Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache Cake is a decadent dessert that features layers of rich chocolate cake filled with creamy peanut butter frosting and topped with a luscious chocolate ganache. This cake is perfect for special occasions or any time you want to indulge in a sweet treat.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Salt to taste

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)
• 1 cup heavy cream

Timing

Making the Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache Cake takes about 30 minutes for preparation, 30 minutes for baking, and 1 hour for cooling and assembling.

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in the boiling water until well combined (the batter will be thin).
4. Pour Batter: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
5. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting

1. Beat Butter and Peanut Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together until creamy and smooth.
2. Add Sugar and Cream: Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, until the desired consistency is reached. Mix in vanilla extract and add salt to taste.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
2. Melt Chocolate: Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy. Allow to cool slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Layer the Cake: Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of peanut butter frosting on top.
2. Add Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining peanut butter frosting.
3. Pour Ganache: Once the ganache has cooled slightly but is still pourable, pour it over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Step 5: Serve

1. Chill: Refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes to set the ganache.
2. Enjoy: Slice and serve this indulgent Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache Cake!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache Cake (per slice, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450
Protein	6g
Fat	25g
Carbohydrates	55g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	35g

Tips for Customization

• Nut Variations: Add chopped peanuts on top of the ganache for extra crunch.
• Flavor Enhancements: Incorporate a layer of banana slices or caramel between the cake layers for added flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Conclusion

Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that perfectly combines the flavors of chocolate and peanut butter. This cake is sure to impress at any gathering or celebration. Enjoy this delightful recipe!