Peanut Butter Buttermilk Chocolate Cake

This Peanut Butter Buttermilk Chocolate Cake is a true comfort food classic that brings back memories of family gatherings and potlucks. The secret lies in the method: boiling the cocoa and margarine creates an intense, deep chocolate flavor that permeates every bite, while the buttermilk ensures a tender, moist crumb that stays fresh for days. The addition of peanut butter isn't just a topping; it's swirled into the warm cake and mixed into the frosting, creating a harmonious balance of sweet, salty, and nutty notes. The chocolate icing, enriched with cocoa and optional chopped nuts, adds a luxurious finish. Perfect for birthday celebrations, holiday desserts, or simply satisfying a serious chocolate craving on a rainy afternoon, this cake is easy to make and absolutely impossible to resist.

Courses: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 12

Description

This Peanut Butter Buttermilk Chocolate Cake is a true comfort food classic that brings back memories of family gatherings and potlucks. The secret lies in the method: boiling the cocoa and margarine creates an intense, deep chocolate flavor that permeates every bite, while the buttermilk ensures a tender, moist crumb that stays fresh for days. The addition of peanut butter isn't just a topping; it's swirled into the warm cake and mixed into the frosting, creating a harmonious balance of sweet, salty, and nutty notes. The chocolate icing, enriched with cocoa and optional chopped nuts, adds a luxurious finish. Perfect for birthday celebrations, holiday desserts, or simply satisfying a serious chocolate craving on a rainy afternoon, this cake is easy to make and absolutely impossible to resist.

Ingredients

2 all-purpose flour
2 granulated sugar
1/2 salt
1/2 margarine
1 water
1/2 vegetable shortening
3 unsweetened cocoa powder (heaping)
2 eggs, beaten
1 baking soda
1/2 buttermilk
1 vanilla extract
2 peanut butter
1/2 margarine (for icing)
3 unsweetened cocoa powder (heaping, for icing)
16 powdered sugar
1 vanilla extract (for icing)
1/2 chopped nuts, optional
6 milk (for icing)

Directions

1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Set aside.
3
In a saucepan, combine the 1/2 cup margarine, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup vegetable shortening, and 3 tablespoons cocoa powder. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
4
Pour the hot cocoa mixture over the flour mixture and mix well until combined.
5
In a separate small bowl, beat together the eggs, baking soda, buttermilk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix well.
6
Add the egg mixture to the hot flour mixture and stir until smooth. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of peanut butter.
7
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8
While the cake is still hot in the pan, spread a very thin layer of remaining peanut butter over the surface.
9
To make the icing: In a saucepan, melt the 1/2 cup margarine and 3 tablespoons cocoa powder over low heat. Stir well but do not let it boil. Remove from heat.
10
Stir in the powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, optional chopped nuts, and milk. Add milk gradually until the icing is thin enough to spread easily.
11
Spread the icing generously over the hot cake immediately.

Note

For best results, use natural peanut butter for a more intense flavor, though creamy commercial brands work well too.

If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute 1/2 cup milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

The cake should be iced while still hot to allow the frosting to melt slightly and soak into the top layer, creating a moist finish.

Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Feel free to adjust the amount of milk in the icing to achieve your desired consistency.

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Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/peanut-butter-buttermilk-chocolate-cake/