If you have a sweet tooth that loves a rich, creamy combo, this Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe will absolutely become your new favorite. Layers of moist, tender chocolate cake paired with a luscious peanut butter frosting studded with chopped Reese’s create a dreamy contrast of flavors and textures. Topped with silky chocolate ganache and decorative frosting swirls, every slice feels like a celebration in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving an indulgent treat, this cake is an irresistible showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A slice of dark chocolate cake has three thick layers of moist chocolate sponge, separated by two layers of light creamy filling mixed with small cookie pieces. The top of the cake is covered with a smooth, shiny layer of dark chocolate ganache, decorated with a swirl of light cream, half a milk chocolate peanut butter cup, and sprinkled with crushed cookie crumbs. The slice sits on a white plate with a drizzle of chocolate sauce and scattered crumbs around it, with a silver fork beside it. The background has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking this memorable cake. Each component plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of chocolate richness and peanut butter creaminess, making the whole cake sing with flavor and texture.

1 3/4 cups (228g) all purpose flour: Provides the structure and crumb of your cake layers, making them soft but sturdy.
2 cups (414g) sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create a tender crumb.
3/4 cup (85g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder: For that deep, robust chocolate flavor that brings life to the cake.
2 1/4 tsp baking soda: Gives your cake a nice rise and lightness.
1/2 tsp baking powder: Adds extra lift for a perfectly fluffy texture.
1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1 cup (240ml) milk: Keeps the batter moist and rich.
1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil: Adds tenderness and keeps the cake from drying out.
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Rounds out the chocolate with a warm, inviting aroma.
2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
1 cup (240ml) hot water: Intensifies the cocoa flavor and makes the batter silky smooth.
2 cups (448g) unsalted butter, room temperature: The base of the frosting, creating a creamy texture.
1 1/4 cups (350g) peanut butter: Brings that unmistakable nutty and salty flavor that pairs brilliantly with chocolate.
9 cups (1035g) powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
6-7 tbsp (90-105ml) water or milk: Adjusts frosting consistency to perfect spreadability.
6 Reese’s, chopped: Adds crunchy, peanut buttery pockets inside the frosting layers.
Pinch of salt: Intensifies the peanut butter flavor and balances sweetness in the frosting.
6 oz (1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips: Base for the shiny chocolate ganache topping.
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream: Makes the ganache smooth and pourable.
8 Reese’s, cut in half: Decorative and delicious accents on top of the cake.
Crumbled Reese’s: For garnishing and adding texture to the final presentation.

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake Layers

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (176°C) and preparing three 8-inch cake pans with non-stick baking spray and parchment paper to ensure your cakes come out perfectly. Whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl — this dry mix is the foundation of your chocolate layers. In another bowl, combine the milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs, stirring until smooth. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix until just combined. Then, carefully add the hot water while mixing on low speed; you’ll notice the batter becomes silky thin—that’s exactly what you want! Divide the batter evenly among your pans and bake for about 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the cakes cool briefly before transferring to a rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting

While your cakes are cooling, it’s time to make that dreamy peanut butter frosting. Beat the room temperature unsalted butter and peanut butter together until creamy and fully blended. Gradually add half of the powdered sugar and mix on low until smooth. Pour in 3 tablespoons of water or milk and blend to keep it fluffy and spreadable, then add the remaining powdered sugar. Make sure to keep mixing until the frosting is silky smooth, finally incorporating the rest of the water or milk and a pinch of salt. The salt is key to enhancing the nutty depth and balancing the sweetness.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake Layers

Using a serrated knife, level the cake layers by trimming off the domed tops. Place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake board and generously spread about 1 cup of frosting over it. Sprinkle half of the chopped Reese’s atop the frosting and gently press them in so they stick. Add a thin layer of frosting on top of the Reese’s to create a sticky surface for the next layer. Repeat this layering process with the second cake and remaining chopped Reese’s, then carefully place the final cake layer on top. Apply a thin crumb coat all over the sides of the cake to seal in any crumbs, then spread a thicker layer of frosting evenly on top. Use smooth, even strokes for a polished finish.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate Ganache

For the perfect crowning touch, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Warm the heavy whipping cream until it’s just boiling, then pour it over the chocolate, letting it sit for a couple minutes before whisking until smooth. Drizzle this luxurious ganache down the edges of the cake and cover the top, smoothing with an offset spatula. This adds a lovely glossy finish that’s as decadent as it looks. Allow the ganache to firm up for about 10 minutes before moving on to decoration.

Step 5: Decorate and Finish

Using a piping bag fitted with a closed star tip, create pretty swirls of the remaining peanut butter frosting on top of the ganache. Nestle the halved Reese’s candies atop the frosting swirls and sprinkle with crumbled Reese’s for a fun, textured look. Refrigerate the cake until you’re ready to serve; letting it sit at room temperature before cutting will bring out the rich, creamy flavors beautifully.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe

The image shows a tall round cake with three distinct layers, covered in smooth, light beige frosting. On top, there is a thick, shiny dark chocolate glaze that drips down the sides in uneven lines. Evenly spaced around the top edge are swirls of the same light beige frosting, each topped with half a chocolate peanut butter cup. Crushed pieces of peanut butter candy are sprinkled over the top and around the base of the cake, which sits on a white marbled surface on a silver cake stand. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe is already a visual stunner, but you can step it up by adding extra Reese’s pieces or crunchy chopped peanuts on top for added texture and flair. A light dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted peanut butter can also enhance both look and taste.

Side Dishes

Pair your cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a small bowl of fresh berries to balance the richness with a touch of freshness. A cup of strong coffee or robust black tea also complements the bittersweet chocolate and nutty frosting perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving this cake as mini layered cupcakes with the same peanut butter frosting and ganache drizzle can be a fun twist for parties. You might also turn it into a decadent trifle by cutting the layers into cubes and layering them in a clear dish with peanut butter mousse and whipped cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, but make sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving so the flavors and textures shine.

Freezing

You can freeze individual cake layers before assembly by wrapping them well in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and assembling the cake for the freshest taste.

Reheating

Since this cake is best served at room temperature, avoid reheating. Just let refrigerated slices sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften the frosting and allow the cake’s flavors to fully emerge.

FAQs

Can I use creamy peanut butter instead of natural peanut butter?

Absolutely! Creamy peanut butter works well and can even make your frosting a little smoother. Just watch the salt content, as some brands are saltier than others.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to help maintain the structure.

Can I prepare this cake in advance for a party?

Definitely. Baking and frosting the cake a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Keep it covered and refrigerated, and bring it to room temperature before serving.

What’s the best way to chop the Reese’s for the layers?

Use a sharp knife to cut the Reese’s into small, manageable chunks about half an inch in size. This ensures they disperse evenly without overwhelming the frosting.

Can I substitute the vegetable oil with another fat?

You can use melted coconut oil or a neutral oil like canola, but avoid butter for the wet ingredients, as it will alter the texture and moisture of the cake layers.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that combines two classic flavors in the most delicious way, this Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe is absolutely the one to try. The moist chocolate cake layers, peanut butter frosting studded with Reese’s, and smooth chocolate ganache come together to create something truly special. Once you make and share this cake, it’s guaranteed to become a cherished favorite in your baking rotation — so get ready to impress your friends, family, and yourself!