Triple Chocolate Peanut Butter Layer Cake Food

TRIPLE CHOCOLATE & PEANUT BUTTER LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Oil and line the base of three 19cm sandwich tins. Mix the flour, cocoa, bicarb and sugar in a bowl. Make a well in the centre and beat in the syrup, eggs, oil and milk with an electric whisk until smooth.
• Divide the mix between the tins, and bake for 25-30 mins until the cakes are risen and firm to the touch. Cool in the tins for 10 mins before turning out onto a cooling rack and cooling completely. At this stage, they can be frozen, well wrapped, for up to eight weeks.
• Make the bark while the cake is cooling. Melt the chocolate in short bursts in the microwave, stirring every 20 secs, until smooth. Spoon onto a parchment-lined baking tray and smooth over with a spatula to make a thinnish layer, around 35 x 20cm. Sprinkle over the chocolate chips along with the pieces of pretzel and honeycomb, then chill until solid. Remove the bark from the fridge and leave for a minute to come to room temperature before using a sharp knife to cut it into shards (if it's fridge cold, the chocolate will snap rather than cut). Chill again until you're ready to decorate the cake.
• To make the icing, melt the chocolate in the microwave, stirring between short blasts, then leave to cool a little. Meanwhile, beat the butter, icing sugar and 1 tbsp boiling water with an electric whisk or stand mixer, slowly at first, then turn up the speed and beat until you get a pale, fluffy icing. Spoon out a third of the mix into a separate bowl and stir in the peanut butter. Whisk the melted chocolate into the remainder of the icing, then beat in the cocoa if you want a darker, more chocolatey-coloured icing.
• Sandwich the three cakes together with the peanut butter icing. Use half the chocolate icing to coat the sides and top of the cake and fill in the edges between the layers, scraping off any excess. Chill for 20 mins. This is called a crumb coating, allowing you to get a really smooth finish when it comes to the final icing.
• Spread the remaining chocolate icing over the lightly chilled cake, smoothing over the sides and top so you get a neat finish. Chill again for 20 mins.
• To make the ganache, heat the cream in a small pan until steaming. Tip the dark chocolate into a bowl, then pour over the cream. Mix well until smooth and shiny. Transfer to a piping bag and leave to cool for a few mins at room temperature.
• Pipe the ganache on top of the cake, nudging it over the edge and allowing it to drip down neatly. Do this all the way round the cake, then fill in the centre with more ganache. Smooth the top with a knife. Chill for 1 hr for the ganache to set.
• Press the bark shards into the cake, sticking up. Add lots of chocolate eggs, popcorn and pretzels in and around the shards. Cut into slices to serve. Will keep for up to three days kept in a cool place in an airtight container.

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CAKE

Steps:

• For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat three 6-inch-round cake pans with cooking spray.
• Sift the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt into a large bowl. Mix with an electric mixer at medium speed for 1 minute. Add the buttermilk, coffee, vegetable oil and eggs. Mix at medium speed for 1 minute. Scrape the side and bottom of the bowl and mix on medium speed for 1 minute more. Divide the cake batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake on the top rack until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean, about 30 minutes.
• Cool the cakes in the pans for 20 minutes then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
• For the buttercream: Add the confectioners' sugar and butter to a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until completely incorporated, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the peanut butter, milk and salt. Mix on high speed until the mixture becomes fluffy and lighter in color, about 2 minutes. Scrape the side and bottom of the bowl and mix again on high speed for 1 minute.
• To assemble the cake: Level each cake round with a serrated knife or cake leveler. Use an offset spatula to spread a thin layer of the buttercream on top of one round. Top with a second round and spread it with a thin layer of buttercream. Repeat with the third round, spreading the buttercream on the top and sides of the cake. Smooth with a bench scraper.

ULTIMATE BOURBON (CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER) BUCKEYE CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 3 8-inch round cake pans.
• To make the cake, add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt to a bowl.
• In a microwave safe bowl, microwave the butter and chocolate on high for 30 second intervals stirring in between until melted. Once melted stir in the bourbon and coffee. Set aside.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer add 4 eggs, 2 egg yolks, and the sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for about 4 to 5 minutes until light and fluffy and pale in color. Add the canola oil and greek yogurt. Mix to combine. Carefully add in the chocolate mixture until well combined and smooth. Scrape the bottom of the bowl and make sure everything is well mixed, beat one last time.
• Add the flour mixture and stir until just combined. It is ok to have the batter be lumpy, but just make sure you do not have too many big chunks of flour in the batter.
• Pour the batter among the three cake pans and bake 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops are just set and no longer wiggly in the center. Remove and let cool five minutes, then run a knife around the edges of the pan and invert the cakes onto cooking racks. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting. I like to stick my cakes in the freezer (well covered) for 1 hour or up to 1 day and then fill and frost the cake while it is frozen. Trust me it makes things much easier.
• For the peanut butter frosting, add the butter and peanut butter to the bowl of a stand mixer (or you can use a hand held mixer) and beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until combined and smooth. Remove from the bowl and set aside.
• To make the chocolate frosting, in a mixing bowl add the butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, meringue powder, vanilla and 2 tablespoon milk. Beat on medium speed for 5 minutes, scraping down the sides until the frosting is light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick add milk to thin. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set aside.
• Now grab your cakes. Place one cake on a cake plate or platter and add a large dollop (about 1 cup) of the peanut butter filling. Using a knife, or offset spatula, spread the filling out to the edge of the cakes, but leave about 1/4 to 1/8 inch border. Now grab another cake, place it right on top of the peanut butter layer. Add another large dollop of filling and spread out to the edges. Grab the last layer and place it (rounded side down) on top of the peanut butter layer. Add a small dollop of the peanut butter filing and spread out in an even thin layer.
• Now take the chocolate frosting and add a large dollop right on top of the cake. spread the frosting evenly on the top and sides of the cake.
• To make the ganache, in a microwave safe bowl, microwave the chocolate and cream on high for 30 second intervals, stirring between each until melted. Once melted stir in the bourbon. Pour the ganache on to the middle of the cake and spread to just the sides, allow the ganache to drip down the sides of the cake. Let sit 30 minutes before decorating with buckeyes.
• If desired, top the cake with buckeyes and store in the fridge, or on the counter.

TRIPLE CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans, line with parchment paper, then grease the parchment paper. Parchment paper helps the cakes seamlessly release from the pans.
• Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder (if using) together in a large bowl. Set aside. Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or you can use a whisk) mix the oil, eggs, and vanilla together on medium-high speed until combined. Add the buttermilk and mix until combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, add the hot water/coffee, and whisk or beat on low speed until the batter is completely combined. Batter is thin.
• Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 23-26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking times vary, so keep an eye on yours. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. (Note: Even if they're completely done, the cooled cakes may *slightly* sink in the center. Cocoa powder is simply not as structurally strong as all-purpose flour and can't hold up to all the moisture necessary to make a moist tasting chocolate cake. It's normal!)
• Remove the cakes from the oven and set on a wire rack. Allow to cool completely in the pan.
• With a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy - about 2 minutes. Add confectioners' sugar, cocoa powder, 3 Tablespoons heavy cream, salt, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to high speed and beat for 1 full minute. Do not over-whip. Add 1/4 cup more confectioners' sugar or cocoa powder if frosting is too thin or 1-2 more Tablespoons of cream if frosting is too thick. (I usually add 1 more.) Taste. Add another pinch of salt if desired.
• If cooled cakes are domed on top, use a large serrated knife to slice a thin layer off the tops to create a flat surface. This is called "leveling" the cakes. Discard or crumble over finished cake. Place 1 cake layer on your cake stand or serving plate. Evenly cover the top with frosting. Top with 2nd layer and spread remaining frosting all over the top and sides. I always use an icing spatula and bench scraper for the frosting. Garnish with chocolate chips, if desired.
• Refrigerate cake for at least 30-60 minutes before slicing. This helps the cake hold its shape when cutting.
• Cover leftover cake tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

TRIPLE LAYER CHOCOLATE PANTRY CAKE WITH PEANUT BUTTER FROSTING

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Prepare 3 cake pans by greasing and flouring completely the sides and bottom of pans. I like to place a parchment circle on bottom of pan also. (See my video for instructions). You can also use a cooking spray with flour already in the spray.
• In a large bowl place white granulated sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
• Make a well into dry ingredients and add water, milk, eggs, butter (or oil), and vanilla.
• Gently whisk the wet ingredients on top to combine somewhat. Gradually start whisking wet into the dry for about 2 minutes until nice and smooth and lump free.
• Divide batter into the 3 pans.
• Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cake pulls away from sides and a toothpick inserted into middle comes out clean. (Crumbs are fine).
• Remove cakes from oven and place pans on cooling racks to cool for 15 minutes. Then remove cakes from pans and place on the cooling racks and allow to cool completely before frosting.
• Let's prepare the Frosting
• In large bowl, beat together butter and peanut butter with a hand mixer until smooth. Add in vanilla and salt (if needed) and beat for a minute.
• Very carefully and in batches, beat in the powdered sugar. Add milk a little at a time until your frosting is nice and smooth and creamy.
• Place a dab of frosting to the center of your cake stand or plate. Place one layer of cake upside down on the cake plate. Spread generously with frosting to the edges.
• Top with another layer of cake, upside down, and generously spread more frosting.
• Place final layer of cake right side up and generously spread frosting on top.
• Spread frosting on the sides evenly as possible.
• Sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Enjoy.

CHOCOLATE-PEANUT BUTTER LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans.
• Mix sugar, oil, sour cream, cocoa powder, eggs, vinegar, vanilla, and salt together in a mixing bowl. Add flour and water in batches, mixing and alternating between each, until incorporated. Whisk to create a smooth batter. Pour evenly into the prepared cake pans.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of each layer comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Run a table knife around the edges to loosen. Invert carefully onto a serving plate or cooling rack. Let cool, about 30 minutes.
• Combine cream cheese and butter for frosting in a very large mixing bowl with an electric mixer. Slowly add confectioners' sugar a few cups at a time until smooth. Mix in peanut butter to incorporate thoroughly.
• Generously distribute the frosting between the layers of the cake and on the top and sides. This frosting is a bit firm and easy to work with. At this point, place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set; it will be extremely heavy.
• Microwave chocolate, peanut butter, and corn syrup for glaze together in short 30-second intervals, mixing between each, until the chocolate is melted. Whisk in half-and-half until smooth. While warm, drizzle over the frosted cake.
• Place the cake back into the refrigerator to set, about 30 minutes. Remove the cake from the refrigerator 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving.

PEANUT BUTTER CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 8x8 inch pan.
• Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
• Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the milk, mixing just until incorporated.
• Pour batter into prepared pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
• Allow to cool in pan.

TRIPLE DECKER PEANUT BUTTER CAKE

Steps:

• Place a race in the center of the oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Lightly spray three 9-inch round cake pans with cooking spray, then dust them with flour. Shake out the excess flour. Set the pans aside.
• Place the cake mix, peanut butter, oil, eggs, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Add 1 1/3 cups water, then beat with an electric mixer on low speed until blended 30 seconds. Stop the machine and scrape down the side of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes longer, scraping down the side again if necessary. The batter should be well blended. Divide the batter among the prepared pans, smoothing it out with a rubber spatula. Place the pans in the oven side by side or, if your oven is not large enough, place two on the center rack and the third pan in the center of the highest rack.
• Bake until the cakes spring back when lightly pressed with a finger, 18 to 20 minutes. Check the pan on the highest rack first as it will bake the quickest and may need to be rotated to a lower rack while it bakes. Remove the cakes from the oven, and place them on wire racks to cool for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of each later and invert onto a rack and then invert onto another rack so that the cakes are right side up. Allow the cakes to cool completely.
• Meanwhile, place 28 of the peanut butter cups into the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes so they will be easier to chop, then finely chop them and set aside with the whole peanut butter cups.
• Make the frosting: Place the butter and peanut butter in a large mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer on low speed until creamy. Add 2 cups confectioners' sugar, 1/4 cup milk and the vanilla and beat on low speed until the mixture is combined. Add 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar and the remaining 1/4 cup milk and beat the frosting until it is smooth and spreadable. Then, increase the mixer speed to high and beat, adding the remaining 1/2 cup sugar a little at a time until the frosting is thick and fluffy.
• To assemble the cake, place one cake layer, right side up, on a serving plate and spread some of the frosting over the top. Press half of the chopped Reese's into this frosting, distributing them evenly. Place a second cake layer, right side up, on top of the first. Spread some of the frosting over the top. Press the remaining chopped Reese's into this frosting. Place the third cake layer, right side up, on top of the second layer, then frost the top smoothly and generously. Frost the side of the cake with smooth, clean strokes. Place the remaining whole peanut butter cups decoratively around the edge of the cake.