Satisfy your sweet cravings with the ultimate indulgence – Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Cake. This heavenly creation combines layers of rich chocolate cake mix, luscious peanut butter cups, and creamy peanut butter filling, all topped with a decadent chocolate topping. Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures, perfect for treating yourself or impressing guests at any occasion. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover the delight of this irresistible dessert!
Ingredients:
- Cake:
- 1 box German Chocolate Cake Mix
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 2nd Layer:
- 8 large Peanut Butter Cups
- 3 small Butterfinger Candy Bars
- Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 4 cups confectionery sugar
- Chocolate Topping:
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), or 325°F (165°C) if using a glass pan. Spray a 9 x 12-inch pan with cooking spray to prepare for baking.
- Mix Cake Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine the German Chocolate Cake Mix, melted butter, and egg. Beat until well combined. Spread the cake mix layer evenly over the bottom of the prepared pan and pat it down.
- Add Candy Layer: Cut the large peanut butter cups into quarters and roughly chop the Butterfinger candy bars. Spread them evenly over the cake layer.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In another mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the melted butter, then gradually add the confectionery sugar, mixing until smooth. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the candy bar layer.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for about 50 minutes, or until the center is puffed up and slightly jiggly. If using a glass pan, it may take just over an hour. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool.
- Create Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips for 1 minute. Add the vegetable or canola oil and stir until combined. Spread the chocolate topping over the top of the cream cheese layer.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, slice the cake into squares and serve. Each bite is a delightful combination of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and crunchy candy goodness.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Garnish each slice with a drizzle of melted peanut butter and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for added flavor and texture.
- Pair slices with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee for a delightful dessert experience.
- Top slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of whipped peanut butter for an extra creamy touch.
- Serve at parties or gatherings as a decadent dessert option that will impress guests of all ages.
- Dust slices with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for an elegant presentation.
- Add a scoop of chocolate or peanut butter flavored ice cream alongside each slice for a double dose of deliciousness.
- Accompany slices with fresh berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cake.
- Cut slices into smaller squares and serve as bite-sized treats at special occasions or events.
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or parchment paper for on-the-go snacking or lunchbox treats.
- Plate slices on decorative dessert plates for a visually appealing presentation.
- Serve alongside a selection of other desserts for a dessert buffet or tasting party.
- Customize each slice with a drizzle of caramel sauce or chocolate syrup for added sweetness.
- Create a dessert platter with a variety of toppings, such as chopped nuts, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips, for guests to customize their slices.
- Enjoy leftovers for breakfast alongside a cup of coffee or tea the next day for a delightful morning treat.
Storage Tips:
- Store leftover Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen slices overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or serving.
- For a quick refresh, reheat slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5-10 minutes.
- Store any leftover chocolate topping separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Before storing, allow the cake to cool completely to prevent condensation from forming inside the container.
- Consider portioning the cake into smaller slices before storing for convenient grab-and-go snacking.
- Label containers or bags with the date of storage to keep track of freshness.
- Avoid storing the cake near strong-smelling foods in the refrigerator to prevent flavor transfer.
- If reheating individual slices, unwrap them from plastic wrap or foil before heating to prevent melting.
Variations:
- Peanut Butter Cup Explosion: Add chopped peanut butter cups to the cream cheese layer for an extra burst of peanut butter flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Fold chocolate chips into the cake batter for added richness and texture.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped peanuts or almonds on top of the chocolate topping for a crunchy finish.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl melted peanut butter into the cream cheese layer for a marbled effect.
- Dark Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Use dark chocolate cake mix and dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
- S’mores Inspired: Layer graham cracker crumbs and mini marshmallows between the cake and cream cheese layers for a gooey s’mores twist.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the chocolate topping for a sweet and salty flavor contrast.
- Banana Peanut Butter: Layer sliced bananas between the cake and cream cheese layers for a fruity addition to the dessert.
- Pretzel Crunch: Sprinkle crushed pretzels on top of the chocolate topping for a salty-sweet combination.
- Mocha Madness: Add instant coffee granules to the cake batter for a subtle coffee flavor that complements the chocolate and peanut butter.
- Coconut Chocolate Bliss: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the chocolate topping for a tropical twist.
- Cherry Chocolate Delight: Layer cherry pie filling between the cake and cream cheese layers for a fruity burst of flavor.
- Cookie Crumble: Substitute crushed chocolate sandwich cookies for the Butterfinger candy bars for a cookies and cream variation.
- Maple Peanut Butter: Drizzle maple syrup over the top of the chocolate topping for a sweet and nutty flavor combination.
- Cinnamon Peanut Butter: Add ground cinnamon to the cake batter for a warm and comforting spice flavor.
FAQs:
- Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe? Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of cake mix, such as chocolate or devil’s food, to create variations of this recipe.
- Can I use homemade cake mix instead of a boxed mix? Yes, you can substitute homemade cake mix for the boxed mix if desired. Just ensure the measurements are equivalent.
- Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter? Natural peanut butter may alter the texture and flavor of the cake, but you can experiment with it if preferred.
- Can I omit the candy bars from the recipe? Yes, you can omit the candy bars or substitute them with other mix-ins, such as chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free cake mix and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free for a gluten-free version of this cake.
- Can I use a different type of chocolate for the topping? Yes, you can use milk, dark, or white chocolate for the topping, depending on your preference.
Elevate your dessert game with the Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Cake. Whether it’s a special occasion or a treat-yourself moment, this decadent delight is sure to impress. With layers of chocolatey goodness and creamy peanut butter, it’s a dessert that will leave everyone craving for more. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in pure bliss with every bite of this irresistible cake!
