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Reeses Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
Sophia

This Reeses Peanut Butter Cake Recipe features rich chocolate cake layers filled with creamy peanut butter frosting and chopped Reese’s candies. Topped with chocolate ganache and more Reese’s, it’s a decadent treat for peanut butter lovers. Perfect for celebrations, it combines sweet, salty, and chocolaty flavors in every bite for an indulgent dessert experience.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 14 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake Base (using boxed mix):
  • 1 box Devil’s Food or Chocolate Cake Mix
  • 1 cup milk substitute for water
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 to 4 tbsp heavy cream or milk adjust for consistency
  • Pinch of salt only if using unsalted peanut butter
Chocolate Ganache:
  • ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream room temperature
  • ½ cup milk chocolate chips
Toppings:
  • 1 to 2 cups chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or Mini Cups
  • Peanut butter drizzle melted peanut butter or mix peanut butter with a little cream to thin it out

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or hand whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • 2 round cake pans (8″)
  • Cooling rack
  • Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for ganache)
  • Offset spatula or knife (for frosting)

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Cake Batter
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8 round cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, combine the boxed cake mix, milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and thick.
  3. Bake the Cakes
  4. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Tap them gently on the counter to remove air bubbles. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove them and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  5. Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
  6. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the heavy cream or milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Beat for another 1–2 minutes until light and spreadable. Add a pinch of salt if needed.
  7. Level the Cake Layers (Optional)
  8. If the cake layers have domed on top, carefully slice off the rounded tops with a serrated knife so the layers stack evenly.
  9. Frost the Cake
  10. Place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake board. Spread a generous layer of the peanut butter frosting over the top. Add the second cake layer on top, then frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Use an offset spatula for smooth results.
  11. Chill Before Ganache
  12. Place the frosted cake in the refrigerator for about 15–20 minutes to help set the frosting before adding the ganache.
  13. Make the Chocolate Ganache
  14. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, heat the heavy cream just until hot (not boiling). Pour over the milk chocolate chips and let sit for 2–3 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly so it thickens but is still pourable.
  15. Drizzle Ganache Over Cake
  16. Remove the cake from the fridge. Spoon or pour the ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides for a dramatic effect. Work quickly so it sets evenly.
  17. Add Final Toppings
  18. While the ganache is still soft, sprinkle chopped Reese’s Cups generously over the top of the cake. Finish with a peanut butter drizzle by microwaving a few spoonfuls of peanut butter (with a splash of cream if needed) until pourable. Drizzle across the top for a bakery-style finish.

Notes

Using milk instead of water in the cake mix adds richness and enhances the chocolate flavor. For a stronger peanut butter taste, add crushed Reese’s directly into the frosting between layers. You can freeze the cake layers ahead of time, wrapped well, for up to a month.

Nutrition Facts Of Reeses Peanut Butter Cake Recipe

Nutrition Amounts
Calories 600
Fat 35g
Saturated Fat 15g
Carbohydrates 60g
Sugar 45g
Protein 7g
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