Description
A delicious homemade chocolate cake layered with creamy peanut butter frosting and topped with rich chocolate ganache, inspired by Reese’s.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (for frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- ¼ cup heavy cream (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for ganache)
- ½ cup heavy cream (for ganache)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
- Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth (the batter will be thin).
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- For the peanut butter frosting, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of peanut butter frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- For the chocolate ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until just boiling. Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips, stirring until melted and smooth. Let it cool slightly before drizzling over the frosted cake.
- Allow the ganache to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For an extra crunch, add chopped peanuts or crushed Reese’s cups between the cake layers or as a topping.
- Substitute the creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter for added texture in the frosting.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 50mg