Ultimate Peanut Butter Cup Cake Recipe
Indulge in the Ultimate Peanut Butter Cup Cake, a decadent dessert that combines rich chocolate cake layers with creamy peanut butter frosting and a luscious chocolate ganache. Each bite is a delightful harmony of textures and flavors, featuring moist cake, smooth frosting, and the irresistible crunch of mini peanut butter cups. Perfect for any special occasion or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake is a peanut butter and chocolate lover's dream come true. Decorated with a generous topping of peanut butter cups and a silky ganache drip, this show-stopping dessert is as beautiful as it is delicious. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this ultimate indulgence and watch it disappear in no time!
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cups ¾ all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp ½ baking powder
- 1 tsp ½ baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream (or as needed for desired consistency)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
- For Decoration:
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped
- Additional peanut butter cups for topping (optional)
Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper for easier removal.
Prepare the Cake:
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and beat on medium speed until well combined.- Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is well mixed. The batter will be thin.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting:- In a large bowl, beat the butter and peanut butter together until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until well combined.
- Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, then increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add more cream if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Assemble the Cake:- Once the cakes are completely cool, level the tops if necessary.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of peanut butter frosting over the top.- Sprinkle some chopped mini peanut butter cups over the frosting.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining peanut butter frosting.
Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer.- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth.
Decorate the Cake:- Allow the ganache to cool slightly until it thickens but is still pourable.
Pour the ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.- Garnish with additional chopped peanut butter cups on top.
- Let the ganache set before serving.
Enjoy!
Slice and serve your Ultimate Peanut Butter Cup Cake to delight your family and friends with this indulgent treat!- Tips:
- For extra peanut butter flavor, you can add a layer of peanut butter between the cake layers.
- Serve with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Notes:
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Cake Variations: Feel free to customize this cake by adding a layer of peanut butter between the cake layers for an extra burst of flavor.
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Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
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Presentation: To achieve a professional look, ensure the ganache has slightly thickened before pouring over the cake. This will help create beautiful drips down the sides.
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Serve With: Enjoy slices of this decadent cake with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
These notes will help ensure your Ultimate Peanut Butter Cup Cake turns out perfectly and is enjoyed to the fullest!