Peanut Butter Cup Cake: The Ultimate Indulgence for Chocolate & Peanut Butter Lovers!

Craving the ultimate dessert that perfectly marries rich chocolate with creamy peanut butter? Look no further than this incredible Peanut Butter Cup Cake! This decadent treat isn’t just a cake; it’s an experience, especially if you’re a fan of the classic Peanut Butter Cup Cake Recipe that delivers on every level. Imagine moist chocolate cake layers, generously filled and frosted with a luscious peanut butter buttercream, and adorned with chopped peanut butter cups. It’s a showstopper that will earn you rave reviews!

 

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients ahead of time makes the baking process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this amazing dessert:

For the Chocolate Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup hot water or hot coffee

For the Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
4-5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
¼ cup milk or heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

For Decoration:
1 ½ cups (about 15-20 regular size) peanut butter cups, chopped

 

Preparation Instructions

Whether you’re an experienced baker or a kitchen novice, mastering this Peanut Butter Cup Cake is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a show-stopping dessert, bringing the iconic flavors of the Peanut Butter Cup Cake Recipe right to your table.

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or three 6-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined.
5. Add Hot Liquid: Carefully add the hot water or hot coffee to the batter, mixing on low speed until smooth. The batter will be thin.
6. Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes for 8-inch pans or 25-30 minutes for 6-inch pans, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and creamy peanut butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
9. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
10. Add Liquid and Vanilla: Pour in the milk (or cream) and vanilla extract, and add a pinch of salt. Beat on medium-high speed until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and spreadable. Add more milk if too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin.
11. Assemble the Cake: Once the cake layers are completely cool, place one layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous amount of peanut butter frosting over the top. Repeat with the remaining cake layers.
12. Frost the Cake: Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the entire cake, smoothing it out with an offset spatula.
13. Decorate: Press the chopped peanut butter cups onto the sides and top of the cake.
14. Chill: Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the frosting to set.

 

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

Ganache Drizzle: For an extra layer of chocolatey goodness, drizzle a homemade chocolate ganache over the top of the frosted cake before adding the peanut butter cups.
Mini Cupcake Toppers: Instead of chopped peanut butter cups, use whole mini peanut butter cups around the top edge or in a decorative pattern.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl a little melted peanut butter directly into the chocolate cake batter for a subtle peanut butter marble effect within the cake layers.
Nutty Crunch: Add a layer of crushed roasted peanuts between the cake layers along with the frosting for an added textural crunch.
Serving Suggestion: Serve a slice warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an even more indulgent experience.

FAQ

Q: Can I use store-bought chocolate cake mix?
A: Yes, you can substitute the homemade chocolate cake with two boxes of your favorite store-bought chocolate cake mix. Just follow the package instructions for baking, then proceed with the frosting and assembly steps.

Q: How far in advance can I make this cake?
A: You can bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance and store them, wrapped tightly, at room temperature. The frosting can also be made a day in advance and refrigerated, then re-whipped before using. The assembled cake is best enjoyed within 3-4 days.

Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter for the frosting?
A: While creamy peanut butter yields a smoother frosting, you can certainly use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a subtle nutty texture in your buttercream.

Q: What if my frosting is too stiff or too runny?
A: If your frosting is too stiff, add milk or heavy cream, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too runny, beat in more sifted powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until it thickens.

Q: Does this cake need to be refrigerated?
A: Due to the butter and peanut butter in the frosting, it’s best to store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Conclusion

There you have it – the ultimate Peanut Butter Cup Cake, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and a personal favorite. This recipe elevates the classic combo to new heights, making it far more than just a dessert, but a celebration of flavor. Don’t hesitate to try this amazing Peanut Butter Cup Cake Recipe for your next special occasion or simply to treat yourself! Its irresistible taste and stunning presentation make it a dessert you’ll want to make again and again.

Recipe Note

For the most tender and flavorful cake, ensure all your cold ingredients (buttermilk, eggs) are at room temperature before mixing. This allows them to emulsify better, creating a smoother batter and a more even bake.