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Finished chocolate peanut butter cake with peanut butter frosting and chocolate shavings.

Effortless Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe for Beginners

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This Effortless Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is the perfect beginner-friendly dessert that combines rich chocolate with creamy peanut butter for a decadent treat. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this moist cake comes together quickly and is sure to impress. The luscious peanut butter frosting takes it over the top, making it ideal for any occasion or just when you’re craving something sweet.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 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
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter (for frosting)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • ¼ cup heavy cream (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Stir in boiling water.
  4. Pour batter into greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
  5. For frosting: Beat butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
  6. Spread frosting over cooled cake. Garnish with chocolate shavings or chopped peanuts if desired.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for easier mixing
  • Don’t overmix the batter – stop as soon as ingredients are combined
  • For extra moistness, brush baked cake with simple syrup before frosting
  • Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days
  • For gluten-free version, substitute with gluten-free flour blend
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
  • Calories: 480 Kcal
  • Sugar: 42g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 62g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg