Chocolate and Peanut Butter Layer Cake

Introduction

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Layer Cake is a match made in dessert heaven. This cake consists of rich chocolate layers, a velvety peanut butter frosting, and a smooth chocolate ganache topping. Each bite offers a satisfying combination of creamy peanut butter and deep chocolate flavors, making it a show-stopping dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients (Quantities)

For the Chocolate Cake Layers:

• All-purpose flour: 1 3/4 cups (220g)
• Cocoa powder: 3/4 cup (75g), unsweetened
• Baking soda: 1 1/2 teaspoons
• Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Granulated sugar: 1 1/2 cups (300g)
• Eggs: 2 large
• Milk: 1 cup (240ml)
• Vegetable oil: 1/2 cup (120ml)
• Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
• Boiling water: 1 cup (240ml)

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

• Creamy peanut butter: 1 cup (240g)
• Butter: 1/2 cup (115g), softened
• Powdered sugar: 4 cups (480g)
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
• Heavy cream: 2-3 tablespoons (adjust for consistency)
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (120ml)
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 cup (170g)
• Butter: 2 tablespoons (28g), optional for extra gloss

Instructions

1. Prepare the cake layers:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
   • In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
   • In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
   • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
   • Carefully pour in the boiling water and stir until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin, which is normal.
   • Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
   • Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
   • Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Make the peanut butter frosting:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth and creamy.
   • Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
   • Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
   • Add the heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency. If it’s too thick, add a little more cream. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
3. Assemble the cake:
   • Once the cake layers have cooled completely, place one layer on a serving platter.
   • Spread a generous amount of peanut butter frosting on top of the first cake layer.
   • Place the second cake layer on top and press down gently.
   • Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining peanut butter frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula.
4. Make the chocolate ganache:
   • In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer (do not boil).
   • Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
   • Stir in the butter for extra shine, if desired.
   • Allow the ganache to cool slightly, then pour it over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides. Use a spatula to gently spread the ganache if needed.
5. Chill and serve:
   • Refrigerate the cake for 30-60 minutes to allow the ganache to set and the frosting to firm up.
   • Slice and serve! Enjoy your indulgent, creamy chocolate and peanut butter layer cake.

Tips for Success

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before making the frosting to ensure a smoother consistency.
• Chill the cake: Chilling the cake after frosting helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve.
• Flavor variations: Add chopped peanuts or chocolate chips to the frosting for extra texture and crunch.

Recommendations

• Serve with a scoop of ice cream: This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.
• Coffee pairing: The rich flavors of the chocolate and peanut butter in this cake go wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or espresso.

Nutrition Information (per slice, based on 12 servings)

• Calories: 550
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 30g
• Sugar: 40g
• Fiber: 3g

This Chocolate and Peanut Butter Layer Cake is sure to impress anyone who loves the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Its rich flavors, moist cake layers, and creamy frosting make it the perfect dessert for any celebration or just when you need a treat!