Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is pure indulgence in every bite. Layers of rich dark chocolate sponge paired with silky peanut butter frosting create a flavor experience that feels both nostalgic and gourmet. In this article, I’ll share the story behind this irresistible combo, why it works so well, its health benefits, and how you can easily bake it at home. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious beginner, you’ll find practical tips and creative variations to suit your style. And if you love chocolate, don’t miss my take on Chocolate Guinness Cake another dark and dreamy favorite.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Captures Our Hearts
The flavor story behind peanut butter & chocolate
There’s something magical about the first bite of Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake. The bold, slightly bitter richness of dark chocolate meets the creamy, nutty warmth of peanut butter a pairing that seems meant to be. This flavor love story dates back decades, gaining popularity through classic candies and desserts. In cakes, this combo transforms into a rich, moist delight with depth and complexity.
The high cocoa content in dark chocolate adds antioxidants and a deep flavor that cuts through the sweetness of the peanut butter frosting. Meanwhile, the fat and salt in peanut butter balance the chocolate’s intensity. The result? A harmonious bite that keeps you coming back for more.
If you’re a fan of dessert pairings like this, you’ll also love my Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake, where warm spice meets creamy decadence.
How I first fell for this cake
Hi, I’m Sarah and let me tell you how this cake won my heart.
Years ago, at a family reunion in Texas, my cousin brought a towering Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake to the potluck table. One forkful and I was hooked: the bittersweet dark chocolate, the luscious peanut butter frosting, the hint of espresso it tasted like comfort and celebration all in one.
Back in my kitchen, I couldn’t stop experimenting. I tweaked the recipe to add mini chocolate chips for texture and used black coffee to deepen the chocolate flavor. Now, it’s a go-to for birthdays, reunions, and cozy weekends. And it pairs perfectly with a cup of Chocolate Cake Mix Brownies on the side for extra chocolate bliss.
How to Bake the Best Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
Can I add peanut butter to a chocolate cake mix?
Absolutely. If you want a shortcut version of Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake, adding peanut butter to a chocolate cake mix is a great option. Mix ½ cup of creamy peanut butter into your prepared chocolate cake batter. It will add richness and a subtle nutty flavor. For a more decadent version, swirl peanut butter into the batter before baking, or layer peanut butter between the cake layers after baking.
For more ways to enhance boxed mixes, try my popular Chocolate Cake Mix Brownies, which turn a simple mix into a rich dessert.
St. Louis vs. Philadelphia butter cake: What’s the difference?
If you’re wondering how butter cakes compare to Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake, here’s a quick breakdown:
St. Louis Butter Cake: Known for its gooey, almost custard-like center. It features a yeast-based or cake base with a sweet, buttery topping.
Philadelphia Butter Cake: Denser, richer, with a more traditional cake crumb and a buttery flavor throughout.
While both are indulgent, they’re quite different from the layered structure of a Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake, which uses fluffy chocolate layers and creamy peanut butter frosting.
Now, let’s get baking! Here’s the complete recipe for you to follow at home:
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1¾ cups (219g) |
| Unsweetened natural cocoa powder | ¾ cup (62g) |
| Granulated sugar | 1¾ cups (350g) |
| Baking soda | 2 teaspoons |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Espresso powder (optional) | 2 teaspoons |
| Canola or vegetable oil | ½ cup (120ml) |
| Large eggs | 2, at room temperature |
| Full-fat sour cream | ¾ cup (180g) |
| Buttermilk | ½ cup (120ml) |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Hot water or black coffee | ½ cup (120ml) |
| Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (tossed in 1 tbsp flour) | 1 cup (170g) |
Peanut Butter Frosting
- Unsalted butter: ¾ cup (170g), softened
- Creamy peanut butter: 1¾ cups (440g)
- Confectioners’ sugar: 1¾ cups (210g)
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Pinch of salt
- Heavy cream: 3 tbsp (45ml), room temperature
Chocolate Ganache
- Semi-sweet chocolate: 8 oz (226g), finely chopped
- Heavy cream: 1 cup (240ml)
Optional garnish: Chopped or mini peanut butter cups
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease three 9-inch cake pans, line with parchment rounds.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder.
- Add oil, eggs, sour cream, buttermilk, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
- Slowly mix in hot water or coffee. Batter will be thin.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips.
- Divide batter among pans. Bake for 23–27 minutes. Cool completely.
- For frosting: Beat butter and peanut butter until creamy. Gradually add sugar, vanilla, salt, and cream until fluffy.
- For ganache: Heat cream until simmering. Pour over chocolate; let sit 3 minutes. Whisk until smooth.
- Assemble cake: Layer chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting between layers. Crumb coat and chill for 15 minutes.
- Apply final frosting layer. Drizzle ganache over top and sides. Garnish with peanut butter cups.
Is Dark Chocolate with Peanut Butter Good for You?
Nutritional breakdown and benefits
You might be surprised to learn that Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake offers more than indulgence it brings some health benefits, too. While it’s still a dessert, thoughtful ingredient choices can add nutritional value.
Dark chocolate, especially varieties with 70% cocoa or higher, contains powerful antioxidants called flavonoids. These compounds help combat free radicals and may improve heart health. Additionally, dark chocolate provides iron, magnesium, and fiber all valuable nutrients in moderation.
Peanut butter contributes healthy fats, plant-based protein, and essential vitamins such as vitamin E and B3. It also provides magnesium and potassium, which support muscle function and heart health. However, it’s important to choose creamy peanut butter without added hydrogenated oils for the best nutritional profile.
Together, these ingredients create a dessert with a surprising nutrient boost. Of course, moderation is key but knowing that a slice of Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake offers more than empty calories makes it even more enjoyable. For another dessert that strikes a sweet-savory balance, check out my Chocolate Cake Mix with Sour Cream recipe.
How to make this cake a healthier treat
If you’d like to make your Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake a bit lighter, small adjustments can go a long way. Here are some tips:
- Use natural peanut butter with minimal added sugar and salt.
- Choose dark chocolate with 70% cocoa or higher to maximize antioxidants.
- Replace a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber.
- Reduce the sugar in the frosting slightly, as the peanut butter already contributes a rich flavor.
Additionally, using espresso powder in the cake enhances chocolate flavor without adding calories. Swapping heavy cream in the ganache with coconut cream can also lighten the dessert while adding a subtle tropical note. Pair this cake with other lighter chocolate treats, like my Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with Cake Mix, for a well-rounded dessert table.
How to Serve Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is best enjoyed slightly chilled the frosting firms up just enough to create a creamy bite that contrasts beautifully with the rich cake layers. For special occasions, I love showcasing this Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake on a tall cake stand, garnished with mini peanut butter cups or cocoa powder. At brunch, pair a slice of Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake with strong coffee or espresso to balance its sweetness. It’s also a fantastic choice for dessert buffets; serve it with a platter of berries to add a fresh, vibrant note. For chocolate lovers, pairing Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake with a slice of Pecan Praline Cake makes for an unforgettable dessert duo.
Print
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: A Rich & Decadent Delight
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake combines rich chocolate layers with creamy peanut butter frosting and a glossy ganache drip a decadent dessert for all occasions.
Ingredients
1¾ cups (219g) all-purpose flour
¾ cup (62g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder
1¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons espresso powder (optional)
½ cup (120ml) canola or vegetable oil
2 large eggs, at room temperature
¾ cup (180g) full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
½ cup (120ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
½ cup (120ml) hot water or black coffee
1 cup (170g) mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (tossed in 1 tbsp flour)
Peanut Butter Frosting:
¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
1¾ cups (440g) creamy peanut butter
1¾ cups (210g) confectioners’ sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
3 tbsp (45ml) heavy cream, room temperature
Chocolate Ganache:
8 oz (226g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare three 9-inch pans by greasing and lining with parchment.
2. In a large bowl, whisk dry ingredients (flour, cocoa, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, espresso powder).
3. Add oil, eggs, sour cream, buttermilk, vanilla; beat until smooth.
4. Slowly mix in hot water or coffee until batter is smooth.
5. Fold in mini chocolate chips.
6. Divide batter among pans; bake 23–27 minutes. Cool completely.
7. For frosting: Beat butter and peanut butter until creamy. Gradually add sugar, vanilla, salt, and cream until fluffy.
8. For ganache: Heat cream, pour over chocolate, whisk until smooth.
9. Assemble cake: Layer chocolate cake with frosting between layers. Apply crumb coat, chill 15 min.
10. Apply final frosting layer. Drizzle ganache over top and sides. Garnish with peanut butter cups.
Notes
For deeper chocolate flavor, use strong black coffee in place of hot water.
Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest frosting texture.
Store cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Allow cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is more than just a dessert it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and pure indulgence. Whether you bake it for a birthday, a brunch, or simply to satisfy a craving, this cake delivers a perfect balance of bold dark chocolate and creamy peanut butter in every bite. By following the tips in this guide, you can create a showstopping Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love exploring other chocolate-forward treats like my Chocolate Guinness Cake or Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with Cake Mix. Now, it’s time to preheat your oven and bake your new favorite cake!
FAQ
Do peanut butter and dark chocolate go together?
Absolutely! Peanut butter and dark chocolate are one of the most beloved flavor pairings. The creamy, salty profile of peanut butter balances perfectly with the bold, slightly bitter notes of dark chocolate. This harmony is why Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake remains a favorite for both casual bakers and dessert connoisseurs.
Is dark chocolate with peanut butter good for you?
In moderation, yes. Dark chocolate offers antioxidants, iron, and magnesium, while peanut butter provides healthy fats and plant-based protein. A slice of Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake can deliver small nutritional benefits along with its indulgent flavor. Choosing high-quality dark chocolate and natural peanut butter can further enhance its health profile.
Can I add peanut butter to a chocolate cake mix?
Definitely. Adding peanut butter to a chocolate cake mix is an easy way to create a shortcut version of Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake. You can mix creamy peanut butter directly into the batter or swirl it through for added richness and texture. For more tips, check out my Chocolate Cake Mix Brownies.
What is the difference between St. Louis and Philadelphia butter cake?
St. Louis butter cake is gooey and custard-like with a yeast or cake base, while Philadelphia butter cake is denser with a more traditional crumb. Both are delicious, but quite different from the layered elegance of Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake, which highlights the contrast of dark chocolate and peanut butter through distinct layers and textures.
