Why Make This Recipe
Chocolate Peanut Butter Loaf Cake is the perfect treat for anyone who loves the rich, sweet combination of chocolate and peanut butter. This cake is not only delicious but also easy to make. It will impress your friends and family and is great for any occasion, from birthdays to quiet evenings at home. The moist and fluffy texture makes each slice irresistible, topped with a creamy peanut butter glaze. You will find yourself reaching for another slice in no time!
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Loaf Cake
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup peanut butter, at room temperature (I used all natural)
- 1/3 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 2 Tbsp sour cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 4 Tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 Tbsp brewed coffee, hot (or hot water)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 3 Tbsp heavy cream (half & half or milk)
- 3 Tbsp peanut butter, at room temperature (I used all natural)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Chopped peanuts (for topping)
- Chocolate chips (for topping)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line 2 bread pans (8 x 4 or 8 1/2 x 4 1/2) with parchment paper, or grease them well.
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Peanut Butter Batter: In a large mixing bowl, mix the peanut butter, oil, sour cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs. Beat everything together until it’s smooth.
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Chocolate Batter: In another bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the peanut butter batter. Stir in vanilla extract and buttermilk until everything is well combined.
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To make the chocolate part, mix the cocoa powder and hot coffee (or water) in a small bowl. Pour this chocolate mixture into the cake batter, then gently fold it in to create a marbled effect.
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Assembly: Pour the dough into the prepared bread pans, dividing it evenly.
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Glaze: While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, heavy cream, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth.
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Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
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Once completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the cake. Sprinkle chopped peanuts and chocolate chips on top for extra flavor and crunch.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Loaf Cake
Serve this delightful cake at room temperature. You can slice it and serve as is, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an added treat. It’s perfect for an afternoon snack, dessert, or a sweet surprise for guests.
How to Store Chocolate Peanut Butter Loaf Cake
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Tips to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Loaf Cake
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, go for dark cocoa powder.
- If you want a stronger kick of coffee flavor, replace the water with brewed coffee in the chocolate mixture.
- Adjust the sweetness of the glaze by adding more or less powdered sugar according to your taste.
Variations
You can add mix-ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter for added texture. You can also experiment with different types of nut butter like almond butter or cashew butter for a unique twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
2. Is there a dairy-free option for the buttermilk?
Yes! You can use a non-dairy milk like almond milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar to mimic buttermilk.
3. How can I make this cake more chocolatey?
You can add more cocoa powder to the batter or increase the amount of chocolate chips mixed in.
