Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake

A decadent layered chocolate cake bursting with creamy peanut butter, topped with silky ganache and finished with peanutty crunch—this show-stopping dessert delivers pure comfort and indulgence in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake brings together the ultimate flavor trifecta: rich chocolate, luscious peanut butter, and ooey gooey textures. Inspired by a popular I Am Baker creation, it combines moist cake layers with creamy peanut filling and glistening chocolate ganache—every element is designed to satisfy your sweetest cravings
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ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chocolate Cake:

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

4 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup hot water

Peanut Butter Filling:

1 cup creamy peanut butter

2 cups powdered sugar

½ cup heavy cream

Chocolate Ganache:

1 cup chocolate chips

½ cup heavy cream

Garnish:

1 cup peanut butter chips

½ cup chopped peanuts

directions
Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease and flour three 8‑inch round cake pans.
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In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
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In another bowl, beat softened butter with both sugars until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.

Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Stir just until combined.

Stir in hot water until batter is smooth.

Divide evenly among the three pans.

Bake 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool pans for 10 minutes before transferring to racks.
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Make filling: Beat peanut butter, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth and fluffy.
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Assemble cake: Place one layer on a plate, spread filling, repeat with remaining layers.
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Prepare ganache: Heat cream, pour over chocolate chips, wait 2–3 minutes, then stir until glossy.

Pour ganache over the top, allowing some to drip down the sides.

Garnish with peanut butter chips and chopped peanuts. Chill or serve immediately.

Servings and timing
Serves: ~12 slices
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Prep time: ~25 minutes

Bake time: 30–35 minutes

Assembly & ganache: ~15 minutes

Total time: ~70 minutes

storage/reheating
Room temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator: Up to 5 days—bring to room temperature before serving for optimal texture.

Freezer: Wrap individual slices or entire cake snugly. Freeze up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.

variations
German-chocolate shortcut: Use cake mix and cream cheese layer to mimic ooey gooey texture
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Espresso enhancement: Add espresso powder to the cake for a mocha depth .

Cream cheese twist: Fold cream cheese into the filling for tangy richness .

Nuts & crunch: Fold in toasted pecans or walnuts or top with caramel drizzle for extra texture.

Boxed convenience: Adapt to single-layer cake mix plus peanut layer and ganache for ooey gooey flavor in less time .

FAQs
What makes this cake “ooey gooey”?
The peanut butter filling layer remains soft and slightly underbaked, creating a rich, gooey texture.

Can I use store-bought cake mix?
Yes—experts recommend using a chocolate mix with added cream cheese/peanut layer for the gooey effect.

Why rest ganache before pouring?
Allowing ganache to cool slightly ensures a thicker, even, drip-ready pour.

How do I avoid over-baking?
Bake until a few moist crumbs cling to the toothpick. The cake edges should be set while the center remains slightly soft.

Can I make ahead?
Absolutely! Bake and fill a day ahead. Chill overnight, then add ganache and garnishes before serving.

Gluten-free adaptation?
Replace flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend and add ½ tsp xanthan gum.

Can I omit peanut butter chips topping?
Yes—the topping is optional but enhances the peanut flavor and presentation.

Is this suitable for celebrations?
Definitely—it’s an indulgent centerpiece perfect for birthdays, holidays, or potlucks.

How rich is it?
It’s an ultra-rich dessert—small slices are recommended unless you’re sharing with serious chocoholics.

Why use hot water?
Hot water helps bloom the cocoa and ensures a moist, fudgy crumb in the chocolate cake.
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Conclusion
The Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake is a spectacular, multi-layered treat designed to impress and satisfy. Combining a rich chocolate base, creamy peanut butter filling, and glossy ganache, it’s a perfect balance of textures and indulgence. Adaptable with mix-and-match ingredients, it’s an accessible yet luxurious dessert that will shine at any celebration. Slice, serve, and revel in its decadent, gooey magic.

[tasty-recipe id=”15282″]