Description
Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Layer Cake
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup boiling water
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups dark chocolate chips
– Crushed peanuts for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
4. Stir in boiling water until the batter is smooth.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to boil. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth to make the ganache.
8. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread peanut butter over the top. Place the second cake layer on top.
9. Pour the dark chocolate ganache over the cake, letting it cascade down the sides.
10. Decorate the top with swirls of chocolate frosting and sprinkle with crushed peanuts.
11. Serve and enjoy the rich and indulgent chocolate peanut butter layer cake!
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 12 slices
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for a flawless cake. First, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing. When adding the boiling water in step 4, the batter will become very thin; this is normal and creates a moist crumb. For the ganache, use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture. When assembling, if the peanut butter is too thick to spread, warm it slightly for 10 seconds in the microwave. To achieve a smooth ganache pour, let it cool for 5-10 minutes so it thickens slightly and clings to the cake instead of running straight off.
Serving Suggestions
This rich cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. For a contrasting texture, serve alongside fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries. A cold glass of milk or a strong cup of coffee is the perfect beverage pairing. To elevate presentation, garnish individual slices with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a whole roasted peanut.
How-to Summary
To summarize, this cake involves making a thin, liquid chocolate batter, baking two layers, and creating a simple dark chocolate ganache. The assembly is straightforward: spread peanut butter between the cooled layers, then cover the entire cake with the poured ganache. Finish with a garnish of crushed peanuts for crunch and visual appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter?
We recommend using standard creamy peanut butter. Natural peanut butter often separates and can make the filling layer oily and unstable.
How do I store this cake?
Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I make the cake layers ahead of time?
Yes. Wrap the completely cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Thaw before assembling.
My ganache is too runny. How can I fix it?
Let it sit at room temperature to thicken, which can take 1-2 hours. For a quicker fix, refrigerate it for 15-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches a pourable consistency.
Can I use a different pan size?
For three 8-inch pans, reduce baking time to 25-30 minutes. For a 9×13 sheet cake, bake for 35-40 minutes and simply spread peanut butter and ganache over the top.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients; mix just until combined to avoid a tough cake.
- Avoid pouring hot ganache onto a warm cake, as it will melt the peanut butter layer and not set properly.
- Do not skip the step of greasing and flouring the pans, as this ensures clean release.
- Ensure the boiling water is truly boiling, as it helps “bloom” the cocoa powder for maximum chocolate flavor.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Layer Cake is the ultimate celebration dessert, combining two beloved flavors in a stunning format. While it requires careful attention to steps like the ganache consistency and complete cake cooling, the process is highly rewarding. The result is a show-stopping, decadent cake that is sure to impress any crowd with its perfect balance of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter.