Chocolate and peanut butter—two of the most beloved flavors that pair perfectly together. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet treat, the Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake is sure to please. This cake, with its rich, moist chocolate layers and creamy peanut butter frosting, brings the best of both worlds to your dessert table.
But did you know that the history behind this cake is just as rich as its flavor? Let’s dive into the story behind this delectable dessert and explore how it has evolved over time.
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The Story & Intro
Growing up, I always loved the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. There’s something so comforting about it—the smooth, creamy peanut butter and the rich, decadent chocolate make the perfect pair. But it wasn’t until a cozy afternoon with my mom in the kitchen that I truly fell in love with the idea of creating a Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake.
I remember the first time we experimented with making a layered cake at home. The chocolate cake was decadent, and the peanut butter frosting we whipped up was just what we needed to elevate it. As soon as the cake came together, I knew this combination would be a regular in our kitchen.
The layers of rich chocolate and smooth peanut butter frosting come together like magic. It’s an experience of flavor and nostalgia that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a holiday, or simply indulging in a sweet moment, this cake is a reminder of how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary.
If you’re looking for a cake that combines indulgence and comfort, look no further than the Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake. It’s easy to make, even for beginners, and the end result is always impressive. But before you start baking, let’s explore why this cake has such a unique and comforting appeal.
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Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This indulgent Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake combines rich chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter frosting, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. With moist layers and a decadent peanut butter-chocolate filling, this cake is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 box chocolate cake mix (or homemade cake mix)
½ cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup water
2 large eggs
¼ cup oil (reduce oil due to peanut butter)
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup powdered sugar
½ cup butter, softened
2 tbsp milk
For the Chocolate Ganache:
1 cup chocolate chips
½ cup heavy cream
2 tbsp peanut butter
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix and peanut butter. Add water, eggs, and oil, and mix well until smooth.
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center of the cakes.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on a wire rack.
For the frosting: In a bowl, beat together peanut butter, powdered sugar, and butter until smooth. Add milk as needed to achieve a fluffy texture.
For the ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Pour over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Add the peanut butter and mix until well incorporated.
Assembly:
Place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of peanut butter frosting on top.
Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with peanut butter frosting.
Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top and sides of the cake. Optionally, garnish with chopped peanuts for a crunchy touch.
Notes
For an extra indulgent touch, add more peanut butter ganache between the layers of the cake.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
What is Depression Cake?
In addition to creating indulgent desserts like the Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake, many people enjoy the simplicity and history behind cakes like Depression Cake. But why is it called “Depression Cake,” and what does it have to do with our beloved cake?
Depression Cake, also known as Wacky Cake or Crazy Cake, was first created during the Great Depression. During this time, ingredients such as eggs, milk, and butter were expensive and hard to come by. However, people still wanted to enjoy a sweet treat, so they got creative. Depression Cake was made without eggs or dairy, relying instead on basic pantry staples like flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and oil. This made it inexpensive, accessible, and a comforting choice during tough times.
The cake is incredibly simple yet delicious. Because it doesn’t require eggs or milk, it is also suitable for those who may have dietary restrictions. The simplicity of the ingredients also means that you can easily whip up a batch without worrying about having all the complex ingredients typically required for a traditional cake.
While the Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake isn’t technically a Depression Cake, it carries that same sense of simplicity and comfort. By using basic ingredients like a box cake mix and adding peanut butter for extra richness, we’re tapping into that same nostalgia of creating something from simple ingredients that still delivers extraordinary flavor.
Many modern versions of Depression Cake even embrace peanut butter as an ingredient, showing how the legacy of frugality and creativity has continued to influence dessert trends today. As we enjoy our indulgent Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake, we can remember the resourcefulness that made cakes like the Depression Cake an essential part of American history.
How to Add Peanut Butter to a Box Cake Mix
One of the easiest ways to elevate a cake is by adding peanut butter to the mix. You might be wondering: Can you add peanut butter to box cake mix? The answer is a resounding yes! Adding peanut butter to a box cake mix is an easy way to enhance flavor, create a creamy texture, and make your cake even more irresistible.
To start, here’s a simple way to add peanut butter to your box cake mix. Begin by measuring out ½ cup of creamy peanut butter. This amount will infuse the cake with a delicious peanut butter flavor without overpowering the chocolate base. Add the peanut butter to your cake mix and incorporate it fully. You’ll notice the batter will become a little thicker and richer, which is exactly what you want.
Next, follow the instructions on the cake mix for the wet ingredients (typically eggs, oil, and water) but reduce the amount of oil or butter you use. This adjustment helps keep the cake from becoming too greasy. You’ll also want to consider adding an extra ¼ cup of water to balance the peanut butter’s consistency.
If you want to add even more peanut butter goodness, swirl a bit more peanut butter into the batter just before baking. You can do this by spooning some peanut butter on top of the batter and gently swirling it in with a knife. This will create beautiful peanut butter ribbons throughout the cake.
When the cake is done baking, allow it to cool before frosting it with peanut butter frosting or a rich chocolate ganache. This combo will take your cake to the next level!
Layering & Combining Chocolate and Peanut Butter
The best part about making a Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake is getting to layer it with decadent fillings and frosting. Now that your chocolate cake is baked and ready, let’s talk about what can I put in between chocolate cake layers and can you mix melted chocolate and peanut butter?
To create the perfect filling for your layers, peanut butter frosting is the way to go. But if you want to take it up a notch, consider making a chocolate-peanut butter ganache. To create this, melt your favorite chocolate chips with a bit of heavy cream, then stir in peanut butter until it’s smooth and creamy. This ganache will have the perfect balance of chocolate richness and peanut butter creaminess, making it the ideal filling between layers.
If you prefer a lighter texture, you can stick to a traditional peanut butter frosting made with peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, and a bit of milk. Spread this between each layer for a smooth and fluffy filling that complements the chocolate cake perfectly.
As for can you mix melted chocolate and peanut butter?—absolutely! In fact, this combination is often the secret behind so many delicious desserts. To create the perfect chocolate-peanut butter blend, start by melting the chocolate. You can use a double boiler or microwave, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Once the chocolate is melted, mix in smooth peanut butter to create a smooth and velvety texture. This mixture is perfect for drizzling over the top of your cake or for use as a layer between the cake’s layers.
When layering the cake, start with a base of chocolate cake, then add a generous layer of peanut butter frosting or ganache. Top with another layer of cake, repeating the process. Finally, frost the entire cake with a thick layer of chocolate ganache and decorate with peanut butter drizzles, or add some chopped peanuts on top for crunch.
FAQ Section
Why is it called depression cake?
Depression cake was popular during the Great Depression, a time when ingredients were scarce. It’s a simple, comforting cake made without eggs or milk.
Can you add peanut butter to box cake mix?
Yes, you can easily add peanut butter to a box cake mix by mixing in about ½ cup of creamy peanut butter.
What can I put in between chocolate cake layers?
You can use peanut butter frosting, chocolate ganache, or even a peanut butter-chocolate filling for the layers of your cake.
Can you mix melted chocolate and peanut butter?
Yes, melted chocolate and peanut butter blend together beautifully. Melt the chocolate and then stir in the peanut butter for a smooth, creamy mixture.
Conclusion
This Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake combines two classic flavors into a show-stopping dessert that will be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re using a box mix or baking from scratch, the rich layers and creamy frosting make it a memorable treat. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and every bite is a little slice of heaven.
