Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Recipe – Rich, Sweet, and Perfect for Sharing

peanut butter chocolate cake recipe

Peanut butter and chocolate are one of the best flavor combinations ever.

When you bring them together in a soft, moist cake, the result is pure magic.

This peanut butter chocolate cake is rich, sweet, and super satisfying.

The chocolate gives it a deep flavor, while the peanut butter adds a smooth, creamy touch.

It’s the kind of dessert that makes you want to grab a fork and dig right in.

This recipe is easy enough for anyone to try, even if you’ve never baked a cake before.

You don’t need any fancy tools or ingredients—just a few simple things from your kitchen and a love for sweet treats.

Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a holiday, or just because you’re craving cake, this recipe will make your day a lot more delicious.

Let’s get into how you can make your own peanut butter chocolate cake from scratch!

Start Making Ingredients

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

While it heats up, get two 9-inch round cake pans.

Grease them with butter or spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper if you want to be extra sure the cakes won’t stick.

This makes removing the cake a lot easier after baking.

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Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and both sugars.

Use a whisk or spoon to mix everything together so the ingredients are well blended.

This dry mix is the base of your chocolate cake and gives it its soft and fluffy texture.

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Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

To the same bowl, add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together with a hand mixer or whisk until the batter is smooth.

Once mixed, carefully pour in the boiling water.

It will make the batter thin, but that’s what gives the cake its moist and tender crumb.

Stir slowly until everything is combined.

Don’t worry if the batter looks runny—this is totally normal for chocolate cake.

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Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops.

Then place the pans in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes.

You’ll know the cakes are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

After baking, take the cakes out of the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes.

Then gently remove them and place them on a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

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Step 5: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, mix the peanut butter and softened butter together until creamy and smooth.

You can use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon.

Next, slowly add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, while mixing.

Then pour in the milk and vanilla extract.

Mix everything until the frosting is fluffy and easy to spread.

If it’s too thick, add a little more milk.

If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.

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Step 6: Frost and Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate.

Spread a generous amount of peanut butter frosting over the top.

Then add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the whole cake.

For a final touch, you can decorate the top with chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or a drizzle of melted chocolate.

It’s totally up to you!

Let the cake sit for 10–15 minutes before slicing so the frosting can settle.

Then cut yourself a slice and enjoy the perfect mix of chocolate and peanut butter in every bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Cake

This peanut butter chocolate cake is everything a dessert should be—rich, sweet, soft, and full of flavor.

The chocolate cake is moist and tender, while the peanut butter frosting adds a creamy, nutty flavor that makes it irresistible.

It’s great for birthdays, holidays, or whenever you’re craving something special.

You can even make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge.

Just let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

The recipe is also easy to adjust.

You can use natural peanut butter if you prefer, or make cupcakes instead of a full cake.

Want a deeper chocolate flavor?

Add some chocolate chips to the batter or frost with a mix of peanut butter and chocolate frosting.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made a peanut butter chocolate cake before, now is the perfect time to try.

It’s simple to bake, full of flavor, and sure to impress anyone you share it with.

Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow.

So gather your ingredients, turn on your oven, and get ready to bake a cake that’s soft, sweet, and filled with chocolate and peanut butter goodness.

This cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration in every bite.