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Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake

This Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake features rich, moist chocolate cake layers filled and frosted with creamy peanut butter frosting. Perfect for birthdays and celebrations, this indulgent dessert is inspired by favorites like Reese cake, Nutter Butter cake, and classic chocolate cake with buttercream frosting.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 Slices
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Chocolate Cake Layers
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1½ teaspoons baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup hot coffee or hot water
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Peanut Butter Frosting
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 –3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two or three 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and eggs until smooth.
  4. Add buttermilk and vanilla extract, mixing well.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
  6. Stir in hot coffee or water until batter is smooth.
  7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
  8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  9. Cool cake layers completely on a wire rack.
  10. Beat butter and peanut butter until creamy.
  11. Gradually add powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla until frosting is light and fluffy.
  12. Assemble cake by spreading frosting between layers and over the top and sides.

Notes

Use room-temperature ingredients for best texture
Do not overbake to keep cake moist
Chill cake layers briefly before frosting for easier assembly
Store cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days