Peanut Butter Cake with Chocolate Frosting

Is there any better flavor combination than chocolate and peanut butter? This classic duo has stood the test of time for a reason. This Peanut Butter Cake with Chocolate Frosting is rich, moist, and decadent. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or a simple weekend treat, it brings the ultimate indulgence to your dessert table.

Ingredients

Cake

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup (113g) butter, softened to room temperature
• ¾ cup dark brown sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon good quality vanilla extract
• ¼ cup milk

Dark Chocolate Frosting

• 2¾ cups confectioners’ sugar
• ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 6 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8-inch round cake pan.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a mixer, cream peanut butter, butter, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
4. Beat in eggs and vanilla on low speed. Scrape sides as needed.
5. Gradually mix in flour mixture alternately with milk until just combined. Do not overmix; batter will be thick.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 32-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

Frosting

1. Sift together powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
2. Beat butter in a stand mixer until fluffy (~2 minutes).
3. Gradually add sifted sugar/cocoa mixture alternately with heavy cream and vanilla on low speed.
4. Adjust by adding more powdered sugar if too thin or a pinch of salt if too sweet.
5. Frost the cooled cake evenly.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate for up to 1 week for longer freshness.
• Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

Variations

1. Add chopped roasted peanuts into the batter for added crunch.
2. Use natural peanut butter for a more intense flavor.
3. Replace milk with buttermilk for a tangy twist.
4. Layer the cake with peanut butter cups in the center.
5. Mix chocolate chips into the cake batter for extra texture.
6. Sprinkle crushed pretzels on top of frosting for a sweet-salty flavor.
7. Drizzle melted chocolate over frosting for extra decadence.
8. Make cupcakes instead of a cake for individual servings.
9. Swap dark chocolate frosting for white chocolate frosting.
10. Add a pinch of espresso powder to frosting to enhance chocolate flavor.
11. Swirl caramel sauce into the batter before baking.
12. Top frosting with roasted peanuts for a decorative finish.
13. Add a layer of marshmallow fluff under frosting for gooey surprise.
14. Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for extra texture.
15. Make a two-layer cake and fill the middle with peanut butter mousse.

FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
   Yes, though sweetness may need slight adjustment.
2. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
3. Can milk chocolate be used instead of dark?
   Yes, but frosting will be sweeter.
4. How long does the cake stay moist?
   Up to 3 days at room temperature if stored properly.
5. Can I bake in a different pan?
   Yes, a 9-inch pan works; adjust baking time slightly.
6. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, bake in a larger pan or split into two 8-inch pans.
7. Can I freeze the cake?
   Yes, slice and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
8. How do I prevent frosting from being too sweet?
   Add a pinch of salt or reduce powdered sugar slightly.
9. Can I make it vegan?
   Use plant-based butter, milk, and egg substitutes.
10. How to make frosting glossy and smooth?
    Ensure butter is room temperature and beat until fluffy before spreading.

This Peanut Butter Cake with Chocolate Frosting is a timeless dessert that combines the best of peanut butter and chocolate. Its moist texture, rich flavor, and creamy frosting make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Serve it with coffee, milk, or your favorite beverage for a truly indulgent experience.

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