Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Cake

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Layer:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional)

For the Topping:

• Chopped peanuts (for garnish)
• Chocolate shavings or chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chocolate Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes.
4. Add Boiling Water: Stir in boiling water (the batter will be thin). Pour evenly into prepared pans.
5. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

2. Make the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Layer:

1. Prepare the Oven: Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
2. Beat Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing well.
3. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time until just combined.
4. Bake: Pour the cheesecake mixture into a greased 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly. Let it cool completely in the pan.

3. Make the Chocolate Ganache:

1. Heat Cream: In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream until just boiling. Remove from heat.
2. Add Chocolate: Add chopped chocolate (and butter if using) and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Stir until smooth.

4. Assemble the Cake:

1. Layer the Cakes: Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate. Top with the cooled peanut butter cheesecake layer, then place the second chocolate cake layer on top.
2. Add Ganache: Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and chocolate shavings if desired.

5. Chill and Serve:

• Chill the cake for at least 1 hour before slicing. Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Cake!

Tips

• For easier slicing, use a hot knife (run it under hot water and dry it off).
• You can make the cheesecake layer ahead of time and refrigerate it for a day.

Enjoy your indulgent creation!