was easy to cut Heather! Thanks for stopping by ๐
My birthday is in eight days and this is sooo the cake I’m asking for!!!
Yes, you should!! Happy Birthday in advance ๐
Oh my goodness, I want to dive right into that cake! I adore peanut butter, so this is right up my alley. I’m sure your husband loved this cake.
Thanks Natasha. He loved it and really almost dove in!
Oohh my goodness that is my dream cake!! It’s beautiful and looks sinfully delicious! I hope that you all had a great bday and I loved your photos of the run. Congrats!!
Thanks Michelle!! We had a great day and he was lucky to have 4 birthday parties in all. Between his family, our friends and just us, he enjoyed his day (or weekend!).
EPIC recipe! This cake looks AMAYYYYYZING.
Thanks Sarah!
Chocolate & Peanut Butter is my favorite!!! This cake needs to be in my life ASAP.
I agree! Wish I could transport it to you ๐
My sister has a cake similar to this one every year for her birthday, but yours looks much fancier than we ever make. I can’t wait to give it a try. Thanks so much for sharing. Have a great day!
Thanks Brooke! The glaze drizzled on top tends to make things fancier than they actually are ๐
Now THAT’s a party! Your cake is beautiful, love the way the chocolate is running down the sides:@)
Thank you Lynn!
oh I’m so jealous. Of the peanut butter. Of the chocolate drizzle. Of the candy on top. I just need a slice!
Thanks Steph!
WOW! this looks amazing! BRAVO! I love the way you decorated the cake and it looks super delicious! Thank you for sharing! Daniela
Thank you Daniela! Just found your blog and I love your decor ideas.
I’m a chocolate-peanut butter-aholic and so this cake is righttt up my alley! This looks like something that would be devoured far too quickly in my house, meaning I need to make it!
Thanks Rachel!!
This looks fabulous!!
This cake looks sooo delicious! I would love to have you share at my link party going on! http://www.madetobeamomma.com/2013/10/homemade-70.html
Thanks Katie! I just stopped by. I love your new look too. I’m glad the move went well.
Your hubs has good taste. I am just in lurrrrrrve with this fine specimen of deliciousity!
He likes to think so lol!
I’m in love with peanut butter and chocolate, and your cake looks AMAZING! I love how you decorated the cake. The Reese’s pieces and peanut butter cups along with the chocolate ganache – to die for!
Thank you very much Aida!
So strange! We both have Mr. Js and both have birthdays in October. Mine falls on 10.9 Crazy! This cake looks fabulous! What a special man!
It is so strange hahah! I asked him if he lived a double life today :p
Zainab, this cake looks absolutely incredible! Wow! Thank you so much for sharing it at Best of the Weekend! Pinning, of course! Have a great evening and enjoy the weekend!
Thank you so much for sharing Cindy! Have a great weekend ๐
Reese’s are my biggest weakness ever! I’m definitely pinning this!! It’s beautiful! Visiting from the SITS Sharefest!
Mandi the Reese’s unwrapped bites have been my latest weakness. I can’t seem to stop myself. Thanks for sharing!
You can’t go wrong with peanut butter + chocolate. What a beautiful cake!!
Clickin’ in from #SITSSharefest.
Thanks Shana!
This looks fantastic!! My husband’s birthday is this week and he just told me last night that he wants chocolate & peanut butter..this is PERFECT! He will flip for this! One question-how “dark” i.e. what is the cacao content of the chocolate you used? Thanks!!
Thanks Erin! I used Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa that is 100% cocoa. It was a dreamy decadent chocolate cake. Of course you don’t have to use dark, any cocoa will be fine. Let me know if your husband enjoys this. Mine asked for it next year already ๐
This just looks crazy good!!!
Thanks Erin!
wow so yummy looking!!
Thank you Shamene!
This cake is gorgeous! I especially love the candy on top. My dad’s birthday is next week and this would make a great cake to celebrate with.
Thanks Megan! I hope you try it for your dad ๐
I would totally eat the whole cake all by myself! Thanks for linking up with What’s Cookin’ Wednesday!
Thanks Karly for hosting each week!!
Holy Moses! This looks amazing!!
Thanks Val!
Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous and also totally over the top out of control. LOVE this!! I lie with a peanut butter chocolate junkie too and I am TOTALLY gonna make him this next time I have an excuse! Thanks so much for sharing this at Saturday Night Fever! Be sure to check back to see if you were featured and leave us some more goodies!
Thanks Heather. Peanut butter chocolate junkies are the best :). Thanks for hosting each week!
Yay for completing a 5k, Zainab! Ha, I would probably half run/half walk it as well. The longest I’ve run (when I say run, I mean jog) is about 2.75 miles without stopping.
I am in love with this cake. Seriously, if it was in front of me, I’d probably gobble all of it up. haha! Thanks so much for sharing at Marvelous Mondays. Pinning and sharing on all of the social media! Have a great week, Zainab!
Oh my that’s amazing! I stop every mile and a half and walk lol. I dislike running very much but it’s a great way to exercise and I try it once in a while. Otherwise, I can zumba all the way for my cardio! Thanks for sharing everywhere! You are truly amazing ๐
Chocolate & peanut butter is one of my favorite pairings, so I really can’t wait to give this cake a try! Pinned it! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
Thank Kim for sharing on Pinterest!! It’s a great cake if you ever get to try it ๐
Oh I have a few people in this house that would really appreciate that. Yum.
You almost made me lick my screen, this cake looks so delicious! I’m visiting from Marvelous Mon. party and pinning this delish recipe stat. I love LOVE chocolate pb anything, and your gorgeous photos won me over on this one for sure, not to mention 5 oz. of dark chocolate in the cake. Say what? YUM!!!
Thank you so much Jelli! I was drawn to the recipe because of all the melted chocolate in the batter…so rich!!
May I just say… this cake looks SO DANGED DELICIOUS! Great presentation and lovely photos! I just want to sit down and munch this baby NOW! I am just popping over from the Marvelous Monday Linkey. I’d LOVE it if you drop by my site at http://www.kneadedcreations.com and pay a visit! I will look forward to seeing you over there! Deb @Kneaded Creations
Thank you very much Deb!! You are too sweet. Heading over now to say hi ๐
Thank you so much for the recipe!! I made this for my husbands birthday too! It was the best cake I can remember ever eating. I don’t know if I will ever make a box cake again.
Angie, thank you so much for the lovely comment! I am happy you loved this cake and I hope your husband enjoyed it for his special day ๐ It’s so easy to make a wonderful cake from scratch and I am glad you think so now!! Hope you had a great holiday season. happy new year!! (PS: Sorry I missed your comments. been MIA since the holidays)
WOW!!!! I LOVE PB and this looks amazing!!! I can’t wait to make this for the Holiday.
Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!!
Courtney, I hope you got a chance to try this cake. It is amazing!!! Happy New Year ๐
This cake is fantastic. Made it for my husband’a birthday after he had proclaimed that he didn’t want a cake. He has since recanted.
Emma, thank you so much for the feedback!! So happy your husband recanted and loved this cake!! I mean, what do hubby’s know about what they want anyway?? So glad you made this cake. Happy New Year!!!
I just made this cake for a friend’s shower whose favorite dessert is “chocolate and peanut butter anything” and it was delicious! Thank you for sharing the recipe! I like your addition of toppings from the original recipe ๐
Allison, thank you so much for the feedback!! I am glad to hear that you loved the recipe ๐ My hubby loves peanut butter so I have some more peanut butter and chocolate combos here. Feel free to browse for later.
This cake is delicious!!! My boyfriend made it for me yesterday for my birthday! !!!! Thank you for sharing the recipe!
I made this for my husbands birthday tonight. My son and him went crazy over it. My husband said it is his favorite desert ever. I am not a talented froster but you gave great directions and it turned beautiful.
Erin, I am so happy to hear that the cake was a big hit!! Having peanut butter chocoholics is the best ๐
Hi- can I substitute the dark chocolate for unsweetened choc baking squares?
The cake looks amazing! I’m making it for my sons birthday this weekend.
Caroline, yes you can. Just make sure you chop up the baking squares to make it easier for melting. I hope your son enjoys this cake. I remade it this weekend for my family and it is still a big hit!!
oh my GAWD!!! I LOVE this!!! just had to tell you. . I see why this is your hubby’s fave. .
I made this cake yesterday. I thought everything turned out pretty well until I got to the chocolate glaze…mine doesn’t look like yours! It was thick and not drizzly at all! What did I do wrong?
Victoria, I’m sorry the glaze was so thick. It sounds like just a little milk or glaze will help make it spreadable. That’s what I do for most of my glazes.
Strawberry Lavendar sounds good, but this chocolate peanut butter cake is EXACTLY what I want for my birthday cake! Love it!
Making this cake today. Any special hints as to how I can have it turn out perfect?
To be honest it’s pretty easy! I’m sure you will make a great one. Let me know how it goes.