Outrageous Chocolate Peanut Butter Celebration Cake Recipe

Whipping up an outrageous chocolate peanut butter celebration cake promises pure decadence for anyone craving intense flavor combinations.

Sweet aromas will dance through your kitchen as layers of rich chocolate meld with creamy peanut butter.

Indulgent textures promise a dessert that feels like a special occasion all by itself.

Each slice delivers a luxurious experience that sparkles with delightful contrasts.

Passionate bakers understand how complex ingredients can create magic when blended thoughtfully.

Complex yet approachable, this recipe welcomes both novice and experienced dessert makers into its delicious world.

You’ll want to savor every magnificent bite of this show-stopping confection.

Why This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Is a Must-Try

• Blast Through Baking Complexity: This cake recipe breaks down complex steps into simple, manageable instructions that even novice bakers can master with confidence.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Sensation: Packed with decadent chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and crunchy peanut pieces, this dessert guarantees smiles and second helpings at any gathering.
• Customize with Creativity: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping toppings or adjusting frosting thickness, making it perfect for personal preferences and spontaneous baking adventures.
• Impressive Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing busy hosts to plan dessert without last-minute stress while maintaining incredible flavor and texture.

Ingredients That Make the Chocolate PB Cake Outrageous

• All-Purpose Flour: A standard ingredient that provides structure to the chocolate cake.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the cake rise and create a light, airy texture.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic flavor to the cake.
• Instant Coffee Powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a creamy, smooth base for the peanut butter frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken the frosting.
• Peanut Butter: Adds rich, nutty flavor to both frosting and topping.
• Chocolate Chips: Used for drizzling and adding extra chocolate flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Helps create a smooth chocolate drizzle.

• Peanut Butter Cups, Chopped Peanuts: Provide crunch, texture, and additional peanut flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

Baking the Ultimate Chocolate PB Celebration Cake

Step 1: Prepare The Baking Station

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F. Grab a 9×13 inch metal pan and coat it with cooking spray, then line with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Create The Dry Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Granulated sugar
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Introduce Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Milk
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract

Whisk everything until the batter looks smooth and silky.

Step 4: Add Coffee Dimension

Dissolve instant coffee powder in boiling water. Pour this into the batter and whisk thoroughly.

The mixture will become thin and glossy.

Step 5: Bake The Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a skewer – it should come out clean.

Let the cake cool completely for about two hours.

Step 6: Craft The Peanut Butter Frosting

Beat butter until it becomes fluffy and light.

• Peanut butter
• Salt
• Milk

Continue beating for another three minutes until the frosting is creamy.

Step 7: Frost The Cake

Spread the luscious peanut butter frosting evenly across the cooled cake.

Step 8: Create Chocolate Drizzle

Melt chocolate chips with cream in the microwave, using 15-second bursts.

Allow to cool for 10 minutes. Drizzle over the frosted cake.

Step 9: Add Decadent Toppings

• Chopped peanut butter cups
• Crushed peanuts

Drizzle additional melted chocolate and peanut butter on top.

Step 10: Serve And Store

Slice the cake and serve.

Store in the refrigerator, but allow to reach room temperature before enjoying for the best flavor and texture.

Tricks for Perfecting a Chocolate Peanut Butter Masterpiece

• Sift dry ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, velvety cake texture.
• Use room temperature eggs and milk for better batter integration and even baking results.
• Dissolve coffee powder completely to enhance the rich chocolate flavor without leaving granules.
• Allow cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and maintain structural integrity.
• Store cake in refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for optimal taste and texture.

Creative Spins on the Classic PB Chocolate Cake

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend. Maintain same measurements and baking instructions for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Celebration Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, dairy milk with almond milk, butter with vegan butter, and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Adjust frosting with coconut cream and vegan peanut butter.
• Mini Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes: Divide batter into cupcake liners, reducing baking time to 18-22 minutes. Top with swirled peanut butter frosting and mini peanut butter cups for individual servings.
• Dark Chocolate Espresso Peanut Butter Cake: Increase coffee powder for deeper flavor.

Sweet Pairings for Chocolate PB Celebration Cake

• Pair with Creamy Red Wine: Select a smooth, full-bodied red like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors, cutting through the sweetness while enhancing the dessert's decadence.
• Enhance with Cold Brew Coffee: Serve a chilled cold brew coffee alongside the cake, which amplifies the underlying coffee notes in the recipe and provides a refreshing contrast to the dense, sweet cake.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop a classic vanilla bean ice cream next to the cake slice, creating a creamy, cool counterpoint that balances the intense chocolate and peanut butter flavors while adding textural complexity.

How to Store and Savor the Chocolate PB Cake Later

• Refrigerator Storage: Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Keep in refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining freshness and preventing drying out.
• Freezer Preservation: Slice cake into portions, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months, ensuring optimal taste and texture.
• Thawing Process: Transfer frozen cake from freezer to refrigerator overnight. Let sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving to restore soft, moist consistency.
• Reheating Technique: Warm individual slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds or in oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, covering with foil to prevent moisture loss.

FAQs for the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Experience

• Can I use natural peanut butter for the frosting?

Yes, but stabilize it first by stirring well and ensuring it’s at room temperature to prevent separation.

• How do I know the cake is perfectly baked?

Insert a skewer or toothpick in the center – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

• Is coffee necessary in the chocolate cake?

No, you can replace boiling water with hot water or skip it entirely, but coffee enhances the chocolate’s depth of flavor.

• What if my frosting looks too thick or thin?

Add milk (1 teaspoon at a time) to thin it out or powdered sugar to thicken, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Outrageous Chocolate Peanut Butter Celebration Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 75 minutes (or approximately 3 hours)
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Chocolate peanut butter celebration cake promises pure indulgence with layers of rich, velvety chocolate and creamy peanut butter. Dessert enthusiasts will savor each decadent bite of this irresistible sweet masterpiece that delivers pure bliss in every delightful slice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (low or full-fat)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons instant coffee powder (optional)
• 1 cup boiling water

Frosting Ingredients:

• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (500 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter (spread-style)
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon milk

Topping Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips or melts
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter (melted for drizzle)
• 120 grams mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (whole and halved)
• 1/4 cup salted peanuts, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare workspace by heating oven to 350°F and lining a 9×13″ metal pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Sift dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda) into a large mixing bowl, then incorporate sugar and salt, creating a uniform dry mixture.
3. Introduce wet ingredients (eggs, milk, oil, vanilla) to dry mixture, whisking thoroughly until achieving a smooth, consistent batter.
4. Dissolve coffee powder in boiling water, then blend into batter, creating a thin, liquid-like consistency.
5. Transfer batter into prepared pan, distributing evenly, and bake for 45 minutes until a skewer emerges clean when inserted.
6. Allow cake to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 2 hours, ensuring no residual warmth remains.
7. Prepare frosting by whipping butter until light and airy, gradually incorporating powdered sugar in three separate additions.
8. Enhance frosting with peanut butter, salt, and milk, beating for an additional 3 minutes until achieving a silky, spreadable texture.
9. Generously spread frosting across the entirely cooled cake surface, creating an even layer.
10. Melt chocolate chips with cream using microwave in short 15-second intervals, allowing mixture to cool for 10 minutes.
11. Drizzle melted chocolate and peanut butter artfully across frosted cake surface.
12. Garnish with chopped peanut butter cups and scattered peanuts for textural contrast.
13. Serve at room temperature, storing any remaining cake in refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Notes

• Enhance moisture by using room temperature ingredients, which blend more smoothly and create a more tender cake texture.
• Make gluten-free by substituting regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, ensuring equal measurements and adding xanthan gum for better structure.
• Reduce sugar content by replacing half the sugar with monk fruit sweetener or using unsweetened applesauce, maintaining the cake’s rich flavor while cutting calories.
• Transform into dairy-free version by swapping milk with almond milk and using dairy-free butter alternatives, without compromising the decadent chocolate and peanut butter profile.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 45g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 40mg