Get ready to impress with this stunning and indulgent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Galaxy Cake! A rich combination of dark chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and a mesmerizing galaxy design makes this cake a showstopper for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 200g dark chocolate, chopped
- 200g peanut butter cups, chopped
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup hot water
For the Frosting:
- 100g cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Food coloring (optional for the galaxy effect)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Stir until smooth.
- Finally, mix in the hot water (this will make the batter thin—don’t worry, it’s meant to be that way!).
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Make the Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and peanut butter until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream, beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
3. Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of frosting on top. Sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups over the frosting.
- Place the second cake layer on top and spread frosting over the entire cake, ensuring an even coat.
4. Create the Galaxy Effect:
- Divide the remaining frosting into separate bowls and add a few drops of food coloring to each (e.g., blue, purple, black). Stir to combine.
- Using a spatula, layer dollops of each color on the top of the cake. Swirl them gently with a knife or toothpick to create a galaxy effect.
- Decorate with extra chopped peanut butter cups and, if desired, edible glitter for a cosmic sparkle.
Serving and Storage
- Serves: 12 slices
- Calories per slice: ~450 kcal
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Tips and Variations
- Edible Glitter: Add a touch of shimmer with edible glitter for an out-of-this-world finish.
- Candy Swap: Replace peanut butter cups with your favorite chocolate candies for a personalized twist.
- Moisture Boost: Brush each cake layer with simple syrup for added moisture if desired.
Enjoy this decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Galaxy Cake—a dessert that’s as delicious as it is visually stunning! Perfect for birthdays, parties, or anytime you want to bake up some magic.