If you’re a fan of decadent desserts, then you’re in for a treat with this Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake. This indulgent cake combines the rich, comforting flavors of chocolate and peanut butter in a way that will make your taste buds sing. With a layer of gooey, almost fudge-like filling nestled between a soft, cake-like bottom and a slightly crisp top, this dessert is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it the perfect go-to dessert for both casual family gatherings and special occasions.
The balance of chocolate and peanut butter in this cake is absolute perfection. The cake base offers a slightly sweet, buttery flavor, while the ooey gooey filling melts in your mouth with every bite. Topped with a rich chocolate and peanut butter drizzle, this cake is a showstopper that combines two beloved flavors in the most irresistible way. Once you take a bite, you’ll know why this cake is called “heavenly.” It’s that good!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Decadent Chocolate and Peanut Butter Flavor
This cake is a dream come true for chocolate and peanut butter lovers, with the two flavors perfectly complementing each other for a rich, indulgent treat.
2. Easy to Make
Despite its impressive taste and texture, this cake is incredibly simple to make. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a dessert that will wow your guests.
3. Ooey Gooey Texture
The unique gooey filling gives this cake its signature texture. It’s rich, fudgy, and oh-so-satisfying with every bite.
4. Perfect for Special Occasions
Whether it’s a birthday, a holiday, or just a weekend treat, this cake is a perfect dessert for any celebration. It’s the kind of dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
5. Great for Sharing
This cake is ideal for parties, potlucks, or gatherings because it can easily be sliced into generous portions and is guaranteed to please a crowd.
Ingredients
For the cake base:
- Yellow cake mix
- Butter
- Eggs
For the filling:
- Cream cheese
- Peanut butter
- Powdered sugar
- Eggs
For the topping:
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Peanut butter
Variations
- Nut-Free Version: If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute the peanut butter with a sunflower seed butter or a nut-free spread to keep the flavor profile while making it safe for everyone.
- Extra Fudgy: If you love a richer, more gooey filling, add an extra egg to the filling mixture for a fudgier texture.
- More Chocolate: For an even more chocolatey experience, you can sprinkle chocolate chips on top of the cake before baking or mix them into the filling.
- Salted Caramel Twist: Drizzle some salted caramel sauce over the top of the cake to add a sweet and salty flavor combination that will elevate the richness.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Cake Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until the ingredients are fully combined. The batter will be thick. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing it into the corners to form a cake base.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In another mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and eggs until smooth and creamy. Once fully combined, pour the peanut butter filling over the cake base and spread it evenly.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter). The center should still be slightly soft and gooey.
Step 5: Make the Topping
While the cake is baking, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and peanut butter together in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted.
Step 6: Drizzle the Topping
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10-15 minutes. Drizzle the melted chocolate peanut butter topping over the cake, covering the surface evenly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing into squares and serving. The cake will have a gooey center with a rich chocolate-peanut butter drizzle on top, making every bite heavenly.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overbake: For the best gooey texture, be sure not to overbake the cake. The center should remain slightly soft and gooey, which is key to getting the signature “ooey gooey” texture.
- Let it Cool: Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes after baking before drizzling with the chocolate peanut butter topping. This will help the topping set without melting into the cake too much.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before preparing the filling. This will ensure a smoother texture for the filling.
- Customize the Topping: Feel free to get creative with the topping. You can add crushed peanuts, drizzle caramel sauce, or even sprinkle some sea salt for a salty-sweet flavor.
How to Serve
This cake is best served slightly warm, but it’s also delicious at room temperature or chilled. You can serve it on its own or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family meals to special celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It will stay soft and gooey, with the flavors continuing to meld together.
Freezing
To freeze, cut the cake into individual servings and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the slices to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will stay fresh for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator or warm in the microwave.
Reheating
To reheat a slice, microwave it for 15-20 seconds until warm, and then enjoy the melty, gooey goodness.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
While yellow cake mix works best for this recipe, you can experiment with other flavors, like chocolate or vanilla, if you prefer.
2. Can I make this without the chocolate-peanut butter topping?
The cake is still delicious on its own without the topping, but it won’t have that rich, chocolate-peanut butter finish. If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip the topping or opt for a dusting of powdered sugar.
3. Can I use creamy peanut butter instead of chunky?
Yes, creamy peanut butter works perfectly in this recipe. Chunky peanut butter will give a bit more texture, but both options will be delicious.
4. Can I make this cake in advance for a party?
Yes, this cake can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container and keep it at room temperature or in the fridge if you prefer it chilled.
5. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix as a substitute for the regular cake mix. The rest of the recipe should work just fine.
6. How can I make the filling more peanut butter-forward?
To intensify the peanut butter flavor in the filling, you can add an extra 1/4 cup of peanut butter and reduce the amount of cream cheese slightly.
7. Can I use other types of chocolate for the topping?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate if you prefer. Just be mindful that different types of chocolate will alter the sweetness of the topping.
8. How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake should be golden on top with a slightly soft and gooey center. You can test the doneness by inserting a toothpick—there should be a few moist crumbs on it, but not wet batter.
9. Can I make this cake dairy-free?
To make this cake dairy-free, you can substitute the cream cheese and butter with dairy-free versions, and use a non-dairy chocolate.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch. Use a larger baking dish and increase the baking time by a few minutes.
Conclusion
Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves chocolate and peanut butter. With its rich, gooey filling and decadent topping, this cake is perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special celebration, this indulgent treat will leave everyone craving more. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to dessert for all future occasions!
PrintHeavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 servings (depending on portion size) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate and peanut butter lovers! With a buttery cake base, a rich chocolate peanut butter filling, and a gooey center that melts in your mouth, this cake is irresistibly sweet, creamy, and decadent. It’s the perfect indulgence for any occasion!
Ingredients
- For the cake base:
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients required on the box, usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- For the peanut butter filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the chocolate topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (optional, for extra peanut butter flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until well combined. Pour the cake mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Make the Peanut Butter Filling:
- In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth.
- Add the melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Spoon the peanut butter filling over the top of the cake batter. Use a spatula to spread it evenly over the cake, covering it as best as possible. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover the entire cake – the filling will spread as it bakes.
- Bake the Cake:
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. The cake should be set around the edges but still soft and gooey in the center. Let it cool slightly before topping with the chocolate layer.
- Make the Chocolate Topping:
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over low heat until just simmering. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips until melted and smooth.
- If you want an extra peanut butter kick, stir in the 1/4 cup of peanut butter until well combined and smooth.
- Top the Cake:
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cooled cake and spread evenly. Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.
- Serve:
- Serve chilled or at room temperature. It’s delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!
Notes
- For extra peanut butter flavor, drizzle additional peanut butter on top of the cake before serving.
- This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, as the gooey texture will firm up slightly after cooling.
- You can make this cake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate, peanut butter, gooey cake, dessert, ooey gooey, cake, heavenly dessert