Are you ready to treat yourself to the ultimate dessert indulgence? Introducing the Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cake – a dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the creamy decadence of peanut butter in a gooey, mouthwatering experience. Perfect for any special occasion or even just a cozy night in, this cake is destined to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
Imagine biting into a warm, soft chocolate base that gives way to a molten peanut butter and chocolate lava. Each slice is an adventure in texture and flavor, with layers of gooey, creamy peanut butter, a touch of sweetness from condensed milk, and the depth of dark chocolate. With just the right balance of sweetness and richness, this cake is a dessert lover’s dream.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 box devil’s food cake mix
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup dark cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick – a crucial step to achieving that gooey perfection without leaving any goodness behind.
2. Create the Cake Base
In a large bowl, mix the devil’s food cake mix, melted butter, and egg until you get a thick dough. This forms the rich, chocolatey base. Press it firmly into your greased baking dish to create an even layer.
3. Add the Peanut Butter Layer
Microwave the creamy peanut butter for about 30 seconds, just until smooth and pourable. Drizzle it over the chocolate base, spreading it evenly. This layer adds a delightful peanut butter surprise in every bite.
4. Sweeten with Condensed Milk
Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the peanut butter. This step adds a unique sweetness that balances the richness of the chocolate and peanut butter.
5. Sprinkle with Chocolate and Pecans
Now for the toppings! Scatter dark chocolate chips and chopped pecans over the cake. The chocolate chips add to the gooey texture, while the pecans bring a satisfying crunch.
6. Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce
In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just starts to simmer, then remove it from the heat. Whisk in the dark cocoa powder and confectioners’ sugar until smooth, creating a silky chocolate sauce. Drizzle this over the top for an extra layer of chocolate bliss.
7. Bake to Perfection
Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are set, but the center remains soft and gooey – the hallmark of a perfect lava cake.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Let the cake cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm to enjoy the full effect of the gooey, molten center. You could even add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent experience!
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of textures and flavors in this recipe is what makes it so special. The cake mix base is rich and moist, while the peanut butter and condensed milk add creaminess and sweetness. The chocolate sauce drizzled on top infuses every bite with a deep cocoa flavor that complements the sweetness and richness perfectly.
Tips for Success
- Use Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, go for good-quality dark chocolate chips and cocoa powder.
- Serve Warm: This dessert is best enjoyed warm to savor the gooey, lava-like center.
- Experiment with Toppings: You could try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top to enhance the chocolate flavor, or swap out pecans for your favorite nut.
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cake is a surefire way to elevate any gathering or quiet evening. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be creating a masterpiece that is not only indulgent but unforgettable.
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cake
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cake. This decadent treat combines the richness of chocolate and the creamy allure of peanut butter for a gooey delight that will leave your taste buds craving more. Perfect for any special occasion or just a cozy night in, this cake is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
1 box devil’s food cake mix
1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
1 large egg
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup dark cocoa powder
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the devil’s food cake mix, melted butter, and egg until a thick dough forms. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of your greased baking dish.
3. Gently microwave the creamy peanut butter for about 30 seconds until smooth. Evenly drizzle the peanut butter over the cake base layer.
4. Evenly pour the sweetened condensed milk on top of the peanut butter layer.
5. Sprinkle the dark chocolate chips and chopped pecans over the top of the cake.
6. In a small saucepan, warm the heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Remove from heat, and whisk in the dark cocoa powder and confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Drizzle this chocolate sauce over the entire cake.
7. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should remain deliciously gooey.
8. Allow the cake to cool slightly before cutting into slices for serving.