Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
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Ingredients
12-16 servings
- 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups (500 grams) sugar
- 3/4 cup (about 65 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch process
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (235 ml) neutral vegetable oil, such as canola, soybean or vegetable blend
- 1 cup (240 grams) sour cream
- 1 1/2 (355 ml) cups water
- 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped peanut brittle (optional)
- 10 ounces (285 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 stick (115 grams, 4 ounces or 1/2 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 5 cups (600 grams) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 2/3 cup (170 grams) smooth peanut butter, preferably a commercial brand
- 8 ounces (225 grams) semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 3 tablespoons (50 grams) smooth peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons (40 grams) light corn syrup, honey or golden syrup
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) half-and-half
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Preparation
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter the bottoms and sides of three 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottom of each pan with parchment or waxed paper and butter the paper.
Step 2
Sift the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt into a large bowl. Whisk to combine them well.
Step 3
Add the oil and sour cream and whisk to blend. Gradually beat in the water. Blend in the vinegar and vanilla. Whisk in the eggs and beat until well blended. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and ensure the batter is well mixed. Divide among the 3 prepared cake pans.
Step 4
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a cake tester or wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out almost clean. Let cool in the pans for about 20 minutes. Invert onto wire racks, carefully peel off the paper liners, and let cool completely. (Note: Firming them up in the freezer for 30 minutes makes them easier to work with.)
Step 5
To frost the cake, place one layer, flat side up, on a cake stand or large serving plate. Spread 2/3 cup of the Peanut Butter Frosting evenly over the top. Repeat with the next layer. Place the last layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
Step 6
To decorate with the Chocolate–Peanut Butter Glaze, put the cake plate on a large baking sheet to catch any drips. Pour the glaze over the top of the cake, and using an offset spatula, spread it evenly over the top just to the edges so that it runs down the sides of the cake in long drips. Refrigerate, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes to allow the glaze and frosting to set completely. Remove about 1 hour before serving. Decorate the top with chopped peanut brittle.
Step 7
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Chef's notes
This cake is intense; serve it in the thinnest slices possible with a glass of milk handy.
Making a crumb coat of frosting is recommended to bind dark crumbs to the cake, preventing them from showing in the final frosting layer.
Chilling the cake after frosting will help achieve a better drip effect from the glaze.
