Chocolate Peanut Butter Layers (Printable)
Moist chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter pudding, whipped cream, and chocolate-peanut butter drizzle.
# What You Need:
→ Cake Base
01 - 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix with required eggs, oil, and water per package instructions
→ Peanut Butter Filling
02 - 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
03 - 2 cups cold whole milk
04 - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
→ Whipped Cream Topping
05 - 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
06 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
07 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Chocolate Drizzle
08 - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
09 - 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
10 - 2 tablespoons heavy cream
→ Optional Garnish
11 - 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
12 - Mini peanut butter cups, halved
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan thoroughly with cooking spray or butter.
02 - Prepare chocolate cake mix according to package directions. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
03 - Let cake cool for 10 minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake surface, spacing about 1 inch apart.
04 - Whisk together instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk in a medium bowl for 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in creamy peanut butter until smooth and fully incorporated.
05 - Pour peanut butter pudding mixture evenly over the warm cake, spreading gently to ensure all holes are filled. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
06 - Beat cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until stiff peaks form. Spread evenly over the chilled cake.
07 - Microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter, and heavy cream in a small microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds. Stir until smooth; microwave for additional 10-second intervals if needed. Drizzle over whipped cream layer.
08 - Sprinkle chopped peanuts and arrange halved mini peanut butter cups on top if desired. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
# Helpful Tips:
01 -
- The combination of chocolate and peanut butter hits that perfect sweet and salty spot that feels like a hug from an old friend.
- It looks impressive but uses a cake mix shortcut, meaning you spend less time baking and more time enjoying the people youre feeding.
02 -
- Wait the full 10 minutes after baking before poking, or your holes will collapse instead of holding shape.
- The pudding needs to be slightly thickened before you pour it, or it will just run off instead of sinking into the holes.
- Cold cream is non-negotiable for whipped cream that actually behaves itself.
03 -
- If your wooden spoon handle seems too thick, use the end of a chopstick for smaller, more numerous holes.
- Mix your drizzle ingredients before microwaving to prevent the chocolate from scorching.