Are you ready to indulge in a slice of heaven? This Peanut Butter Reese's Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. Forget those store-bought cakes; this homemade creation is surprisingly easy to make and delivers a rich, intensely flavorful experience that will leave you craving more. It's the perfect recipe for satisfying your sweet tooth, whether it's a special occasion or a simple weeknight treat. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Reese's Topping:
- 1 cup Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, coarsely chopped
Instructions:
Making the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until combined.
- Stir in the peanut butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Assembling the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of peanut butter frosting.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top.
- Frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Sprinkle the chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups evenly over the top of the frosted cake.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the cake batter.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the cake batter for a warm spice note.
- Use different types of peanut butter, such as crunchy peanut butter, for a variation in texture.
- If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Get creative with your toppings! Consider adding chopped peanuts, chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and serving size. For a precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands of ingredients you used. Expect a high calorie count due to the rich ingredients.
This Peanut Butter Reese's Cake is a delicious and satisfying dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this easy recipe and the delicious homemade goodness!