Decadent Peanut Butter Chocolate Lava Cake
Indulge in a rich and decadent dessert perfect for any special occasion! This Decadent Peanut Butter Chocolate Lava Cake features a luscious layer of creamy peanut butter filling atop a moist chocolate cake base that creates a gooey center. It's a favorite among kids and adults alike, making it an excellent choice for birthday parties, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat at home. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable experience. This delightful recipe comes courtesy of the famous Paula Deen, known for her rich Southern flavors.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
chocolate cake mix
1 (18.25 ounces)
egg
1 (for the cake)
butter
8 (tablespoons, melted for the cake)
cream cheese
1 (8 ounces, softened)
creamy peanut butter
1 (cup)
eggs
3 (for the filling)
vanilla extract
1 (teaspoon)
butter
8 (tablespoons, melted for the filling)
powdered sugar
1 (16 ounces)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 13x9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, 1 egg, and 8 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix well using an electric mixer until the ingredients are fully incorporated. Carefully spread the cake batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
3
In another bowl, prepare the filling by beating together the softened cream cheese and creamy peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Add the 3 eggs, vanilla extract, and the remaining 8 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix until combined and fluffy.
4
Gradually add the powdered sugar to the filling mixture, beating until no lumps remain.
5
Spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the cake batter in the baking pan.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye on it; do not overbake, as you want the center to remain soft and gooey.
7
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before cutting into squares. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra treat. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Peanut Butter Chocolate Lava Cake?
It is a rich dessert featuring a moist chocolate cake base topped with a creamy peanut butter filling that creates a gooey, lava-like center.
Who is the original creator of this recipe?
This recipe is credited to the famous Southern chef Paula Deen.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking pan is required for this lava cake?
You should use a 13x9-inch baking pan.
How do I prepare the baking pan?
Lightly grease the pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
What type of cake mix is used in the base?
The recipe calls for one 18.25-ounce package of chocolate cake mix.
How many total eggs are needed for the entire recipe?
You will need a total of 4 eggs: 1 for the cake layer and 3 for the peanut butter filling.
How much butter is required in total?
The recipe requires 16 tablespoons (2 sticks) of melted butter, split equally between the cake and the filling.
What are the ingredients for the chocolate cake base?
The base consists of chocolate cake mix, one egg, and 8 tablespoons of melted butter.
What kind of peanut butter should I use?
The recipe specifies using 1 cup of creamy peanut butter.
Does the cream cheese need to be a specific temperature?
Yes, the 8 ounces of cream cheese should be softened for easy mixing.
What goes into the peanut butter filling?
The filling contains softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, 3 eggs, vanilla extract, 8 tablespoons of melted butter, and powdered sugar.
How much powdered sugar is needed for the filling?
You will need 16 ounces of powdered sugar.
How should I combine the cake base ingredients?
Combine the cake mix, egg, and butter in a large bowl and mix well using an electric mixer.
How do I layer the cake in the pan?
Spread the chocolate cake batter into the bottom of the pan first, then spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the top.
How long does the cake take to bake?
Bake the cake for 40 to 50 minutes.
How do I know when the lava cake is done?
The center should remain soft and gooey; be careful not to overbake it.
Should the cake be served immediately?
It is best served warm after cooling slightly to allow for easier cutting.
What are the best toppings for this dessert?
It is highly recommended to serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, the combination of chocolate and peanut butter makes it a favorite among both kids and adults.
Can this cake be served at parties?
Absolutely, its rich flavor and decadent texture make it perfect for birthdays and family gatherings.
How should the cake be cut?
The cake should be cut into squares for serving.
What is the texture of the peanut butter layer?
The filling should be beaten until smooth, creamy, and fluffy before baking.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Do I need to sift the powdered sugar?
While not explicitly stated, you should beat the mixture until no lumps remain.
What flavor profile does this cake have?
It features a rich, indulgent Southern flavor profile with a balance of sweet chocolate and salty-sweet peanut butter.
Is the cake base moist?
Yes, the addition of butter and egg to the cake mix ensures a moist chocolate base.
Can I use an electric mixer for the filling?
Yes, an electric mixer is recommended to ensure the cream cheese and peanut butter are smooth and the eggs are well incorporated.
What is the 'lava' element of this cake?
The 'lava' is the soft, gooey center created by the peanut butter filling when it is not overbaked.
Is there a specific brand of chocolate cake mix required?
No specific brand is mentioned, as long as it is a standard 18.25-ounce chocolate cake mix.