Introduction: Reeses cake
If you’re someone who can never resist the tempting combination of chocolate and peanut butter, then you’ve come to the right place. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are iconic, and this Reese’s Cake takes that classic flavor and turns it into a show-stopping dessert that will leave everyone asking for more.
As someone who grew up baking family favorites handed down from generations, I’ve always had a special place in my heart for the rich combination of chocolate and peanut butter. My grandmother used to make desserts with a perfect balance of these two flavors, and this cake is my version of her love for indulgent, comforting sweets.
This Reeses Cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion where you want to add a little sweetness and decadence to the table. The layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter frosting, and rich chocolate ganache are guaranteed to be a hit. So, let’s get started!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (for extra texture)
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream (adjust for desired consistency)
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For Decoration:
- 10-12 mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped (for topping)
- Mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions: Reeses cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These ingredients form the foundation of the chocolate cake.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Add Boiling Water: Slowly pour in the boiling water to the batter. This will make the batter thin, but it will give the cake an incredibly moist texture once baked. Don’t worry about the consistency!
- Incorporate Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: Gently fold in the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups to add texture and bursts of peanut butter flavor throughout the cake.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
- Beat Butter and Peanut Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and peanut butter until light and fluffy. This process will take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Mix until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Adjust Consistency: Add vanilla extract and heavy cream to the frosting. Start with 2 tablespoons of cream and adjust as needed to achieve your desired consistency. You want the frosting to be spreadable but not too runny.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
- Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
- Melt the Chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Add Butter: Stir in the butter until fully melted and incorporated. Let the ganache cool slightly before using it to top the cake.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Frost the First Layer: Once the cakes have cooled completely, place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of peanut butter frosting on top, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Add the Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top and press gently to secure.
- Cover with Frosting: Use the remaining peanut butter frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake. Smooth it out to create an even layer of frosting around the entire cake.
- Drizzle with Ganache: Carefully drizzle the cooled chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful effect.
- Decorate: Top the cake with chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and optional mini chocolate chips for an extra bit of crunch and visual appeal.
Step 5: Let the Cake Set and Serve
Let the cake sit for about 30 minutes to allow the ganache to firm up. This will give you that perfect drip effect. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Reese’s Cake:
- Cake Layers: To ensure your cake layers bake evenly, be sure to measure your ingredients carefully and mix the batter gently. Overmixing can lead to dense cakes, while undermixing can leave you with lumps.
- Peanut Butter Frosting: If you find your frosting is too thick, add more heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it up.
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: For a more intense peanut butter flavor, use the mini Reese’s cups for decoration, or consider layering additional chopped Reese’s inside the cake for more peanut butter goodness.
- Ganache: Let the ganache cool a bit before pouring it over the cake to prevent it from running too quickly and losing its glossy finish.
Why You’ll Love This Reese’s Cake:
This Reese’s Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the classic pairing of chocolate and peanut butter. The chocolate cake is perfectly moist, the peanut butter frosting is creamy and indulgent, and the chocolate ganache adds that extra layer of richness. Plus, the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups scattered throughout and on top of the cake add texture and an extra burst of peanut butter flavor. It’s a cake that will satisfy any sweet tooth and is perfect for any occasion.
Variations and Customization:
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of this cake. Be sure to check the other ingredients for gluten.
- More Peanut Butter: If you’re a serious peanut butter fan, you can add an additional layer of peanut butter between the cake layers for even more richness.
- Chocolate Lovers Twist: Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers for a double chocolate and peanut butter experience.
Storage and Serving:
Freezing: You can freeze this cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and storing it in an airtight container. It will last in the freezer for 2-3 months. Allow it to thaw at room temperature before serving.
Storage: This cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. If you prefer to keep it longer, store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.