Decadent Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Recipe

Sweet Symphony: The Joyful Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Recipe

Decadent desserts often spark joy, and this peanut butter chocolate delight cake strikes the perfect balance between rich, creamy textures.

chocolate lovers and peanut butter enthusiasts unite over this irresistible treat that melts in your mouth.

Sweet layers of moist chocolate cake intertwine with smooth peanut butter frosting, creating a symphony of indulgent flavors.

Each slice promises a luxurious experience that tantalizes your taste buds with its perfect blend of classic ingredients.

The combination of deep chocolate and nutty peanut butter creates a harmonious dessert that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Weekends, celebrations, or spontaneous sugar cravings call for this show-stopping cake that transforms ordinary moments into delightful memories.

Dive into this recipe and prepare to be amazed by its delectable charm.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 13

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Ingredient List

For Cake Base and Binding:
  • Chocolate Cake Mix: Provides the fundamental cake structure with rich cocoa flavor, choose a high-quality mix for deeper chocolate taste.
  • Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix: Enhances moisture and creates a silky texture, select a premium brand for better consistency.
  • Milk: Activates pudding mix and ensures smooth batter blending, use whole milk for richer results.
For Flavor Boosters:
  • Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: Introduces delightful chocolate-peanut butter chunks, select fresh cups for maximum flavor intensity.
For Preparation:
  • Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy cake removal and prevents sticking, opt for a reliable brand with even coating properties.

Baking Tools for a Smooth Cake Session

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining pudding, milk, and cake mix.
  • Whisk: Perfect for smoothly blending pudding and milk ingredients.
  • 13×9 Inch Baking Dish: Key for baking and presenting the cake.
  • Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure milk and pudding mix.
  • Non-stick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy cake removal from the baking dish.
  • Knife or Cutting Board: Used for chopping Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
  • Spatula: Great for folding in peanut butter cups and scraping batter.
  • Toothpick or Cake Tester: Helps check cake doneness by testing center.

How to Bake the Perfect PB Choco Cake

  • Oven Warmup

Crank the oven to a toasty 350 degrees. Grab a 13×9 inch pan and give it a quick spray with non-stick magic.

  • Pudding Fusion

Whisk chocolate pudding mix with milk until silky smooth. The mixture should look creamy and inviting.

  • Cake Blend

Dump the chocolate cake mix into the pudding. Stir until everything combines into a rich, thick batter that looks absolutely decadent.

  • Peanut Butter Cup Magic

Toss in chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Gently fold them throughout the batter so each bite will have a delightful surprise.

  • Baking Adventure

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Slide it into the oven and bake for about 25 minutes. To check doneness, slide a tester into the center – it should come out clean and promise a perfectly baked treat.

Flavor Switches to Suit Your Style

  • Peanut Butter Chocolate Delight Cake Cooking Tips & Variations
  • Chocolate Swap Adventure: Replace Reese's Peanut Butter Cups with chocolate-covered almonds or dark chocolate chunks for a different flavor profile that still maintains rich decadence.
  • Room Temperature Magic: Let ingredients like milk and eggs sit at room temperature before mixing to ensure smoother batter and more even cake texture during baking.
  • Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare cake batter the night before and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and develop deeper, more complex taste sensations.
  • Frosting Freedom: Top cooled cake with cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or sprinkle powdered sugar for additional layers of delightful sweetness and visual appeal.
  • Portion Control Hack: Cut cake into smaller squares and freeze individual servings wrapped in plastic wrap for quick dessert options that last several weeks in the freezer.

Presenting a Cake That Turns Heads

  • Decadent Dessert Pairing: Serve this rich chocolate peanut butter cake alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a creamy, cool contrast that melts perfectly with the warm cake.
  • Fancy Finishing Touch: Drizzle warm caramel sauce or melted chocolate over each slice to elevate the presentation and add an extra layer of indulgent sweetness.
  • Party-Perfect Plating: Garnish individual servings with additional chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, creating a playful and tempting dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
  • Coffee Companion: Pair each slice with a hot cup of espresso or dark roast coffee to balance the cake's sweetness and enhance the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors.

How to Keep It Soft and Rich for Days

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, maintaining its delicious moisture and texture.
  • Chilling Technique: Refrigerate the cake for extended freshness, lasting up to 5-6 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
  • Freezing Magic: Slice the cake into individual portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months for a quick dessert anytime. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
  • Serving Smart: Always serve at room temperature for the best flavor and softness. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to let cake reach optimal taste and texture.
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Decadent Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Recipe

Decadent Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Rich layers of peanut butter chocolate delight cake merge classic comfort with gourmet indulgence. Chocolate ganache and creamy peanut butter frosting create a dessert that delights you with each luxurious bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (15.25 oz / 432 g) chocolate cake mix
  • 1 box (3.4 oz / 96 g) chocolate instant pudding mix
  • 1 ¾ cups (414 mL) milk
  • 1 package (8 oz / 226 g) mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly spray a 13×9 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy cake removal.
  2. Mixing Base: Combine chocolate pudding powder and milk in a large mixing bowl, whisking until achieving a smooth, lump-free liquid consistency that will form the cake’s rich foundation.
  3. Batter Creation: Blend chocolate cake mix into the pudding mixture, stirring vigorously to create a uniform batter, then gently fold in chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, distributing the chocolatey peanut butter pieces evenly throughout the mixture.
  4. Baking Process: Pour the prepared batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly, then place in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the cake is perfectly cooked.
  5. Cooling and Finishing: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to set into a decadent, indulgent dessert that promises a delightful chocolate and peanut butter experience.

Notes

  • Pudding Power: Adding instant pudding mix creates an ultra-moist cake with rich, dense texture that prevents dryness and enhances overall flavor complexity.
  • Precise Mixing: Stir batter thoroughly to eliminate dry cake mix spots, ensuring smooth and consistent cake texture throughout each delectable slice.
  • Temperature Tip: Use room temperature ingredients for better ingredient blending and more even cake baking results.
  • Toothpick Test: Insert a clean toothpick into cake center – if it comes out with minimal crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 380 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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