The first time I took a bite of a Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake was a moment of pure bliss. It’s that heavenly combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter that transforms every forkful into a sinfully delightful experience. Imagine the way your kitchen fills with comforting aromas as this decadent treat bakes — it’s like a warm hug for your senses!
This recipe wasn’t just born out of a craving; it was the result of a last-minute dinner invitation where I decided to whip up something that would wow my friends without requiring hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, including a chocolate cake mix and luscious peanut butter, this cake is the perfect antidote for anyone feeling uninspired by fast food or typical desserts.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a milestone, or simply indulging yourself on a quiet evening, this ooey gooey cake is sure to steal the show and satisfy those sweet cravings. Let’s dive into making this indulgent treat that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake
- This Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake is incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a delicious dessert in no time at all.
- The flavors of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter create a mouthwatering combination that will have your taste buds dancing.
- Its versatility means it can be served at any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive celebrations.
- Visually, this cake is a showstopper with its layered richness and drizzled chocolate topping, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake Ingredients
For the Cake
• Chocolate cake mix – A box of 15.25 oz provides a quick base for your decadent treat.
• Water – Helps to blend the ingredients together for a moist texture.
• Vegetable oil – Adds richness and ensures a tender crumb.
• Large eggs – Bind everything together and enhance the cake’s fluffiness.
For the Peanut Butter Layer
• Cream cheese – Softened, it brings creaminess and tanginess to balance the sweetness.
• Creamy peanut butter – Provides that irresistible nutty flavor you crave in a Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake.
• Powdered sugar – Sweetens the peanut butter layer for a delightful, creamy finish.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic essence.
• Whipped topping – Mixes in to give the layer a light and airy feel.
For the Chocolate Topping
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips – These melt perfectly to create a luxurious chocolate drizzle.
• Heavy cream – Pairs with the chocolate chips for a silky smooth texture in the topping.
For Garnish
• Chopped peanuts (optional) – Sprinkle on top for an extra crunch and a pop of flavor.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. This step ensures your cake will slide out effortlessly once baked!
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Combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Stir together according to the package instructions until everything is well blended and smooth—about 2 minutes.
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30–35 minutes. Check for doneness; a toothpick placed in the center should come out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
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Beat together the softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy—this heavenly mixture will be the star of your cake!
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Fold in the whipped topping gently until the peanut butter layer is well combined. This adds a light, airy texture that perfectly balances the rich cake.
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Spread the peanut butter layer evenly over the cooled cake. Make sure to cover all corners to create that ooey gooey deliciousness in every bite!
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Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat just until it begins to simmer. Keep an eye on it – you don’t want it to boil!
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Remove from heat and add the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Let them sit for a few minutes before stirring until smooth and fully melted. The aroma will be irresistible!
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Drizzle the melted chocolate topping over the peanut butter layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly if needed to ensure every slice will have a chocolatey finish.
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Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours. This chilling time allows the layers to set and meld together, creating a perfect slice.
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Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top if desired, adding a delightful crunch and a touch of nutty flavor to complement the cake.
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Cut into squares and serve cold. This cake is best enjoyed chilled for that extra refreshing delight!
Optional: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect dessert experience!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Variations
Feel free to get creative with this irresistible cake by mixing in your favorite flavors and ingredients!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute the chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free blend to make it celiac-friendly without sacrificing taste.
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Nutty Twist: Add chopped almonds or walnuts into the peanut butter layer for an additional crunch that enhances the texture beautifully.
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Vegan Delight: Use a plant-based chocolate cake mix, almond milk, and flax eggs instead of traditional eggs for a vegan version everyone can enjoy!
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Sweetly Spiced: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the peanut butter layer for a warm, aromatic twist that complements the chocolate.
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Extra Chocolatey: Fold in extra chocolate chips throughout the cake batter for a double chocolate experience that chocolate lovers will adore.
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Syrupy Layer: Drizzle caramel sauce atop the chocolate layer before serving for a luscious, sweet finish that adds complexity to each bite.
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Coffee Kick: Add a tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the cake mix for a delightful coffee flavor that elevates the chocolate.
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Fruit Flavor: Incorporate diced bananas or strawberries on top of the peanut butter layer for a fruity, refreshing surprise that brightens the dessert.
Make Ahead Options
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake is a fantastic choice for meal prep, making it easier for busy home cooks to enjoy a delicious dessert any day of the week! You can prepare the cake base up to 24 hours in advance by baking it, allowing it to cool completely, and then storing it tightly covered at room temperature. The peanut butter layer can also be made up to 3 days ahead; just refrigerate it in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble. When it’s time to serve, spread the peanut butter layer on the cooled cake, whip up the chocolate topping as you heat the cream, and drizzle it over for that indulgent finish. This method ensures your cake remains just as delicious, saving you precious time when you’re entertaining guests or craving something sweet!
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake
Room Temperature: Keep your Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain its gooey texture.
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Chill well to enjoy a refreshing dessert when you’re craving something sweet.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cake in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Slice before freezing for easy serving later.
Reheating: If frozen, thaw the cake overnight in the fridge before serving. Enjoy it cold or let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes for a softer texture.
What to Serve with Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake?
Indulging in this decadent dessert is a real treat, and pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate your sweet experience even further.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a delightful contrast to the rich, chocolate layers while imparting a refreshing chill.
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Fresh Berries: Ripe strawberries or blueberries provide a burst of natural sweetness and acidity that brightens each bite, balancing the cake’s heaviness.
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Chocolate Milkshake: This thick and indulgent shake mirrors the chocolatey goodness of the cake, creating a once-in-a-lifetime dessert experience to savor together.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of fluffy whipped cream can lighten the rich flavors of the cake. Consider adding a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a beautiful touch.
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Nutty Coffee: Serve with a cup of hot coffee infused with hazelnuts or almonds for a cozy pairing. The warm, toasty notes will complement the cake’s flavors beautifully.
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Chilled Almond Milk: For a lighter option, almond milk offers nutty undertones that marry perfectly with the peanuts in the cake without overpowering its rich flavors.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce atop each slice introduces a luscious sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate and peanut butter.
Enjoying these additions will turn your dessert hour into a full-fledged celebration every time!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth peanut butter layer without lumps.
- A common mistake is to rush the cooling process of the cake; letting it cool completely in the pan is essential for spreading the peanut butter layer evenly.
- For the chocolate topping, heating the heavy cream just until it simmers will give you the best melting results for the chocolate chips.
- Remember to refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours so the layers can set properly and the flavors meld together beautifully.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake Recipe FAQs
What type of chocolate cake mix should I use?
Absolutely use a classic chocolate cake mix! I recommend sticking with a quality brand for best results. The mix should weigh around 15.25 oz, as this size is optimal for achieving a moist and delicious cake base.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
A toothpick test is the best way to check for doneness! Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake is ready to come out of the oven. Typically, baking will take about 30-35 minutes, but keep an eye on it!
Can I store this cake in the freezer?
Very much so! To freeze your Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake, allow it to cool completely, then slice it into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in an airtight container. It will stay delicious for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator or leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
For optimal freshness and flavor, store your cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If left at room temperature, cover it to maintain that gooey texture, but try to enjoy it within 2 days to prevent it from drying out.
Are there any allergy considerations for this recipe?
While this recipe is a delightful treat for many, keep in mind that it contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy, and peanuts. If you’re serving it to guests, it’s always a good idea to ask about allergies beforehand. If you want a nut-free option, you can try substituting sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter!
What should I do if my peanut butter layer is lumpy?
Not to worry! If you find your peanut butter layer has lumps, it’s likely that the cream cheese wasn’t softened enough. I suggest making sure it’s at room temperature before mixing. To remedy lumpy mixtures, continue to beat it vigorously until smooth, or use a hand mixer if necessary. This will give you that creamy layer you’re craving for your Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box Chocolate cake mix 15.25 oz
- 1 cup Water
- 1/2 cup Vegetable oil
- 3 large Eggs
- 8 oz Cream cheese softened
- 1 cup Creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Whipped topping
- 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
- Chopped peanuts optional
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly.
- Combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Stir together until smooth—about 2 minutes.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30–35 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
- Beat together the softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth.
- Fold in the whipped topping gently until well combined.
- Spread the peanut butter layer evenly over the cooled cake.
- Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat just until it begins to simmer.
- Remove from heat and add the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir until smooth and fully melted.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate topping over the peanut butter layer.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours.
- Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top if desired.
- Cut into squares and serve cold.
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