If you are a fan of rich, indulgent desserts that combine the best of chocolate and peanut butter, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake Recipe is about to become your new obsession. With its luscious, fudgy chocolate base topped with a creamy, dreamy peanut butter layer, every bite offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures that melt irresistibly in your mouth. This cake is perfect for cozy gatherings, celebrations, or any moment that calls for a little extra sweetness and comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create a cake that is rich in flavor and wonderfully moist in texture, with each playing a crucial role in the overall deliciousness.
- 1 box chocolate cake mix: Provides a deep chocolate foundation that is quick and easy to work with.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps bind the base layer.
- 1 large egg: Gives structure and moisture to the chocolate dough.
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened: Creates the signature creamy texture in the peanut butter layer.
- 2 large eggs: Bind and enrich the peanut butter topping for perfect gooeyness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a sweet, warm aroma.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Delivers that irresistible nutty flavor and creamy consistency.
- 4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the peanut butter layer into a smooth, luscious topping.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional): Adds bursts of melty chocolate throughout the peanut butter topping.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. In a medium bowl, mix the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and one egg until a thick and pliable dough forms. This mixture will serve as the rich, fudgy base of your cake, so press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using your hands or the back of a spoon. The dough’s thickness ensures a dense, chewy layer that perfectly contrasts the creamy topping.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Topping
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, the remaining two eggs, vanilla extract, and creamy peanut butter until smooth and completely combined. This mixture will create that unmistakable ooey gooey texture. Slowly add in the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition until you achieve a velvety consistency. If you love extra bursts of chocolate, fold in the mini chocolate chips now—they melt into little pockets of sweet goodness as the cake bakes.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the luscious peanut butter mixture over the chocolate base, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. The contrast between the thick, dense chocolate and the silky peanut butter topping is what makes this cake unforgettable. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. When done, the edges will look set, but the center should remain slightly jiggly—this ensures the perfect ooey gooey texture every time.
Step 4: Cool and Slice
Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing. While it’s tempting to dig in right away—and believe me, you should—it slices most cleanly after cooling for a bit. The gooey center softens to a delightful creaminess that’s just irresistible either warm or at room temperature.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle the top with additional mini chocolate chips or drizzle warm peanut butter over each slice just before serving. A dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of chopped roasted peanuts can add a wonderful visual appeal and a satisfying crunch that complements the cake’s soft texture.
Side Dishes
Serve your Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake Recipe alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries or a drizzle of raspberry sauce add a bright, fruity contrast that balances the cake’s rich flavors beautifully. For coffee lovers, a bold cup of espresso or a creamy latte pairs perfectly with this dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Freeze cake slices and present them as frozen bites for a cool twist, or create mini versions in muffin tins for individual servings. You can also layer crumbled cake with whipped cream and chopped peanuts in parfait glasses for a playful and elegant dessert presentation that will wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to a week. Keeping it covered prevents the peanut butter topping from drying out and preserves that ooey gooey goodness.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain its perfect texture.
Reheating
Warm slices slightly in a microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds to restore the soft, creamy texture. Avoid overheating to keep that signature gooey center intact.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter in this cake?
Natural peanut butter tends to be thinner and oilier, which might affect the texture of the peanut butter topping. For best results, use creamy peanut butter with a consistent texture to ensure your cake stays perfectly ooey and gooey.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free variety. Just make sure it’s a mix designed for baking to achieve the same fudgy chocolate base.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the cake?
Absolutely! Adding chopped peanuts in the peanut butter layer or swirling chocolate chunks into the base can add delightful texture and additional flavor. Just be mindful of the balance to keep the gooey texture intact.
Why does my cake sometimes bake too firm?
If the cake bakes too firm, it might mean it’s been overbaked. Keep an eye on the center during the last 10 minutes of baking—it should still jiggle slightly when you gently shake the pan.
How can I prevent the peanut butter topping from cracking?
Using softened cream cheese and beating the topping ingredients thoroughly will help prevent cracks. Also, avoid overbaking, and cool the cake gradually to keep that smooth, creamy top layer intact.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake Recipe is truly a showstopper dessert that brings together two classic flavors in a way that feels both nostalgic and excitingly new. Whether you’re sharing it at a party or treating yourself after a long day, each bite is a comforting, indulgent experience you’ll want to revisit again and again. Go ahead, bake this cake, and watch it become an instant favorite in your home!
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that combines the deep flavor of chocolate cake with a creamy peanut butter and cream cheese layer. The result is a luscious, slightly gooey treat that’s perfect for chocolate and peanut butter lovers alike. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, it delivers a delightful balance of sweet, creamy, and decadent textures.
Ingredients
Chocolate Base
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Peanut Butter Layer
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Make the chocolate base: In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until a thick dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the base layer.
- Prepare the peanut butter filling: In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, remaining 2 eggs, vanilla extract, and creamy peanut butter until smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Add powdered sugar and chocolate chips: Gradually stir in the powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture until fully combined to create a thick, sweet filling. Fold in mini chocolate chips if you’re using them for extra chocolate bursts.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the peanut butter mixture evenly over the chocolate base in the baking dish. Spread it out carefully. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center remains slightly gooey and jiggly.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best ooey gooey texture. Optionally, top with extra chocolate chips or a drizzle of warm peanut butter for added indulgence.
Notes
- The center should jiggle slightly when finished baking; avoid overbaking to maintain the gooey texture.
- For extra indulgence, top with additional mini chocolate chips or a warm peanut butter drizzle.
- This cake is best served slightly warm or at room temperature to enjoy its ooey gooey consistency.
