Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Layer Cake
Indulge in this luxurious Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Layer Cake that combines rich devil's food cake with creamy peanut butter frosting, all drizzled with a glossy chocolate ganache. This cake is perfect for special occasions and celebrations, like birthdays, and is surely a crowd-pleaser. Each bite delivers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it an unforgettable dessert experience. Impress your family and friends with this show-stopping treat that's as easy to make as it is delicious!
N/A
Servings
215
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Devil's food cake mix
1 (18-ounce box)
Water
1 (cup)
Eggs
3 (large)
Vegetable oil
2/3 (cup)
Cream cheese
8 (ounces, softened)
Butter
6 (tablespoons, softened)
Peanut butter
2/3 (cup)
Powdered sugar
3 (cups)
Chocolate chips
8 (ounces)
Light corn syrup
2 (tablespoons)
Half-and-half
1/2 (cup)
Reese's Peanut Butter cups
2 (chopped)
Instructions
1
1. Start by allowing the cream cheese and butter to come to room temperature for optimal mixing.
2
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the devil's food cake mix, water, eggs, and vegetable oil. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until well combined and smooth.
3
3. Prepare your cake pans by greasing them with cooking spray or butter. Evenly pour the batter into three 8-inch round pans or two 9-inch round pans, depending on your preferred layer height.
4
4. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cakes are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the layers to cool in the pans for 15 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
5
5. For the peanut butter frosting, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and peanut butter together in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
6
6. Gradually add powdered sugar, one half-cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. Avoid licking the beaters until you're done—it's tempting!
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7. Once the cakes have completely cooled, stack them with layers of peanut butter frosting in between. Frost the top and sides of the cake, then place it in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the ganache.
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8. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and corn syrup. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then microwave for another 30 seconds, continuing to stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Avoid overheating.
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9. Whisk in the half-and-half until the ganache is fully combined and glossy.
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10. With the cake chilled, take it out of the fridge and slowly pour the warm ganache over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides for a beautiful finish.
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11. Finally, chop the Reese's Peanut Butter cups and sprinkle them generously over the ganache for added crunch and flavor.
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12. Chill the completed cake for 30 minutes, uncovered, to set the ganache before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
11.5g
Fat
27.8g
Carbs
2.6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Layer Cake?
It is a luxurious dessert that combines rich devil's food cake with creamy peanut butter frosting and a glossy chocolate ganache.
What kind of cake mix is required for this recipe?
You will need one 18-ounce box of devil's food cake mix.
How many eggs are used in the cake batter?
The recipe calls for 3 large eggs.
How much water is added to the cake mix?
One cup of water is required for the batter.
What amount of vegetable oil is needed?
You should use 2/3 cup of vegetable oil.
What size cake pans can be used?
You can use either three 8-inch round pans or two 9-inch round pans.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the cake layers need to bake?
The cakes should bake for 25-30 minutes.
How do I know when the cakes are finished baking?
The cakes are done when they are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should the cakes cool in the pans?
Allow the layers to cool in the pans for 15 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack.
What ingredients are needed for the peanut butter frosting?
The frosting requires cream cheese, butter, peanut butter, and powdered sugar.
Should the cream cheese and butter be at room temperature?
Yes, they should be softened to room temperature for optimal mixing.
How much peanut butter is used in the frosting?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of peanut butter.
How much powdered sugar is added to the frosting?
Three cups of powdered sugar are used in the frosting.
How should the powdered sugar be mixed in?
Gradually add the powdered sugar one half-cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
What are the ingredients for the chocolate ganache?
The ganache is made from 8 ounces of chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons of light corn syrup, and 1/2 cup of half-and-half.
How is the chocolate melted for the ganache?
Microwave the chocolate chips and corn syrup in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
How do I make the ganache glossy?
Whisk in the half-and-half until the mixture is fully combined and glossy.
When should the ganache be poured over the cake?
Pour the warm ganache over the top after the frosted cake has been chilled in the refrigerator.
What is the recommended topping for the cake?
The cake is topped with 2 chopped Reese's Peanut Butter cups.
How long should the cake chill before serving?
The completed cake should chill for 30 minutes to set the ganache.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 215 calories.
What is the fat content of this cake?
Each serving contains 11.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 27.8g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does each serving provide?
Each serving provides 2.6g of protein.
How long should the cake batter be beaten?
Beat the mixture on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
How do I prepare the cake pans?
Grease the cake pans with cooking spray or butter before pouring in the batter.
Is the cake chilled before frosting?
The instructions suggest the cakes should be completely cooled before stacking and frosting.
Can I use different types of cake pans?
Yes, the recipe suggests three 8-inch pans or two 9-inch pans depending on your preferred layer height.
Is this cake suitable for birthdays?
Yes, it is described as a show-stopping treat perfect for special occasions and celebrations like birthdays.