1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

Double Layer Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Filling and Ganache

Featured in Decadent Desserts.

This showstopping chocolate cake combines moist chocolate layers with a creamy peanut butter filling and rich chocolate ganache topping. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter creates an irresistible dessert perfect for special occasions.

Sarah
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:33:57 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
A slice of chocolate cake with layers of peanut butter frosting, topped with a glossy chocolate ganache and chocolate chips. Pin it
A slice of chocolate cake with layers of peanut butter frosting, topped with a glossy chocolate ganache and chocolate chips. | kitchenscroll.com

The Most Indulgent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

I'm so excited to share my ultimate chocolate lovers dessert with you. This cake is pure decadence with its incredibly moist chocolate layers rich peanut butter filling and silky dark chocolate ganache topping. Every time I make it people's eyes light up at that first heavenly bite. It's become my go to recipe for special occasions or just when we need an extra special treat.

What Makes This Cake Extra Special

The magic happens when these three layers come together. That deep chocolate cake stays so perfectly moist while the creamy peanut butter filling adds this incredible richness. Then that smooth ganache on top just takes it over the edge. I love adding different toppings to make each cake unique but honestly it's absolutely divine even on its own.

Everything You Need

  • Flour: 1 ¾ cups (all-purpose). Ensure it's sifted for a smooth batter texture.
  • Cocoa Powder: ¾ cup (unsweetened). Use high-quality cocoa for intense chocolate flavor.
  • Sugar: 2 cups. Granulated sugar for sweetness and structure.
  • Baking Powder: 1 ½ teaspoons. Helps the cake rise evenly.
  • Baking Soda: 1 ½ teaspoons. Reacts with the milk to ensure a fluffy texture.
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon. Balances the sweetness.
  • Eggs: 2 large. Room temperature for better incorporation.
  • Milk: 1 cup (or buttermilk). Adds moisture and tang.
  • Vegetable Oil: ½ cup. Ensures a tender crumb.
  • Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons. Adds warmth to the flavor.
  • Boiling Water: 1 cup. Makes the batter thinner for a moist texture.
  • Peanut Butter: 1 cup (creamy). Smooth and rich for the filling.
  • Cream Cheese: 4 oz (softened). Enhances the filling's creaminess.
  • Powdered Sugar: ½ cup. Sweetens the filling without grittiness.
  • Dark Chocolate: 1 ½ cups (chopped or chips). High cocoa percentage recommended.
  • Heavy Cream: 1 cup. Provides the ganache's silky texture.
  • Butter: 1 tablespoon (optional). Adds gloss to the ganache.
  • Optional Toppings: Caramel or peanut butter sauce, chopped nuts, or sea salt flakes for added flair.

Let's Make Some Magic

Prepare the Cake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round pans with parchment paper. Sift together flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla; beat until smooth. Slowly mix in boiling water. Divide batter between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Make the Filling
Beat peanut butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar in a medium bowl until smooth. Mix in vanilla extract and refrigerate until assembly.
Prepare the Ganache
Heat heavy cream until simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl; let sit 1–2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Add butter for shine, if desired, and let cool until thickened but pourable.
Assemble the Cake
Layer one cake on a plate. Spread peanut butter filling on top. Place the second layer over it. Pour ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Add optional toppings as desired.
Serve
Let the cake set for 30 minutes. Slice and enjoy.
A close-up of a slice of chocolate cake layered with chocolate frosting and topped with chocolate chips, served on a plate with a golden fork beside it. Pin it
A close-up of a slice of chocolate cake layered with chocolate frosting and topped with chocolate chips, served on a plate with a golden fork beside it. | kitchenscroll.com

Make It Your Own

My favorite part is getting creative with the finishing touches. Sometimes I drizzle warm caramel sauce on top other times I sprinkle on some flaky sea salt for that sweet salty magic. Chopped peanuts add such a nice crunch and look beautiful too. Play around with different combinations until you find your perfect version.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is the cake batter so thin?

The thin batter from adding boiling water creates a super moist cake. Don't worry - it will bake up perfectly.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Yes, bake layers and make filling up to 2 days ahead. Assemble and add ganache the day of serving for best results.

→ Why use both baking powder and soda?

The combination helps create the perfect rise and tender crumb in this rich chocolate cake.

→ Can I skip the peanut butter filling?

You can substitute any creamy filling like vanilla buttercream or chocolate mousse if preferred.

→ How do I get clean cake layers?

Let cakes cool completely before filling. Use a long serrated knife to level tops if needed.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

A rich double-layer chocolate cake featuring creamy peanut butter filling and smooth chocolate ganache topping. Perfect for chocolate lovers.

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
80 Minutes

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 slices)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1¾ cups all-purpose flour.
02 ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder.
03 2 cups sugar.
04 1½ teaspoons baking powder.
05 1½ teaspoons baking soda.
06 1 teaspoon salt.
07 2 large eggs.
08 1 cup milk or buttermilk.
09 ½ cup vegetable oil.
10 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
11 1 cup boiling water.
12 1 cup creamy peanut butter.
13 4 ounces cream cheese, softened.
14 ½ cup powdered sugar.
15 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
16 1½ cups dark chocolate, chopped.
17 1 cup heavy cream.
18 1 tablespoon butter (optional).
19 Optional toppings: Caramel sauce, Peanut butter sauce, Chopped nuts, Sea salt flakes.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease two 8-inch cake pans, line with parchment.

Step 02

Sift together flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt.

Step 03

Add eggs, milk, oil, vanilla. Beat until smooth.

Step 04

Mix in boiling water slowly. Batter will be thin.

Step 05

Divide between pans. Bake 30-35 minutes.

Step 06

Cool 10 minutes in pans, then on rack.

Step 07

Beat peanut butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla for filling.

Step 08

Heat cream until simmering. Pour over chocolate, let sit 2 minutes.

Step 09

Stir until smooth. Add butter if using. Let ganache cool slightly.

Step 10

Layer cakes with peanut butter filling. Pour ganache over top. Add optional toppings.

Notes

  1. A decadent chocolate layer cake perfect for special occasions.
  2. The boiling water creates an extra moist cake, while peanut butter filling adds richness.

Tools You'll Need

  • Two 8-inch cake pans.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Saucepan.
  • Cooling rack.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat.
  • Peanuts.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 580
  • Total Fat: 35 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 65 g
  • Protein: 12 g