PEANUT BUTTER CUP SURPRISE CAKE

PEANUT BUTTER CUP SURPRISE CAKE

INGREDIENTS

• For the Chocolate Cake:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour  
• 2 cups (400g) sugar  
• 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder  
• 2 tsp baking powder  
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda  
• 1 tsp salt  
• 1 cup (240ml) milk  
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil  
• 2 large eggs  
• 2 tsp vanilla extract  
• 1 cup (240ml) hot coffee or hot water  

• For the Peanut Butter Filling:

• 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter  
• 1/2 cup (115g) butter, softened  
• 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar  
• 1 tsp vanilla extract  
• 2–3 tbsp milk (to loosen if needed)  

• For the Chocolate Frosting:

• 1 cup (230g) butter, softened  
• 3 1/2 cups (440g) powdered sugar  
• 1/2 cup (50g) cocoa powder  
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream  
• 2 tsp vanilla extract  

• For the Surprise Center:

• 12–16 mini peanut butter cups (or chopped regular ones)

• For Decoration:

• Extra peanut butter cups  
• Chocolate ganache or drizzle (optional)  

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease two round cake pans. Line the bottoms for easy release.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla, then mix until smooth. Slowly pour in the hot coffee or water and stir until the batter is thin and well combined.

Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for about 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before assembling.

To make the peanut butter filling, beat the peanut butter and butter until creamy and smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until thick and fluffy. If it feels too stiff, add a little milk to soften it.

For the frosting, beat the butter until light. Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder gradually, then pour in the cream and vanilla. Whip until smooth, rich, and spreadable.

To assemble, level your cakes if needed. Place one layer on a plate and spread a thick layer of peanut butter filling on top. Press the peanut butter cups into the filling, slightly burying them for that hidden surprise.

Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the chocolate frosting, smoothing the sides and top.

Finish by decorating with more peanut butter cups and a drizzle of chocolate if you want an extra dramatic look.

Chill slightly before slicing so you get that beautiful peanut butter cup surprise in every cut.