- Perfectly Balanced Flavors : The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is a match made in dessert heaven.
- Ooey Gooey Texture : The buttery, dense layer on top contrasts beautifully with the soft cake base.
- Easy to Make : With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly but impressive enough for any crowd.
- Customizable : Add chopped peanuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra flair.
Ingredients
(Makes 12–16 servings)
For the Cake Base:
- 1 box (15–16 oz) chocolate cake mix (or homemade equivalent)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Ooey Gooey Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (for swirling)
- Optional: 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted for drizzling)
- Optional: Crushed peanuts for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Cake Base
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and egg until a thick dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create the base layer.
3. Make the Ooey Gooey Layer
- In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and peanut butter , mixing until fully combined and creamy.
- Pour the peanut butter mixture over the cake base, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
4. Swirl the Peanut Butter
- Drop spoonfuls of 1/4 cup peanut butter across the top of the batter. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the peanut butter into the mixture, creating a marbled effect.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes , or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly. Be careful not to overbake—the cake will continue to set as it cools.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
6. Add Final Touches (Optional)
- Drizzle melted chocolate chips over the cooled cake for an extra touch of decadence.
- Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for added texture and flavor.
Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients : Softened cream cheese and butter blend more smoothly, ensuring a creamy texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter : Mix just until the ingredients are combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Chill Before Serving : For cleaner slices, chill the cake in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours before cutting.
- Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Serving Suggestions
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Cake pairs beautifully with:
- A tall glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee for a cozy treat.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a pop of color and freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is pure indulgence in every bite—rich, creamy, and utterly irresistible. It’s the kind of dessert that makes people stop mid-bite and say, “Wow.” Whether you’re serving it at a party, bringing it to a potluck, or enjoying it solo (no judgment here!), this cake is guaranteed to impress.
So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to bake a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With its ooey gooey layers and perfect chocolate-peanut butter balance, this cake is a showstopper you’ll want to make again and again. 🍫🥜✨