If you have a serious sweet tooth and a love for the perfect blend of chocolate and peanut butter, you absolutely must try this Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake Recipe. This decadent dessert has it all: a rich, moist chocolate base, a lusciously creamy peanut butter filling, and a smooth, glossy ganache topping that melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of cake that feels like a warm hug, offering gooey, indulgent layers that will satisfy your cravings and impress anyone lucky enough to share a slice. Trust me, once you make this cake, it’ll become your new favorite go-to treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity and accessibility. Every ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that irresistible ooey-gooey factor you’re craving.
- Butter (2 sticks, melted): Adds richness and moisture to both the cake and the filling for that smooth, velvety texture.
- German chocolate cake mix (1 package, 15.25 ounces): This mix provides a deeply chocolatey base, making the process quick and foolproof without compromising flavor.
- Eggs (3 large, divided): Help bind the cake and create a tender crumb while also enriching the filling.
- Cream cheese (8-ounce package, softened): Brings tanginess and creaminess to the peanut butter filling, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Peanut butter (1 cup + ½ cup creamy): Main player for that nutty flavor and luscious gooey texture throughout the cake and topping.
- Confectioners’ sugar (2 cups): Adds smooth sweetness to the peanut butter filling, making it luxuriously creamy.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors and adds a subtle warmth to the filling.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (¾ cup): Melts down to form the rich ganache topping, adding classic chocolate goodness.
- Peanut butter chips (¼ cup): Combine with chocolate chips for extra peanut flavor in the ganache.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Creates the perfect silky texture for the ganache, making it glossy and decadent.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Base
First, heat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish for a thick cake or 9×13-inch for a thinner version. In a bowl, mix the German chocolate cake mix with one egg and half the melted butter (1 stick). This combination forms the rich, chocolatey foundation of your cake. Spread this batter evenly in the pan and set aside while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Whip Up the Peanut Butter Filling
Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a handheld mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s silky smooth. Add the remaining two eggs along with one cup of peanut butter, then lower the mixer speed. Gradually incorporate the confectioners’ sugar, the remaining melted butter (1 stick), and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the filling is velvety and thoroughly combined, which is exactly what gives this cake its trademark gooey center.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the creamy peanut butter filling over the chocolate batter in your pan, carefully spreading it out so it covers the cake layer evenly. Bake for about 50 minutes until the edges are set, but the center remains slightly gooey to preserve that wonderfully soft texture. Allow the cake to rest on a wire rack while you prepare the irresistible ganache topping.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache
In a heatproof bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and half a cup of creamy peanut butter. Warm the heavy cream over medium-low heat until it simmers, then pour it over the chocolate and peanut butter mixture. Stir gently but continuously until the chips melt and the ganache is smooth and glossy. This final touch crowns your cake with a luscious, sticky finish that’s pure magic.
Step 5: Top and Set
Pour the ganache evenly over the baked cake. Let the cake sit at room temperature for about an hour so the ganache can set perfectly while keeping the cake moist and ooey gooey underneath. Once ready, cut into squares and get ready to savor every bite.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts adds delightful texture and makes the cake look even more inviting. For extra indulgence, a drizzle of melted peanut butter or a few chocolate shavings can make each slice feel like a special treat.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream, which cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing contrast. Fresh berries or a simple mixed fruit salad also bring a bright counterpoint that balances each decadent bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this cake in small jars layered with whipped cream for a playful dessert parfait or cut it into smaller squares and stack them for a festive dessert tower at your next gathering. You can even use cookie cutters to create fun shapes, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping those gooey layers luscious and flavorful.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover slices by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy this Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake Recipe anytime cravings strike.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake warm, thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator overnight, then microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm gently in the oven. This briefly restores that gooey texture and brings back the cake’s comforting richness like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While German chocolate cake mix gives a deep, rich flavor perfect for this recipe, you can experiment with other chocolate cake mixes. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile might shift slightly.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the filling?
Cream cheese adds a tangy creaminess that balances the sweetness and richness of the peanut butter and chocolate. Skipping it could alter the texture and flavor, so it’s highly recommended to keep it in.
How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?
Look for set edges with a gently jiggly center. The key is not to overbake because the gooey texture is what makes this cake standout. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Can I substitute peanut butter with another nut butter?
Sure! Almond butter or cashew butter can work, but the flavor will change. Peanut butter’s distinct sweetness and creaminess are key to the classic taste of this recipe.
What’s the best way to serve this cake at a party?
Cut the cake into small squares and serve on a platter with small forks or toothpicks. Adding garnishes and side accompaniments like ice cream or fresh fruit will make the presentation extra special and crowd-pleasing.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of making and sharing this Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake Recipe. It’s a celebration of rich flavors and comforting textures all rolled into one unforgettable dessert. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just a cozy night in, this cake promises to deliver smiles and seconds. So go ahead, treat yourself, and watch this masterpiece become a beloved classic in your dessert repertoire!
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in a rich and decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake that combines a moist German chocolate cake base with a creamy peanut butter and cream cheese filling. Finished with a luscious chocolate and peanut butter ganache topping, this dessert is perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers looking for a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth treat.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake
- 2 sticks (226 g) butter, melted (divided into 1 stick for cake batter and 1 stick for filling)
- 1 package (15.25 oz) German chocolate cake mix
- 3 large eggs (divided – 1 egg for cake batter, 2 eggs for filling)
Filling
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping/Ganache
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup peanut butter chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Heat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish for a thicker cake or a 9×13-inch dish for a thinner version.
- Make Cake Batter: In a bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix, 1 egg, and 1 stick (113g) of melted butter. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Pat this batter evenly into the prepared pan and set aside.
- Prepare Filling: Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer on medium speed, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining 2 eggs and peanut butter, mixing well. Lower the speed and gradually add confectioners’ sugar, then slowly incorporate the remaining 1 stick (113g) of melted butter. Finally, add vanilla extract and continue mixing until the filling is silky smooth.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the peanut butter cream cheese filling over the cake batter in the pan, spreading evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes. The center should remain slightly gooey when done to keep the ooziness. Once baked, allow the cake to cool partially on a wire rack.
- Prepare Ganache Topping: In a bowl, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and ½ cup creamy peanut butter. Heat the heavy cream on the stove or microwave until it begins to simmer (about 1-2 minutes). Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and peanut butter mixture.
- Combine Ganache: Stir gently but continuously until all the chocolate and peanut butter morsels have melted into a smooth, glossy ganache.
- Finish Cake: Pour the ganache evenly over the warm baked cake. Let the cake sit at room temperature for about one hour to allow the ganache to set properly before cutting and serving.
- Storage: Refrigerate any leftovers to keep the cake fresh and maintain its texture.
Notes
- Use a 9×9-inch pan for a thick cake or a 9×13-inch pan for a thinner layer.
- Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly gooey for ooey gooey texture.
- Let the ganache set at room temperature for about an hour before serving for best texture.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving if desired.
- You can substitute creamy peanut butter with natural peanut butter if preferred.
