PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CAKE
Ingredients:
For the Chocolate Cake:
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1½ tsp baking powder
1½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup hot water or coffee
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
3 cups powdered sugar
3–4 tbsp heavy cream or milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache:
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup heavy cream
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Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
3. Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Slowly mix in the hot water or coffee. Batter will be thin.
4. Divide batter between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
5. To make the frosting, beat butter and peanut butter together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then add vanilla and cream. Beat until fluffy.
6. For ganache, heat cream until just boiling, then pour over chocolate chips. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
7. Assemble cake: Layer cake and peanut butter frosting. Pour cooled ganache over the top and let it drip. Decorate with swirls and extra ganache or peanut butter cups if desired.