Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
Experience the rich and irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake, a moist and tender dessert that perfectly balances deep chocolate and creamy peanut butter flavors. Made with simple pantry staples, this cake is easy to prepare and perfect for all occasions and skill levels, delivering a decadent sweet and savory treat that everyone will love.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be made gluten-free or vegan with substitutions
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ½ cup natural peanut butter
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
Optional Add-ins
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather and measure all ingredients, ensuring the butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Peanut Butter: In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and peanut butter until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Sugar and Eggs: Gradually add the granulated sugar to the peanut butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Then beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the peanut butter mixture in three additions, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just incorporated to keep the batter light.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold chocolate chips into the batter to ensure even distribution without overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch cake pan or two 8-inch pans if layering. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Frost: Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before adding your favorite frosting or glaze to maintain a smooth finish and prevent melting.
Notes
- Always use room temperature eggs and butter for easier mixing and better texture.
- Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Use natural peanut butter with no added sugar or oils for a clean, authentic flavor.
- Use an oven thermometer to ensure correct baking temperature, avoiding under or overbaking.
- Check doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time to prevent drying out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/10th of cake)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Chocolate Cake, Peanut Butter Cake, Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert, Easy Cake Recipe, Gluten-Free Cake Option, Vegan Cake Option