I love a cake that feels like a hug. Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake is rich, creamy, and easy to make for family nights or special days. If you love big flavors, you might also enjoy my pumpkin gooey butter cake recipe for a seasonal twist.
My Dad James always asked for an extra slice after Sunday supper. I still bake this for him when I want him to smile.
Your Ingredients List
- For the Cake: 1 box chocolate cake mix (prepared according to package instructions)
- For the Peanut Butter Filling: 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- For the Peanut Butter Filling: 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- For the Peanut Butter Filling: 2 cups powdered sugar
- For the Ganache: 1 cup heavy cream
- For the Ganache: 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- For Topping: ½ cup crushed peanuts
- Optional: Chocolate bars or peanut butter cups for garnis
My Go-To Equipment
I keep a few simple tools on hand. I use two 8-inch round cake pans, a hand mixer, a medium saucepan, and a rubber spatula. I also like small molds when I make treats for kids, like the chocolate peanut butter hearts for gift boxes.
The Simple Steps to Follow
- Prepare cake batter and bake in two 8-inch pans.
- Let the cakes cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Mix in peanut butter and powdered sugar until creamy.
- Place one cake layer on a plate.
- Spread the peanut butter filling over the first layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top.
- Heat heavy cream until it simmers.
- Pour cream over chopped chocolate and wait 5 minutes.
- Stir ganache until smooth and glossy.
- Pour ganache over the cake and let it drip down the sides.
- Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top.
- Add chocolate bars or peanut butter cups if you wish.
- Chill the cake for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Healthy Twists on a Classic
You can make a few swaps to lighten this cake. Use half the powdered sugar in the filling or swap in Greek yogurt for some cream cheese. For a different peanut butter vibe, try a filling inspired by the Amish peanut butter cream pie and use less sugar.
Serving Suggestions From My Table
I serve this cake with strong coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also pairs well with fresh berries for a bit of tartness. For parties, cut small slices and plate with a salted nut on top.
Getting It Just Right
Cool the cakes fully before filling. If the cakes are warm, the filling will slide. Let the ganache cool slightly so it thickens but stays pourable. If ganache is too thick, warm it gently over low heat.
How to Store Leftovers
Store the cake in the fridge in a cake keeper or covered with plastic wrap. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze single slices wrapped in foil and placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Enjoy Every Moment
I love seeing the first fork cut through the ganache and that soft filling. Share this cake with people you love and make a small memory.
A Few Common Questions
How long will Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake keep?
The cake will keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. If you need more time, freeze slices for up to 2 months.
Can I make Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake ahead of time?
Yes. You can bake and assemble the cake a day ahead. Chill it overnight and bring it out 20 minutes before serving for best texture.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter in Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake?
Yes. Crunchy peanut butter adds nice texture. Use the same amount and mix until the filling is smooth enough to spread.
Print
Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich, creamy chocolate cake with a luscious peanut butter filling and a decadent ganache topping.
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
- Prepare cake batter and bake in two 8-inch pans.
- Let the cakes cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Mix in peanut butter and powdered sugar until creamy.
- Place one cake layer on a plate.
- Spread the peanut butter filling over the first layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top.
- Heat heavy cream until it simmers.
- Pour cream over chopped chocolate and wait 5 minutes.
- Stir ganache until smooth and glossy.
- Pour ganache over the cake and let it drip down the sides.
- Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top.
- Add chocolate bars or peanut butter cups if you wish.
- Chill the cake for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Notes
Cool the cakes fully before filling. If the cakes are warm, the filling will slide. Let the ganache cool slightly so it thickens but stays pourable.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chocolate cake, peanut butter cake, dessert, family recipe, comfort food