Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Filling and Decadent Ganache Recipe

Introduction

Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter is a decadent dessert that combines rich chocolate cake with a creamy peanut butter filling and a luscious ganache topping. This cake offers the perfect balance of flavors for anyone who loves the classic pairing of chocolate and peanut butter.

Ingredients

• 1 box chocolate cake mix (prepared according to package instructions)
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• ½ cup crushed peanuts
• Optional: chocolate bars or peanut butter cups for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the chocolate cake according to the package instructions and bake it in your preferred pan. Allow the cake to cool completely.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and softened cream cheese. Mix until smooth.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture, stirring until fully incorporated and creamy.
4. Step 4: Once the cake is cooled, slice it horizontally to create two layers. Spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the bottom layer, then place the top layer back on.
5. Step 5: For the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the chopped dark chocolate. Let sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
6. Step 6: Pour the ganache over the assembled cake, spreading it evenly to cover the top and sides.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle the crushed peanuts over the ganache while it is still soft. Add optional chocolate bars or peanut butter cups as a garnish if desired.
8. Step 8: Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving to allow the ganache to set and flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

• For a crunchier texture, toast the crushed peanuts before sprinkling on top.
• Use natural peanut butter for a less sweet filling, adjusting powdered sugar to taste.
• Try substituting dark chocolate with milk chocolate in the ganache for a sweeter finish.
• Add a pinch of sea salt on top of the ganache to enhance the peanut butter flavor.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes for easier slicing. Reheat ganache-topped slices briefly in the microwave if needed to soften the chocolate slightly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, chilling helps the flavors to develop and the ganache to set nicely.

Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a box mix?

Absolutely. Feel free to use your favorite chocolate cake recipe. Just be sure it is fully cooled before assembling the layers and filling.

Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Filling and Decadent Ganache Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 101 reviews

Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter is a decadent layered cake featuring moist chocolate cake, a creamy peanut butter and cream cheese filling, and a rich dark chocolate ganache topping finished with crunchy crushed peanuts. This indulgent dessert combines classic flavors that peanut butter and chocolate lovers will adore, perfect for special occasions or anytime you crave a luscious treat.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cake:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix (prepared according to package instructions)

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar

For the Ganache:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped

For Topping:

• ½ cup crushed peanuts
• Optional: Chocolate bars or peanut butter cups for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake: Follow the instructions on your chocolate cake mix box to prepare the batter, then bake according to the package directions for two 8 or 9-inch round cake pans. Allow cakes to cool completely before assembling.
2. Make Peanut Butter Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and creamy peanut butter together until smooth and well combined. Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to beat until the filling is creamy and spreadable.
3. Prepare the Ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the chopped dark chocolate. Let sit for a minute, then stir gently until smooth and glossy.
4. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of the peanut butter filling over the top. Place the second cake layer on top. Pour the chocolate ganache over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides evenly.
5. Add Toppings: Sprinkle crushed peanuts over the ganache while it’s still soft. Optionally, decorate with chocolate bars or peanut butter cups for an extra indulgent touch.
6. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to let the ganache set and flavors meld before serving. Slice and enjoy your heavenly chocolate peanut butter cake!

Notes

• Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling consistency.
• The ganache can be made ahead and refrigerated; gently rewarm before pouring over the cake.
• Use dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for a richer flavor contrast to the peanut butter.
• The crushed peanuts topping adds texture; you can toast them lightly for extra crunch and flavor.
• Store leftover cake in the fridge for up to 3 days, covered tightly to maintain freshness.

Keywords: chocolate peanut butter cake, peanut butter filling, chocolate ganache, layered cake, dessert recipe, easy chocolate cake