Okay, friends, let’s talk chocolate. And peanut butter. Specifically, let’s talk about how ridiculously good they are together. Seriously, is there a more perfect pairing? I was thinking about this the other day – I was actually at a little farmers market in Sonoma, grabbing some fresh berries (inspiration for future recipes, naturally!), and the smell of chocolate wafted from a bakery. It instantly took me back to being a kid, sneaking spoonfuls of peanut butter into my chocolate milk. Pure bliss! ✨ That’s when I thought, “I need to share a really, really good, easy chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting recipe with everyone.”
And not just any recipe. I wanted something that felt like a hug in cake form. Something that didn’t require a culinary degree (though my Nutrition and Culinary Arts degree from UC definitely helps!), and definitely didn’t need a shot of espresso to make it amazing. Because let’s be real, sometimes you just want pure, unadulterated chocolate and peanut butter goodness. This easy chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting recipe is exactly that.
I get a lot of questions about keeping things simple in the kitchen, and that’s what “Easy Recipes List” is all about. I truly believe cooking shouldn’t be stressful. It should be fun. And this cake? It’s proof. It’s a fantastic starting point for beginner bakers, and even if you’re a seasoned pro, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I’ve made this easy chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting recipe countless times, tweaking it here and there, and I’m so excited to finally share my perfected version with you.
Now, I know some people get intimidated by cake. All the measuring, the mixing… it can feel overwhelming. But trust me on this one. We’re using simple ingredients, and the method is straightforward. One of the things I love about this recipe is the combination of oil and butter. It sounds weird, right? But the oil keeps the cake incredibly moist, while the butter adds that classic, rich flavor. It’s a little baking science magic! And speaking of science, we’re “blooming” the cocoa powder – basically, adding hot water to it. This unlocks a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference.
I also want to quickly touch on cocoa powder. I personally prefer Dutch-processed cocoa for this recipe. It’s a bit more neutral in flavor, which lets the peanut butter frosting really shine. But if you only have natural cocoa powder, that’s totally fine! Just know that the cake will be a little lighter in color and the chocolate flavor might be slightly more intense. It’s all about personal preference!
And let’s be honest, the real star of the show is that peanut butter frosting. It’s creamy, dreamy, and perfectly balances the richness of the chocolate. I’ve tried a lot of peanut butter frosting recipes, and this one is the one. It’s not too sweet, not too salty, just… perfect. I’ve even been known to sneak a spoonful (or two!) straight from the bowl. Don’t judge me! 😉
Easy Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe (Without Coffee!)
This easy chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting recipe is a hug in cake form! It’s simple to make, doesn’t require coffee, and is perfect for beginner bakers or anyone craving a classic treat.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 53 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup Dutch process cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter – softened
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup milk (I used 2% but any percentage will be fine)
1/2 cup hot water
4 large eggs – at room temperature
1 cup unsalted butter – softened to room temperature
1 cup creamy peanut butter
3 1/2 – 4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon milk – if needed
KitchenAid stand mixer
Nonstick 9×13 inch pan
Liquid measuring cups
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 inch pan with nonstick cooking spray that contains flour, and set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, stir the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, and sugar.
- Add the butter and oil to the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until the mixture resembles sand.
- In a large liquid measuring cup whisk the vanilla, milk, and hot water. Pour into the dry ingredients and butter mixture and mix until combined.
- Add the eggs, 1 at a time, mixing after each addition.
- Once fully combined, pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 28-34 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and set on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer, or using a hand-held electric mixer, beat the butter and peanut butter until creamy and well combined.
- With the mixer on low, gradually add the powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time until all of the powdered sugar has been added. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Mix in the vanilla, salt, and milk. Turn the mixer to medium-high speed and beat for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Spread the frosting onto the cooled cake. Top the cake with mini chocolate chips or melted chocolate drizzled overtop, if desired.
Notes
- The butter used in the cake needs to be very soft. If you gently poke your finger into the butter and it leaves a dent, it’s ready to use.
- Milk: I used 2% milk, but buttermilk can be used as well.
- If using unsweetened cocoa powder, the cake will be much lighter in color and won’t have as rich of a chocolate flavor.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 20 servings
- Calories: 545kcal
- Sugar: 61g
- Sodium: 198mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 76g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
So there you have it! A super easy chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting recipe that’s guaranteed to brighten your day. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out! Leave a rating and review below, and tag me in your photos on social media – I love seeing your creations! ❤️
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