Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert with this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake! Featuring layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter cheesecake, and luscious peanut butter frosting, this decadent treat is perfect for any special occasion. Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or a chocolate enthusiast, this cake delivers the perfect balance of flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
For the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2️⃣ Make the Chocolate Cake Batter:
- In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until combined.
- Divide batter between prepared pans.
3️⃣ Prepare the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Layer:
- Beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sugar, mix until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract & peanut butter until smooth.
4️⃣ Assemble & Bake:
- Drop spoonfuls of cheesecake mixture over chocolate cake batter in each pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
5️⃣ Make the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- Beat butter & peanut butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream.
- Stir in vanilla extract, beat until fluffy.
6️⃣ Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a plate, spread frosting on top.
- Add the second cake layer (cheesecake side down).
- Frost the top and sides of the cake.
7️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
Notes
- Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter: Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Chocolate Chips: Stir mini chocolate chips into the cheesecake layer.
- Salted Caramel Twist: Drizzle caramel sauce for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American