Why You Should Make This Peanut Butter Cup Cake
If you’re a peanut butter lover, then this cake is a must-try. It’s a rich, chocolatey cake filled with peanut butter cups and topped with creamy peanut butter frosting. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a party, or just treating yourself to something delicious.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 and 3/4 cups (218g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 and 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
- 1 and 1/2 cups chopped peanut butter cups
For the frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks, 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter
- 4 cups (480g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth. Fold in the chopped peanut butter cups.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing them from the pans and placing them on a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat the softened butter in a large mixing bowl until creamy. Add the peanut butter and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt, and beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Place one cake layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top of the cake layer using an offset spatula.
- Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting and spread another layer of frosting on top of the cake layer and around the sides of the cake.
- Decorate the top of the cake with additional chopped peanut butter cups, if desired.
- Slice and serve the cake at room temperature.
Variations
Vegan Peanut Butter Cup Cake
To make this cake vegan, simply substitute the buttermilk with a non-dairy milk and vinegar mixture (1 cup of non-dairy milk + 1 tablespoon of vinegar), the eggs with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, and the butter with vegan butter. For the frosting, use vegan butter and non-dairy milk.
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cup Cake
To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure the peanut butter cups you use are gluten-free as well.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cake
For an even more chocolatey version of this cake, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter along with the chopped peanut butter cups.
Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes
To turn this cake into cupcakes, simply divide the batter into a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcakes comes out clean. Top with a dollop of peanut butter frosting and a mini peanut butter cup.
FAQ
What is a Peanut Butter Cup Cake?
A Peanut Butter Cup Cake is a cake that is made with peanut butter and chocolate. It is usually a chocolate cake with a peanut butter frosting and topped with mini peanut butter cups.
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, you can use any type of cake mix you like. However, keep in mind that the flavor of the cake will be different if you use a different type of mix.
Can I use a different type of frosting?
Yes, you can use any type of frosting you like. However, keep in mind that the flavor of the cake will be different if you use a different type of frosting.
Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache?
Yes, you can use any type of chocolate you like for the ganache. However, keep in mind that the flavor of the ganache will be different if you use a different type of chocolate.
Can I use a different type of nut butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, you can use any type of nut butter you like. However, keep in mind that the flavor of the cake will be different if you use a different type of nut butter.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze this cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before putting it in the freezer. It will keep for up to three months.
Can I use mini chocolate chips instead of chopped chocolate for the ganache?
Yes, you can use mini chocolate chips instead of chopped chocolate for the ganache. However, keep in mind that it may take longer for the chocolate to melt.
Can I use a different type of pan?
Yes, you can use a different type of pan. However, keep in mind that the baking time may be different if you use a different type of pan.
Can I use a different type of candy for the topping?
Yes, you can use any type of candy you like for the topping. However, keep in mind that the flavor of the cake will be different if you use a different type of candy.
