The Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Galaxy Cake is a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for celebrations, special occasions, or just indulging your sweet tooth. Combining rich layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter frosting, and a decadent chocolate ganache, this cake is a dream come true for dessert lovers. The galaxy-inspired decoration adds an artistic and magical touch, making it as stunning as it is delicious.
This cake is designed to impress, with its bold flavors and eye-catching design. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner looking for a fun challenge, this recipe will guide you every step of the way to create a cake that’s truly out of this world.
Ingredients:
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1¾ cups (219g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (62g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- ½ cup (120ml) canola or vegetable oil
- ¾ cup (180g) full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) hot water or black coffee
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1¾ cups (440g) creamy peanut butter
- 1¾ cups (210g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) heavy cream
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 8 ounces (226g) quality semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
For Decoration:
- Assorted food coloring gels (e.g., blue, purple, pink)
- Edible glitter or stars
- Mini peanut butter cups
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Add the eggs, oil, sour cream, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture on medium speed until smooth.
- Gradually add the hot water or coffee while mixing. The batter will be thin—this is normal and ensures a moist cake.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together on medium speed until creamy and smooth.
- Add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix on low speed until combined.
- Increase the speed to medium-high and add the heavy cream. Beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Place the first cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of peanut butter frosting on top.
- Sprinkle a handful of chopped mini peanut butter cups over the frosting for added texture.
- Repeat the process with the second cake layer.
- Place the third cake layer on top and apply a thin crumb coat of frosting to the entire cake to seal in crumbs. Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes to set the crumb coat.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
- Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
- Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
- Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir until the ganache is smooth and glossy. Allow it to cool slightly until it reaches a pourable consistency.
Step 5: Decorate the Cake
- Divide any remaining peanut butter frosting into several bowls and tint each with food coloring gels to create vibrant galaxy colors (e.g., blue, purple, and pink).
- Using a spatula, apply dollops of each colored frosting onto the crumb-coated cake. Gently swirl the colors together to create a galaxy effect.
- Pour the slightly cooled ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides for a dramatic effect.
- Sprinkle edible glitter or stars over the ganache for a cosmic sparkle.
- Finish by decorating the top with additional mini peanut butter cups and other chocolate pieces.
COOKING Note:
- Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate for the best flavor.
- Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter and frosting.
- If you prefer a darker chocolate flavor, substitute the semi-sweet chocolate with dark chocolate for the ganache.
- Chill the cake for 15–20 minutes before slicing to achieve clean, even layers.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this cake as the centerpiece of any celebration, from birthdays to holiday parties.
- Pair it with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee for a satisfying dessert experience.
- Add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on the side for an indulgent treat.
Tips:
- To create sharper ganache drips, refrigerate the cake briefly after applying the ganache.
- Use a cake turntable to achieve smoother frosting and decoration.
- Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours (including cooling and decorating)
Nutritional Information (per slice):
Calories: 560
Protein: 8g
Sodium: 290mg
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the cake layers and prepare the frosting a day in advance. Assemble and decorate the cake the day you plan to serve it.
Q: Can I use natural peanut butter for the frosting?
A: It’s best to use creamy peanut butter, as natural peanut butter can be too oily and may affect the consistency of the frosting.
Q: How do I achieve a smoother galaxy effect?
A: Use a toothpick or a spatula to blend the colors gently. Don’t overmix to maintain distinct swirls.
Conclusion:
The Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Galaxy Cake is a dessert masterpiece that combines rich flavors and stunning visuals. With its moist chocolate layers, creamy peanut butter frosting, and elegant galaxy-inspired design, this cake is sure to wow anyone lucky enough to have a slice. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply to impress, this recipe guarantees a delicious and memorable experience. Dive into the universe of chocolate and peanut butter bliss with this spectacular cake!
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Galaxy Cake
- Total Time: 4 hours (including cooling and decorating)
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients:
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1¾ cups (219g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (62g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- ½ cup (120ml) canola or vegetable oil
- ¾ cup (180g) full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) hot water or black coffee
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1¾ cups (440g) creamy peanut butter
- 1¾ cups (210g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) heavy cream
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 8 ounces (226g) quality semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
For Decoration:
- Assorted food coloring gels (e.g., blue, purple, pink)
- Edible glitter or stars
- Mini peanut butter cups
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Add the eggs, oil, sour cream, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture on medium speed until smooth.
- Gradually add the hot water or coffee while mixing. The batter will be thin—this is normal and ensures a moist cake.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together on medium speed until creamy and smooth.
- Add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix on low speed until combined.
- Increase the speed to medium-high and add the heavy cream. Beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Place the first cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of peanut butter frosting on top.
- Sprinkle a handful of chopped mini peanut butter cups over the frosting for added texture.
- Repeat the process with the second cake layer.
- Place the third cake layer on top and apply a thin crumb coat of frosting to the entire cake to seal in crumbs. Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes to set the crumb coat.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
- Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
- Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
- Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir until the ganache is smooth and glossy. Allow it to cool slightly until it reaches a pourable consistency.
Step 5: Decorate the Cake
- Divide any remaining peanut butter frosting into several bowls and tint each with food coloring gels to create vibrant galaxy colors (e.g., blue, purple, and pink).
- Using a spatula, apply dollops of each colored frosting onto the crumb-coated cake. Gently swirl the colors together to create a galaxy effect.
- Pour the slightly cooled ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides for a dramatic effect.
- Sprinkle edible glitter or stars over the ganache for a cosmic sparkle.
- Finish by decorating the top with additional mini peanut butter cups and other chocolate pieces.
Notes
COOKING Note:
- Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate for the best flavor.
- Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter and frosting.
- If you prefer a darker chocolate flavor, substitute the semi-sweet chocolate with dark chocolate for the ganache.
- Chill the cake for 15–20 minutes before slicing to achieve clean, even layers.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 560
- Sodium: 290mg
- Protein: 8g