Introduction

This Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey cake is a decadent treat that combines rich chocolate with creamy peanut butter filling. Perfect for celebrations or any time you crave a luscious dessert, this cake boasts layers of moist chocolate cake, smooth peanut butter cream, and a shiny dark chocolate ganache.

A thick slice of chocolate cake with four visible layers: the bottom layer is dark chocolate with a glossy texture, the second layer is light caramel brown and creamy, the third layer is dark chocolate again with a moist crumb, and the top layer is a smooth caramel. The whole cake is covered with shiny, dark chocolate glaze that drips down the sides. On the top, there are pieces of caramel candy scattered around, adding texture. The slice sits on a white plate with a few more caramel pieces around it, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 box chocolate cake mix (prepared according to package instructions)
1 cup creamy peanut butter
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
½ cup crushed peanuts
Optional: Chocolate bars or peanut butter cups for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the cake by baking the chocolate cake according to the instructions on the box. Use two 8-inch round cake pans. Allow the cakes to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the peanut butter filling by beating the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the peanut butter and powdered sugar, mixing until well blended and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the cake by placing one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the peanut butter filling generously over the top. Then place the second cake layer on top.
Step 4: Prepare the ganache by heating the heavy cream in a saucepan until simmering. Pour it over the chopped dark chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Pour the ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Smooth it out with a spatula for an even finish.
Step 6: Garnish the cake by sprinkling crushed peanuts on top. Add chocolate bars or peanut butter cups if desired for extra decoration.
Step 7: Chill the cake for at least 1 hour before slicing. Serve and enjoy your delicious creation!

Tips & Variations

For a crunchier texture, toast the crushed peanuts lightly before sprinkling them on top.
Substitute the dark chocolate ganache with milk chocolate for a sweeter finish.
If dairy-free, use vegan cream cheese and coconut cream in place of cream cheese and heavy cream.
Try adding a pinch of sea salt on top of the ganache to enhance the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep the filling fresh. To serve, allow the cake to come to room temperature or warm slices slightly in the microwave for about 15 seconds to enjoy the gooey texture. Leftovers can also be frozen for up to one month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

How to Serve

A thick slice of layered chocolate cake sits on a white plate with a white marbled texture underneath. The cake has five visible layers: starting from the bottom, a dark chocolate base, then a light brown creamy layer, followed by a thick dark chocolate sponge layer, another light brown creamy layer, and topped with a rich dark chocolate sponge. The entire slice is covered with a shiny, smooth chocolate glaze that drips down the sides. On top, there are chopped caramel or toffee pieces scattered, adding a textured contrast. The warm lighting highlights the glossy chocolate and the soft creamy texture inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake is even better when made a day ahead as the flavors meld together beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated and covered until ready to serve.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

If you don’t have cream cheese, you can try using mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a slightly different but creamy filling. Keep in mind the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 754 reviews

Indulge in the rich and decadent Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey cake, featuring moist chocolate layers filled with creamy peanut butter and cream cheese, topped with a luscious dark chocolate ganache and crunchy peanuts for the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

1 box chocolate cake mix (prepared according to package instructions)

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

1 cup creamy peanut butter
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar

For the Ganache:

1 cup heavy cream
8 oz dark chocolate, chopped

For Topping:

½ cup crushed peanuts
Optional: Chocolate bars or peanut butter cups for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Cake: Bake the chocolate cake following the instructions on the package using two 8-inch round cake pans. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool completely before proceeding.
Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar, continuing to mix until the filling is well-blended, creamy, and smooth.
Assemble the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the peanut butter filling generously over the top. Place the second cake layer evenly on top of the filling to form the cake.
Make Ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir thoroughly until the ganache is smooth, glossy, and velvety.
Top the Cake: Pour the ganache evenly over the top of the assembled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Use a spatula to smooth the ganache evenly for a beautiful finish.
Garnish: Sprinkle the crushed peanuts over the ganache-topped cake. Optionally, garnish with chocolate bars or peanut butter cups to enhance the presentation and add extra flavor.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to allow the ganache to set and flavors to meld. Slice and serve chilled for the best taste experience.

Notes

Make sure the cake layers are completely cooled before assembling to prevent the filling from melting.
You can substitute dark chocolate with semi-sweet chocolate if preferred.
For a crunchy texture, toast the peanuts lightly before crushing.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for a softer texture if desired.

Keywords: chocolate peanut butter cake, ooey gooey cake, cream cheese filling, chocolate ganache, peanut butter dessert, layered cake recipe