Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the creamy goodness of peanut butter. Here's a recipe for a homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake:

Ingredients:

For the chocolate cake:

  1. 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  3. 2 cups granulated sugar
  4. 2 teaspoons baking powder
  5. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  6. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  7. 3 large eggs, room temperature
  8. 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  9. 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  10. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  11. 1 cup hot water


For the peanut butter frosting:

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  3. 4 cups powdered sugar
  4. 1/4 cup milk
  5. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract


For the chocolate ganache drizzle:

  1. 1/2 cup heavy cream
  2. 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped


Optional toppings:

  1. Crushed peanuts
  2. Chocolate shavings


Instructions:

  1. For the chocolate cake:Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  3. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  5. Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth.
  6. Divide the batter equally among the prepared cake pans.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
  8. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and let them cool completely on wire racks.

For the peanut butter frosting:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and creamy peanut butter together until creamy and smooth.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined and creamy.

For the chocolate ganache drizzle:

  1. Place the finely chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
  2. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
  3. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 1 minute.
  4. Stir the mixture gently until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth.

Assembly:

  1. Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate.
  2. Spread a layer of peanut butter frosting on top of the cake layer.
  3. Place the second cake layer on top and press gently to adhere.
  4. Spread a layer of peanut butter frosting on the top and sides of the cake to fully frost it.
  5. Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides for a decorative effect.
  6. Optionally, sprinkle crushed peanuts or chocolate shavings on top of the cake for extra garnish.
  7. Slice and serve the delicious homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake and enjoy the irresistible combination of chocolate and peanut butter!