Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

This Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake features a rich, moist chocolate cake covered in a decadent peanut butter frosting.  Garnish with chopped peanut butter cups for a delicious dessert!

This post may contain paid links. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.

This Reese's Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake features a rich, moist chocolate cake covered in a decadent peanut butter frosting. Garnish with chopped peanut butter cups for a delicious dessert!My wife and I have had our hands full lately.  We’ve been looking at new cars, and that’s just not an easy task.  We’re the kind of people who like to drive our cars 10+ years, so it’s a big decision to make.  We also like to do our research ahead of time (my wife is a scientist after all!).  Our counter is full of car brochures, and I’ve got a whole folder of bookmarks on my computer linking to various car review sites.  

This whole car-buying process got me thinking, though.  When you first get your driver’s license, you don’t really care what kind of car you have.  You just want something with 4 wheels that will get you to your friends’ houses.  Then as you get older, you decide you want a ride that’s a bit more fun.  That may be a smaller, sporty car or perhaps a larger, off-road type.  Neither option is terribly practical, though.  They look cool, but they either aren’t big enough to put 2 bags of groceries in the trunk or they guzzle gas like it’s their job.

This Reese's Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake features a rich, moist chocolate cake covered in a decadent peanut butter frosting. Garnish with chopped peanut butter cups for a delicious dessert!Then comes the time when you realize you need a good suburban style car.  Reliable.  Large enough to haul kids, groceries and whatever supplies you need for that weekend’s project.  (All of you home owners out there know what I mean!  I swear we end up at a home improvement store at least once a week.)  And that brings us back to our current car search.  My 2-door coupe was awesome when I was younger and wanted a sportier style of car.  I also commuted an hour and a half each way to grad school…so I saved a ton on gas.  But now I need something a little larger.  I can’t tell you the number of times we’ve ended up out doing errands only to realize that we drove my car and can’t fit that storage chest…or the replacement gutters… or the 15 bags of topsoil into the trunk.

This Reese's Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake features a rich, moist chocolate cake covered in a decadent peanut butter frosting. Garnish with chopped peanut butter cups for a delicious dessert!While my choice of vehicle might change over time based on my needs, one thing that doesn’t change is my need for delicious desserts.  Chocolate and peanut butter are a classic combination.  It just doesn’t go out of style.  This Reese’s Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cake is just as good in February as it is in April or October.  And it’s just as delicious whether you are right out of school or mid-40’s with kids.  You can’t outgrow a delicious chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting.  It just can’t happen.  Especially when you add chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups all over the top of said cake.

This Reese's Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake features a rich, moist chocolate cake covered in a decadent peanut butter frosting. Garnish with chopped peanut butter cups for a delicious dessert!So for this cake, I decided to mix it up a bit.  I decided to go small and tall.  Like very tall.  I used a couple of 6″ round cake pans from Fat Daddio’s, and then I sliced each of those two cakes into 2 layers.  That resulted in 4 glorious layers of chocolate cake.  (I’m not gonna lie…I kinda wanted to eat the cake by itself before I even added the frosting.)  I filled those layers with a decadent peanut butter buttercream.  (Once again, I kinda wanted to eat that frosting with a spoon instead of frost the cake with it.  I somehow managed to resist.)

This Reese's Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake features a rich, moist chocolate cake covered in a decadent peanut butter frosting. Garnish with chopped peanut butter cups for a delicious dessert!To really top it off, I added some melted bittersweet chocolate to the top of the cake once it was frosted.  Of course, chopped Reese’s cups were an essential part of the decoration here, too.  (I managed to resist eating all of the Reese’s before they made it onto the cake.  Although I may have sampled a couple along the way…you know, just to make sure they were good.)  The result was a mile-high cake of deliciousness.  The result was this Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake.  It’s a rich, decadent cake that is guaranteed to impress your family and friends.

This Reese's Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake features a rich, moist chocolate cake covered in a decadent peanut butter frosting. Garnish with chopped peanut butter cups for a delicious dessert!Are your cake pans used and abused?  Are they warped and beat up?  Then might I suggest checking out Fat Daddio’s bakeware?  I used their 6″ round cake pans for this Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake, and they performed beautifully.  (I used to work in a kitchenware store, and we sold a ton of Fat Daddio’s bakeware.  It’s good stuff!)  The pans heat evenly.  They won’t ever chip, rust or peel.  They release the cake easily and clean-up is a cinch.  (Seriously, it is!  No need to soak the pan for hours before you can clean it.  I’ve been there and done that.  It’s not fun.)  And the round cake pans come anywhere from 2″ to 18″.  How cool is that?  I’m thinking those 2″ round cake pans would be fun to create individual servings of cake.  It would require a bit of work, but how cool would that be??

This Reese's Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake features a rich, moist chocolate cake covered in a decadent peanut butter frosting. Garnish with chopped peanut butter cups for a delicious dessert!Chocolate + peanut butter is one of my favorite classic flavor combinations.  What is your favorite flavor combo when it comes to desserts?

This Reese's Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake features a rich, moist chocolate cake covered in a decadent peanut butter frosting. Garnish with chopped peanut butter cups for a delicious dessert!

Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

This Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake features a rich, moist chocolate cake covered in a decadent peanut butter frosting.  Garnish with chopped peanut butter cups for a delicious dessert!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 672kcal

Ingredients

For the Cake

For the Frosting

For the Chocolate Topping

Instructions

For the Cake

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Grease and flour (2) 6”x3" round cake pans. Line bottom of pans with parchment paper. Set pans aside. (See note.)
  • Using a countertop mixer, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, vegetable oil, vanilla and coffee.
  • Add half of the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients; mix on low speed until just incorporated. Repeat with the remaining liquid mixture.
  • Divide batter evenly into prepared cake pans.
  • Bake at 350°F for 40-43 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out mostly clean.
  • Let cakes cool in the pans for about 20 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack until completely cool. (Tip: Don’t forget to remove the parchment paper from the bottom of each layer.)

For the Frosting

  • Using a countertop mixer, cream the butter on medium speed for 2-3 minutes.
  • Reduce speed to low and add the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition.
  • Add milk, vanilla and peanut butter; beat on medium-high speed for 3 minutes, or until frosting is light and fluffy.

For the Chocolate Toppings

  • Place the chopped chocolate and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
  • Heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the milk until smooth.
  • Let cool slightly before pouring over cake.

To Assemble

  • Using a serrated knife, slice each of the cooled layers of cake into 2 even layers.
  • Place one layer of cake on a large plate. Using an offset spatula, spread a thick layer of frosting on top of this layer. (Tip: Do not spread frosting all the way to the edge. Instead, leave about ½” border around the outer edge of each layer.)
  • Place another layer of cake on top. Repeat until all layers have been used.
  • Spread remaining frosting on sides and top of cake.
  • Pour slightly-cooled chocolate topping over the top of the cake. (Tip: use a small spatula to push the melted chocolate to the edge so that it will drip down the sides slightly.)
  • Garnish top of cake with chopped peanut butter cups before serving.

Notes

You will need 6" cake pans that are at least 3" in depth. If you don't have this size, then I recommend baking this cake in larger pans. (Note: The baking time will change based on the size of the pan you use.)

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Fat Daddio’s.
The opinions and recipe are all my own.

Spiced® is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Programs and other affiliate services. This means that spicedblog.com receives a small commission by linking to Amazon.com and other sites at no cost to the readers.

58 Comments

    1. Haha! Thank you so much, June…I couldn’t agree more! Chocolate + peanut butter is one heck of a delicious combination. Thank you so much for commenting. I’ll save you a slice! 🙂

  1. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of chocolate + PB – David – this small and tall 4 layer cake is marvelous!
    We’ve been car shopping for Lil Shashi too – in the beginning I wanted to just give her mine and get a newer model of mine, but, she says mine sits too high – gah – car shopping is no fun!

    1. Hah! Laura tried to convince me to take her car so that she could get a new one. But she got the last new car. Nice little trick…but it didn’t work on me. But then again, she did inform me that she plans on ‘stealing’ my new car (when we get it) to drive to work. That’s fine with me as long as she leaves me at home with some chocolate-peanut butter cake. 🙂

  2. I agree…you just never outgrow the chocolate and peanut butter love!!! I love how tall and amazing this cake is!!! All that chocolate and peanut butter and candy…yup, I wish I had a slice for breakfast!!!!

    1. Well, chocolate does go with coffee, right? That means you can have chocolate cake for breakfast! I’m not entirely sure about the peanut butter and coffee combo…but let’s just go with it. Hah! 🙂

    1. Thanks, Mike! Chocolate and peanut butter is one of my favorite combos. Truth be told, I think English toffee is my all-time favorite candy bar flavor…but chocolate and PB isn’t far behind. #WolfpackCandyShoppe

    1. Thanks, Courtney! I must admit that the smaller cake pans made for one heck of a fun (and tall!) cake. Want me to save you a slice? 🙂

  3. Hi David! This is absolutely beautiful! I have relatives who would fight over this cake! On my to do list (after I finish up my carrot cake).

    1. Haha! Since the relatives will fight over this cake, I suggest just taking a picture and then showing it to them after the cake is all gone. Or just save one slice and turn them all loose after it. That could be kind of entertaining, too! Haha! Thanks so much for commenting…I hope you are having a great week!

      1. Hi David! I’m liking the one slice idea, especially for my four sister-in-laws considering all the things they have pulled on me over the years! 🙂

          1. Hi David! I made this today – OMG!! I am seriously going to have to try (“try” being the operative word here) to exercise some self control! I can see myself waking up with peanut butter frosting and cake crumbs on my face! 🙂

        1. Hahaha! Your comment totally made me laugh out loud, Dorothy. Given that it is now morning, I gotta know…did you wake up with peanut butter frosting and cake crumbs on your face? I wouldn’t judge you one bit if you did! 🙂

          1. Hi David! I would have, but just before I went back to bed I noticed one of my dogs eyeing me with that “hungry” look and he’s the one who sleeps on the bed! So in order to “save face” I decided to clean up a bit! Glad to hear I gave you a laugh! What better way to start the day! 🙂

        2. Hah! If your pups are anything like ours, then peanut butter is the holy grail of dog food! Good thing you decided to hold off on the cake. I hope you enjoy it!! 🙂

          1. Hi David! Oh no, I didn’t hold off, just decided at 3:00 a.m. I’d better wipe off my face or the dog would! I’ve got a peanut butter dog cookie recipe I’ll get to you – our dogs love them! Have a great day!

    1. I totally agree that this was crazy, over-the-top deliciousness, Kevin! But it was so fun making the small and tall cake. Want me to save you a slice? 🙂

  4. David, WOW-ZA! chocolate + peanut butter is the BEST!!!! I love Reeses peanut butter cups. . this is like a chocolate peanut butter cake dream come true!!! and good luck with the car shopping!!!

    1. Yes, this is totally a chocolate + peanut butter lover’s dream come true! It’s a rich, decadent cake…and I must admit that I really had fun with the smaller pans + taller cake thing. Nothing like a towering piece of cake to put you in a good mood, right? 🙂

    1. Yes, I totally agree, Rachelle! Car shopping = blech. But this cake most certainly does not = blech. Haha! I think chocolate and peanut butter is the perfect solution after a long day of test-driving cars and dealing with car salesmen. Heck, chocolate and peanut butter is the perfect solution after a long day of anything! 🙂

    1. Oh man, I totally didn’t realize that you can’t get Reese’s over there in the UK. That’s a travesty, Jess! But I gotta admit that this cake would be a darn fine way to use that valuable pack of Reese’s! 🙂

    1. Thank you so much, Christina!! I’ll save you a HUGE slice. Maybe you can have it for breakfast dessert after the Liege Waffle? 🙂 (Breakfast dessert should totally be a real thing, btw!)

  5. Hi David! I have a question. How did you get the look of your side frosting? It almost looks like it was piped on, but I’m thinking maybe you used a pastry tool? Reveal your secret, please.

    1. Great question, Dorothy! I used an icing comb to create the lines around the outside of the cake. Icing combs are fairly inexpensive, and they usually have 3-4 sides with different designs in each one. You basically just use a spatula to layer a bunch of icing onto the side of the cake. (You do want the icing to be relatively smooth.) Then you just drag the icing comb at a slight angle around the outside of the cake. A rotating cake decorating stand makes this much, much easier since you can keep the same pressure on the comb with one hand while you rotate the cake with the other. It takes a bit of practice, but it’s really not too bad at all. And it makes your cakes look like they came straight from a bakery! 🙂

  6. Chocolate and peanut butter is one of life’s most epic pairings, and is ageless, timeless…everything?

    Car hunting…I think I’m in the transitional phase of now not caring on image and just wanting something lasting and NOT guzzling petrol….Although 1.5 hour commute each way for grad school?! Impressive mate!

    1. I’m with ya, Arman. I need a good, reliable car. My 2-door coupe has been super reliable, but it’s just too small. We always seem to end up driving my car when we end up a store and need to pick up something big. So now I’m looking for something more in the midsize range. If it has a place to store cake in the center console, then that’s a bonus. 😉

    1. I always forget that you don’t have the same chocolate brands over there, Dannii. Truthfully, we have way too many chocolate brands over here in the States. I mean, I love a good candy bar…but I’ll take a piece of cake any day. Good thing I can choose both with this cake. Haha! I’ll save you a slice? 🙂

    1. Thank you so much, Cathleen! This cake was so decadent and delicious…and now I want a slice with my corning cup of coffee. Is that allowed? Haha! 🙂

    1. Done! I’ll save you an extra-large slice, Manali…and I’ll even make sure you get some extra peanut butter cups on yours! 🙂

  7. OMG. It’s days like this (or should I say, posts like this) that make me love my job. My job being a food blogger AKA I’m required to stare at your gorgeous, towering, luscious cake. This thing is a beauty. I love that thick layer of peanut butter frosting everywhere. And the chocolate cake just LOOKS so moist, I’m sure it’s amazing sinking your teeth into that. Yes, your cake has spoken to me at a primal level. Well done.

    1. Haha…tell me about, Meggan! I spend my days staring at food, and then I wonder why I am starving come dinner time. 🙂 This cake was incredibly decadent…and incredibly delicious! We ate several pieces, but then we cut up the rest and stashed it in the freezer for those nights when we need a special dessert. I’m thinking tonight might be a good one…it’s Friday, and Fridays require cake, right? Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting. Have a great weekend!

  8. Holy crap this cake is SO legit! Like, seriously amazing. Side note… I shouldn’t be looking at this while eating the completely lame salad I’m currently staring at in front of me. It’s totally not cutting it. Growing up, I actually wasn’t a huge Chocolate PB fan. But then one day I woke up and realized what an idiot I was (is). Now I’m all about this combo!

    1. Seeing as how you are making up for that lost chocolate + peanut butter time, I suggest you ditch that salad and eat cake for lunch instead. I mean, that’s allowed, right? 🙂

  9. Hi David! I have regressed! I made this cake again, but I did make my husband an apple pie laced with pecan caramel apple butter in between! This cake is so good! I don’t have a cake comb, but improvised with a new “hair pick”, basically a wide tooth comb – not too shabby!

    1. Man, I want to be YOUR neighbor, Dorothy! 2 chocolate peanut butter cakes AND an apple pie with pecan caramel apple butter? I just got a serious dessert craving typing that! I love meeting people who share a love for baking. 🙂 Oh, and that’s a pretty creative way to improvise a cake comb. (Just FYI: Cake combs aren’t too hard to find. Your local craft store like Michael’s should carry them. And they have several sides and each side produces a different design in the cake. It’s a good tool to keep in the drawer!)

      1. Hi David! Did you forget that we live in VERY rural TN? Craft store? Umm, no! However we are making a trip to Knoxville in the near future and I do know where there is one!

  10. Hi David I have a quick question I am making this for my husbands birthday today and couldn’t find any 6″ x 3″ round pans at the store today but found 8″ x 2″ I guess it will just be a little bigger but to the amounts of ingredients change at all?

    1. Hey Tracy! Sorry I didn’t get to you sooner here as I’m guessing you may have already started baking. I wouldn’t worry one bit about the 8″x2″ pans. The cake will be a little wider and a little shorter than the 6″x3″ version, but it will be totally fine. The only change you might need to watch out for is your cake might bake a little faster since it isn’t as deep. I hope this makes sense! I also hope you and your husband enjoy this cake. It’s super delicious and super rich…and now I want a slice myself! Happy birthday to your husband! 🙂

  11. I just made this for my husband and it came out amazing! Do I have to refrigerate the cake and frosting or is it ok sitting on th counter

    1. Hey there, Kara! I’m so glad this cake turned out well for you…it’s one of our favorites! 🙂 As far as the frosting, I would recommend refrigerating it as there is dairy in there. (The sugar helps preserve the frosting…but better to be safe than sorry!) Just pull the cake out ~30 min or so before serving, and you’ll be fine. Thanks so much for coming back to comment!

  12. Thank you so much! My husband has a peanut butter addiction…anything with chocolate and peanut butter he has to try…it is his birthday tomorrow and he has gone camping. Your peanut butter frosting is perfectly balanced. The cake is moist and the chocolate frosting is amazing. I cannot wait to try it altogether tomorrow…my husband is going to be absolutely delighted. Amazing recipe. Beautiful cake. Mine looks just like your picture too. Im so excited…thank you so so so much!

    1. Hey there, Aria! Thank you so much for your comment. I saw this note the other night, and it totally made my day! I do love this cake, and I haven’t made it in quite some time now…I think I’ll have to make it again sometime soon. The holidays are coming up, so that’s a pretty darned good excuse! I’m so glad this cake turned out well for you…and I hope your husband really enjoyed it after he got back from his camping trip! 🙂 Have a great week!

  13. I’m thoroughly disappointed. I followed this recipe to a T cake pan size and all… I knew in my gut it created toooo much batter but I went with it anyway and now I have cake batter flowing out all over my oven. 😢 was making this for my husbands birthday

    1. Hey Breesy…I’m so sorry to heart about the troubles with the cake batter. I did go back and check my notes (I save notes for all my recipes), and I see that it was indeed (2) 6″x3″ cake pans. Did you divide the batter into 2 pans? Or were your 6″ pans not as 3″ deep? It’s hard to say what happened without being there in the kitchen with you, but I’m sad to hear that the cake batter overflowed. Hopefully it still tasted great though! Happy birthday to your husband!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating