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Homemade Peanut Butter Cup Cake photo

Peanut Butter Cup Cake

This Peanut Butter Cup Cake is a chocolate lover's dream! Rich layers, creamy frosting, and chunks of peanut butter cups make it irresistible.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus 1 tablespoon)
  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder (plus 1 tablespoon)
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt
  • 3 eggs (at room temperature)
  • 1 cup buttermilk (at room temperature)
  • 1 cup strong black coffee (hot)
  • 0.67 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 cups creamy peanut butter
  • 10 tablespoons unsalted butter (at room temperature)
  • 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.67 cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces semisweet chocolate (finely chopped)
  • 0.75 cup heavy cream
  • 30 miniature peanut butter cups (coarsely chopped, divided)

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Electric Mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • 8-inch round cake pans
  • Cooling rack
  • Offset Spatula

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans to ensure the cake releases easily once baked.
  2. Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, Dutch-process cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the eggs, buttermilk, hot coffee, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully blended.
  4. Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing with an electric mixer on low speed until just combined.
  5. Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Step 6: Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting: Beat together the creamy peanut butter, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until fluffy.
  7. Step 7: Make the Chocolate Ganache: Heat 0.67 cup of heavy cream until just simmering, pour it over the chocolate, let it sit, then stir until smooth.
  8. Step 8: Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread with frosting and sprinkle with peanut butter cups, layer the second cake and repeat.
  9. Step 9: Drizzle with Ganache: Pour the warm chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
  10. Step 10: Final Touches: Decorate with remaining miniature peanut butter cups.

Notes

  • For a richer chocolate flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder.
  • Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture.
  • Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.