Description
Imagine layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter cheesecake, and velvety chocolate ganache all in one jaw-dropping creation.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chocolate Cake Layers:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 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 Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup heavy cream
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup heavy cream
Optional Toppings:
- Mini peanut butter cups
- Crushed peanuts
- Chocolate drizzle
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, peanut butter, and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla and heavy cream. Mix until fully combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set. Let it cool completely before refrigerating.
- Bake the Chocolate Cake Layers
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin).
- Divide the batter between the pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool completely.
- Assemble the Cake
- Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving platter. Top with the chilled peanut butter cheesecake layer. Add the second chocolate cake layer.
- Make the Ganache
- Heat the heavy cream until steaming (do not boil). Pour over chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Decorate
- Pour the ganache over the assembled cake, letting it drip down the sides. Garnish with mini peanut butter cups or crushed peanuts.
- Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Slice and enjoy!