Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Cake

Enjoy a rich and indulgent treat with this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Cake. Combining a moist chocolate cake base with a creamy peanut butter cheesecake layer, and topped with a luscious chocolate ganache and peanut butter drizzle, this dessert is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Layer:

• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

For the Peanut Butter Drizzle:

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons milk

Directions

1. Prepare the Cake:

• Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
• Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined. Stir in boiling water until smooth.
• Bake Cake: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan.

2. Prepare the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Layer:

• Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, peanut butter, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add sour cream, then eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
• Add Cheesecake Layer: Spoon the peanut butter cheesecake mixture over the cake batter. Gently spread the remaining cake batter over the cheesecake layer.

3. Bake and Cool:

• Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

4. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:

• Make Ganache: Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until simmering. Pour over chocolate chips in a bowl and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy. Spread over the cooled cake.

5. Prepare the Peanut Butter Drizzle:

• Drizzle: Microwave peanut butter and milk in a bowl for 20-30 seconds, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over the ganache.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 50-60 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Servings: 12 slices

Variations

• Nut-Free: Use almond or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
• Ganache Variation: Substitute milk chocolate chips for semisweet chocolate chips.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Serve chilled or at room temperature. Reheat the individual slices slightly in the microwave if preferred.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter?

• Yes, natural peanut butter can be used, but it may affect the texture slightly.

1. What if I don’t have a springform pan?

• You can use a regular cake pan, but ensure it is well greased and lined with parchment paper.

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

• Yes, the cake can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

1. How can I prevent the cheesecake layer from cracking?

• Bake at a lower temperature and avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter.

1. Can I freeze this cake?

• Yes, freeze the cake without the ganache and drizzle for up to 2 months. Thaw before adding the ganache and drizzle.

1. What can I use instead of sour cream?

• Greek yogurt or crème fraîche can be used as a substitute for sour cream.

1. Can I add other mix-ins to the cake batter?

• Yes, chocolate chips or nuts can be added to the cake batter if desired.

1. How do I know when the cake is done?

• The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

1. Can I make a smaller or larger version of this cake?

• Adjust baking times and pan sizes accordingly.

1. How do I get a smooth ganache?
   • Ensure to stir the ganache thoroughly until it is completely smooth and glossy.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Cake combines the richness of chocolate cake with the creamy indulgence of peanut butter cheesecake, all topped with a decadent chocolate ganache and a peanut butter drizzle. It’s a delightful dessert that’s sure to please any sweet tooth!

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