Ingredients
Chocolate Cake Base
- 1 box Chocolate Fudge cake mix (plus ingredients needed to prepare: eggs, oil, water as per package)
Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Mixture
- 1/2 cup butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups powdered sugar
Toppings
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chocolate peanut butter cups, halved
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the cake.
- Prepare Chocolate Cake Batter: Follow the instructions on the chocolate fudge cake mix package to prepare the batter, including adding eggs, oil, and water as required. Once ready, pour the batter into a lightly greased 9×13 inch cake pan, but do not bake yet. Set aside.
- Make Peanut Butter Mixture: Melt the butter on the stovetop until bubbly. Transfer it to a mixing bowl and beat together with softened cream cheese until smooth. Add peanut butter and vanilla extract, then beat until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition until the mixture is light, fluffy, and fully incorporated.
- Assemble Cake: Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture evenly over the surface of the unbaked chocolate cake batter. Scatter chocolate chips and halved chocolate peanut butter cups on top.
- Bake: Place the assembled cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the center is only slightly jiggly, indicating the cake is set but still moist inside.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, optionally topped with ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- The cake center should remain slightly jiggly to ensure moistness; avoid overbaking.
- Feel free to use your favorite brand of chocolate peanut butter cups or substitute with chopped Reese’s pieces.
- For best flavor, serve the cake warm but it can also be enjoyed chilled.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adding ice cream on top enhances the flavor and creates a delightful contrast with the warm cake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/20th of cake)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg