Peanut butter and chocolate are a delicious combination and a true classic. This delicious peanut butter melt away cake is perfect for any occasion as people are sure to love its outstanding flavors. It is a beginner-friendly recipe that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, having people come back for seconds.
This old-fashioned cake is light and fluffy with a rich peanut butter topping followed by a fudge-like chocolate frosting. It is a decadent dessert that is sure to fulfill your sweet-tooth cravings. It is a great choice for birthdays, dinner parties, potlucks, and BBQs.
Prepare your cake pan and preheat your ovenTo start, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, spray your 11 x 13-inch cake pan with cooking spray or rub it with butter and dust it with flour. Set the pan aside as you prepare the cake batter.
Heat butter, water, cocoa powder, buttermilk, and eggs in a panWhisk your eggs together until they are well beaten and then add them to a small saucepan. Next, add the water, cocoa powder, buttermilk, and butter to the saucepan with the eggs. Whisk together to combine and heat the ingredients on low heat until they begin to bubble.
1 cup unsalted butter, 1 ⁄4 cup cocoa, 1 cup water, 1 ⁄2 cup buttermilk, 2 eggs, beaten, 2 cups granulated sugar
Add the rest of the cake ingredientsAfter the egg, water, cocoa powder, buttermilk, and butter mixture begin to bubble, turn off the heat and remove it from the burner. Then, add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and vanilla. Mix all the cake ingredients well until combined but avoid over-mixing.
Bake the cakePour your chocolate cake batter into your prepared 11 x 13-inch cake pan. Bake it in the oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out with no wet batter. Let your cake cool in the pan on a wire rack as you prepare the peanut butter and chocolate frosting.
Prepare the peanut butter toppingIn a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and the vegetable oil. Mix together until thoroughly combined and then spread it over the cake while it is still warm.
1 cup peanut butter, 3 ⁄4 tablespoon vegetable oil
Make the frostingWhile making the frosting, chill the cake thoroughly. In a saucepan over low heat combine the cocoa powder and butter and cook until it begins to bubble. Next, add the buttermilk, vanilla, and powdered sugar to the mixture.Mix the frosting well until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. Once the frosting has reached a spreadable consistency spread it on your cake on top of the peanut butter. Slice the cake, serve, and enjoy, if desired top with chocolate chips, mini peanut butter cups, or sprinkles.
1 ⁄4 cup cocoa powder, 1 ⁄2 cup unsalted butter, 6 tablespoons buttermilk, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 pound powdered sugar
Notes
For best results, use creamy peanut butter for this recipe. However, if you would like some added texture, you can use crunchy peanut butter instead.Store your peanut butter meltaway cake in an airtight container at room temperature for two to four days. You can also store this cake in the fridge as well for up to seven days.To freeze this cake, place it uncovered in the freezer for one hour to let the topping and frosting set. Then, remove from the freezer and cover with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Return the cake to the freezer and store it for three to six months.When ready to eat, remove the cake from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the fridge or instead on the counter for one to two hours. You can also freeze the cakes in slices in addition to freezing it whole.This cake tastes great when served on its own or served with ice cream, such as chocolate, vanilla, or peanut butter cup. You can also drizzle some chocolate sauce or caramel sauce on top of your cake for an extra special treat.