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Reese’s Peanut Butter Cake Recipe

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cake Recipe

5.3 from 27 reviews

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cake is a decadent dessert combining rich, moist chocolate cake layers with creamy peanut butter frosting and a luscious chocolate ganache drip. Perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers, this cake balances sweet and salty flavors in a delightful treat ideal for celebrations or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chocolate Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot water or brewed coffee

For the Peanut Butter Frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar, to desired consistency
  • ¼ cup heavy cream or milk, as needed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

For the Chocolate Ganache Drip

  • ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to combine the dry ingredients evenly.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  3. Incorporate Hot Liquid: Carefully stir in the hot water or brewed coffee to the batter. This thins the batter and intensifies the cocoa flavor. Mix gently until fully blended.
  4. Bake the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely.
  5. Make the Peanut Butter Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add heavy cream or milk as needed to reach desired consistency. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
  6. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache Drip: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Allow ganache to cool slightly to a pourable but thick consistency.
  7. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of peanut butter frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining peanut butter frosting, smoothing the sides and top.
  8. Apply Ganache Drip: Drizzle or carefully pour the chocolate ganache over the top edge of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides naturally. You can use a spoon or piping bag for control.
  9. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting and ganache to set before slicing and serving. Enjoy your irresistible Reese’s Peanut Butter Cake!

Notes

  • Use hot coffee instead of water to enhance the chocolate flavor.
  • Adjust powdered sugar in frosting for your preferred sweetness and texture.
  • Make sure the cake layers are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

Nutrition

Keywords: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cake, chocolate cake, peanut butter frosting, chocolate ganache, dessert, party cake, rich chocolate cake, homemade cake