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    Home » Recipes

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: Easy and Decadent

    May 19, 2022 by Patti Estep 10 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    Serving of chocolate and peanut butter cake with peanut butter cups.
    Pan of chocolate peanut butter cake over dots of filling on chocolate layer cake.

    This chocolate peanut butter cake recipe is easy to make and so decadent, with layers of chocolate cake, Reese's cups, peanut butter, and chocolate ganache.

    Slice of chocolate peanut butter cake with Reese's cups.

    My entire family loves chocolate. However, my brother is a chocolate peanut butter fanatic. So, since it was his birthday, while we were at the beach, I made a decadent chocolate peanut butter cake, just for him.

    Not that we didn't all enjoy it. There were 13 of us, and by the next morning only two pieces were left, which were quickly eaten, so I guess they all liked it.

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    Box chocolate cake layer in a glass baking pan.

    I made it in a glass baking pan because that was available and easy to do in a beach rental home. You might even call it "semi-homemade" since it starts with a box cake mix. To make the box cake extra moist I added a package of instant pudding. Or you can use your favorite chocolate cake recipe.

    Peanut butter filling dotted over chocolate cake.

    The middle layer is a combination of peanut butter and confectioner's sugar. I got this idea from buckeye cookies you often see during the holidays.

    Chocolate ganache layer on cake.

    The top is a layer of chocolate ganache, made with chocolate chips and heavy cream. You could vary the chocolate flavor of this layer by switching to dark chocolate, white, or milk chocolate. 

    Reese's mini peanut butter cups on top of cake.

    Before the ganache sets up add a few, (or many) mini chocolate peanut butter cups for added texture and yumminess.

    Slice of chocolate peanut butter cake with Reese's cups.

    Perfect for a birthday dinner, and pretty easy to make. Especially when you are not working in your own kitchen. 

    More Chocolate Dessert Recipes

    • Chocolate Charlotte
    • Chocolate Drip Cake
    • Brownie Ice Cream Cake
    • Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake
    Slice of peanut butter chocolate cake with mini reeses cups.

     

    Chocolate peanut butter cake. This recipe is easy to make and so decadent with layers of cake, peanut butter and chocolate ganache.

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake wit Reese's Cups

    Chocolate cake, peanut filling and chocolate ganache. Topped with mini peanut butter cups make for a decadent dessert.
    4.42 from 17 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 40 mins
    Additional Time 30 mins
    Total Time 1 hr 20 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 24
    Calories 394 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 box chocolate cake mix
    • 1/2 cup oil
    • 1 1/4 cup water
    • 3 eggs per package instructions, If your box mix says to use 2 eggs, I'd add a third to the mix.
    • 1 package 3.9 oz instant chocolate pudding mix
    • 2 cups creamy peanut butter
    • 2 cups confectioners or powdered sugar
    • 4 tablespoons butter melted
    • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
    • 1 pint heavy cream
    • 1 8 oz. bag mini reese's peanut butter cups

    Instructions
     

    • Butter a large sheet pan (9 x 13)
    • Combine the cake mix with the eggs, water, oil, and instant pudding. 
    • Spread into a baking dish greased with cooking spray.
    • Bake in the oven for 30-40 mins at 350 degrees. Set aside to cool.
    • In a large bowl combine peanut butter, sugar, and butter on medium speed.
    • Once the sheet cake is cool, spread the peanut butter mixture over the top by dropping large spoonfuls all around.
    • Then use a spatula to spread the filling in an even layer over the cake layer.
    • Combine chocolate chips and heavy cream on medium heat in a saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly until the cream and chocolate are well combined.
    • Pour chocolate ganache (chips & cream mixture) over the peanut butter layer.
    • Top with mini chocolate peanut butter cups.
    • Set in refrigerator to set for 20 mins or more and serve.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1gCalories: 394kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 7gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 66mgSodium: 223mgFiber: 2gSugar: 22g

    Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although attempts have been made to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    About Patti Estep

    Patti is the creator of Hearth and Vine, a home and garden blog filled with projects to inspire your creative side. She loves crafting, gardening, decorating and entertaining at her home in Pennsylvania. When she is not working on a project at home or searching for treasures at nurseries and thrift stores with her girlfriends, you’ll probably find her with family and friends, at a restaurant, or home party enjoying new and different food adventures.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Valerie

      September 01, 2022 at 10:22 pm

      Hello I already made the cake part I’m wondering if I’m serving it tomorrow night should I make it tonight and put it in the refrigerator or wait till tomorrow to make it what comes out the best? Thank you 😊

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        September 02, 2022 at 7:13 am

        Valerie, you can do it either way. Enjoy.

        Reply
    2. Laura

      November 27, 2021 at 12:51 am

      This cake is easy and super delicious. My family loved it as a finale to our Thanksgiving feast. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        November 27, 2021 at 7:08 am

        Laura, that's wonderful to hear. Thanks for sharing!

        Reply
    3. Lori

      November 23, 2021 at 7:38 am

      Can this cake be stored at room temperature?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        November 23, 2021 at 7:56 am

        Lori, I'm not sure but I think it would be okay if it was well covered for a short time.

        Reply
    4. Pat Schwab

      August 12, 2017 at 6:27 pm

      Patti, This cake looks so delicious. Thanks

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        August 13, 2017 at 8:14 am

        Hi Pat,
        It's so yummy and easy too. I hope you try it.

        Reply
        • Tina Liapis

          August 15, 2017 at 9:36 am

          Hi Pat,

          The recipe doesn't specify how many eggs- should I just follow the recipe on the box for the cake mix?

          Thanks,
          Tina L

        • Patti Estep

          August 15, 2017 at 9:52 am

          Hi Tina,

          You are correct. The box mix I used called for 3 eggs. I would also suggest that if you buy a mix which only calls for two eggs to add an additional egg. Thanks for pointing this issue out. I'll update the post for clarification.

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