Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Peanut Butter Truffle Chocolate Cake is the ultimate dessert indulgence. The rich, moist chocolate cake is complemented by the creamy, decadent peanut butter truffle filling and finished off with a smooth chocolate ganache topping. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is a match made in dessert heaven, and the truffle filling gives the cake an extra layer of richness that takes it to the next level. It’s a showstopper cake that’s perfect for celebrations, birthdays, or any occasion when you want to treat yourself to something extra special!
Ingredients
For the cake:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 cups granulated sugar
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1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
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1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 large eggs
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1 cup buttermilk (or milk, if you don’t have buttermilk)
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1/2 cup vegetable oil
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 cup boiling water
For the peanut butter truffle filling:
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1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
For the chocolate ganache:
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1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Prepare the chocolate cake:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until everything is well combined.
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Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and well combined.
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Gradually add the boiling water to the batter, mixing until the batter is thin and smooth. This is normal and will result in a moist cake.
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Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
2. Make the peanut butter truffle filling:
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In a medium mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
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Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. The filling should be thick but spreadable. Set aside.
3. Make the chocolate ganache:
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In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat.
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Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter to the cream. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to soften, then whisk until the chocolate and butter are fully melted and the ganache is smooth.
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Allow the ganache to cool slightly before using.
4. Assemble the cake:
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Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
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Spread the peanut butter truffle filling evenly over the top of the first cake layer.
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Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the filling, pressing gently to adhere.
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Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, spreading it evenly over the top and letting it drizzle down the sides. You can use a spatula to smooth the ganache or let it naturally drip down for a more rustic look.
5. Serve:
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Allow the ganache to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving. For extra garnish, you can sprinkle chopped peanuts or chocolate shavings over the top of the cake.
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Enjoy this indulgent, creamy, and decadent dessert!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 10-12 slices
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
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Cool Time: 20-30 minutes
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Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling time)
Variations
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Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake: Add a layer of your favorite fruit jelly or jam (like strawberry or raspberry) in between the peanut butter truffle filling and the cake for a twist on the classic peanut butter and jelly combo.
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cake: Fold some chocolate chips or peanut butter chips into the cake batter for an extra burst of chocolate and peanut butter flavor.
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Crunchy Peanut Butter Cake: For added texture, sprinkle chopped peanuts or crushed peanut butter cups between the cake layers or on top of the ganache.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to 5 days if you prefer a firmer texture for the ganache.
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Freezing: To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
FAQs
Can I use creamy or chunky peanut butter for the filling?
You can use either creamy or chunky peanut butter, but creamy peanut butter will give you a smoother filling. If you use chunky, you’ll have more texture, but both options will work well.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be made ahead of time! You can bake the cakes and prepare the filling and ganache the day before. Just assemble the cake the day you plan to serve it.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for the ganache?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter ganache. Just keep in mind that milk chocolate is sweeter, so it may alter the flavor balance slightly.
Can I use a different type of cake instead of chocolate?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute the chocolate cake with vanilla or even a peanut butter-flavored cake. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if needed.
Can I decorate the cake with other toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to top the cake with chopped peanuts, drizzles of caramel sauce, whipped cream, or even mini peanut butter cups for extra flair.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Truffle Chocolate Cake is a rich, indulgent, and utterly delicious dessert that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. With its layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter filling, and decadent ganache topping, this cake is the ultimate treat for chocolate and peanut butter lovers alike. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just as a luxurious dessert, it’s sure to impress and satisfy every craving for a sweet, indulgent treat!

Peanut Butter Truffle Chocolate Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling time)
- Yield: 10-12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peanut Butter Truffle Chocolate Cake is a decadent dessert that combines rich chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter truffle filling, and smooth chocolate ganache topping.
Ingredients
- For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- For the peanut butter truffle filling:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- For the chocolate ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the wet ingredients (eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract) and beat until smooth. Gradually add boiling water, mixing until the batter is thin and smooth.
- Divide the batter between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- For the peanut butter filling, beat together peanut butter, heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- For the ganache, heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips and butter until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- Once the cakes are cooled, place one layer on a serving plate, spread the peanut butter filling over the top, then place the second cake layer on top. Pour the ganache over the cake, spreading evenly and letting it drip down the sides.
- Allow the ganache to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Notes
For added texture, sprinkle chopped peanuts between the layers or on top of the ganache.If you prefer a sweeter ganache, substitute semi-sweet chocolate with milk chocolate chips.This cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or mini peanut butter cups as extra garnishes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg