Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake That’s Rich, Gooey & Totally Irresistible

Chocolate peanut butter cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves rich, gooey layers. With soft chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter filling, and a silky ganache topping, this indulgent treat is perfect for celebrations — or just because you deserve something amazing.

Ingredients & Easy Prep Guide

What You’ll Need for the Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

To create the ultimate chocolate peanut butter cake, you only need a handful of pantry staples and a little patience while it chills. This is the kind of recipe that works just as well for beginner bakers as it does for seasoned cake lovers. Most ingredients are affordable and flexible — you might even already have them in your kitchen. Don’t forget, full measurements are listed below in the recipe card, so feel free to follow along and get everything prepped before you start.

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need for each layer:

For the Cake:

• 1 box of chocolate cake mix (or your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe)
• Eggs, oil, and water (as called for on your cake mix box)

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

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

For the Ganache Topping:

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

For the Crunchy Finish:

• ½ cup crushed peanuts
• Optional: Peanut butter cups or chocolate bar pieces for garnish

For a slightly different dessert vibe, this recipe pairs beautifully with salted caramel pretzel bark or something light like air fryer banana bread on the side.

Step-by-Step Instructions That Keep It Simple

1. Bake the Cake Layers
   Prepare the chocolate cake according to box instructions. Divide the batter evenly between two greased 8-inch round pans. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean (around 28–32 minutes). Cool completely.
2. Make the Filling
   In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add in peanut butter and powdered sugar, and whip until fluffy and thick.
3. Assemble the Cake
   Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the peanut butter filling generously on top. Gently place the second cake layer over the filling.
4. Make the Ganache
   In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth.
5. Top the Cake
   Pour ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides naturally. Use a spatula to smooth the surface.
6. Finish with Toppings
   Sprinkle crushed peanuts and decorate with peanut butter cups or chocolate shavings if desired.
7. Chill
   Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing. The cake holds its shape best when cold, and the layers set beautifully.

Easy Variations for the Best Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

Switch Up the Texture or Flavor

One of the best things about this chocolate peanut butter cake recipe is how flexible it is. Whether you’re baking for someone with a nut allergy, want a twist on the original, or just enjoy experimenting, these variations give you plenty of room to play. You don’t need to be a professional to get creative — just a home baker with a sweet tooth and a little curiosity.

• Try crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for a more textured filling.
• Use milk chocolate in the ganache for a milder, sweeter flavor.
• Add a layer of sliced bananas between the cake and filling for a peanut butter banana vibe.
• Skip the ganache and drizzle warm peanut butter over the top with a sprinkle of sea salt.
• Not into peanuts? Use crushed pretzels or mini chocolate chips instead for a salty or sweet crunch.

This cake also works well as a layered sheet cake if you’re feeding a crowd — just adjust the assembly and slice into squares. For another simple but flavor-packed dessert, check out this sweet Alabama pecanbread

How to Store, Serve & Enjoy This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

Best Ways to Store & Freeze

This chocolate peanut butter cake doesn’t just taste amazing fresh — it stores like a dream too. Whether you’re making it ahead for a gathering or saving leftovers for a midnight treat, here’s how to keep every slice tasting as gooey and fresh as day one.

Refrigerator:
Once the ganache sets, cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days. The ganache firms up a bit, but the filling stays creamy.

Freezer-Friendly:
You can absolutely freeze this cake! Here’s how:

• Slice the fully assembled cake and wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place slices in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To thaw, leave slices in the fridge overnight or on the counter for an hour.

If you’ve ever frozen desserts like this butterfinger caramel cheesecake bar, you know how well peanut butter and chocolate hold their flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions for Maximum Indulgence

This chocolate peanut butter cake needs no help to impress, but there are always ways to make it even more memorable.

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate chip ice cream.
• Drizzle warm ganache or melted peanut butter over each slice.
• Add whipped cream and a cherry on top for a sundae-style finish.
• Pair it with cold milk, espresso, or a dessert latte like this banana bread latte for a truly comforting combo.

Serving tip: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between slices. It gives you those clean bakery-style cuts that show off the cake layers beautifully.

Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a bake sale, or just a quiet Friday night, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Frequently Asked Questions