Indulge in the decadent delight of Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake, a rich and sweet St. Louis classic with a delicious twist. This irresistible dessert features a luscious chocolate cake base topped with a melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter cream cheese filling that will leave you craving more.
Since the 1930s, Ooey Gooey Butter Cake has been a beloved favorite in St. Louis, known for its creamy, sweet, and buttery goodness. This recipe puts a delightful spin on the traditional treat, combining the best of chocolate and peanut butter flavors for a truly indulgent experience. Whether made with a cake mix or from scratch, this dessert is a quick and easy way to treat your family to a homemade delight that captures the essence of St. Louis baking tradition.
Ingredients
In creating this delectable Chocolate Peanut Butter Gooey Cake, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients to bring together the perfect fusion of peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
Cake Base Ingredients
- 1 box Devils food cake mix (or regular chocolate cake mix)
- 1 large egg
- 1 stick of butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 stick of butter, melted
- 16 oz powdered sugar
Equipment and Tools Needed
When preparing the decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake, it’s essential to have the right equipment and tools to ensure a smooth baking process. Here is a list of items you’ll need to have on hand before you start creating this mouthwatering dessert:
Equipment:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Toothpick or cake tester (for doneness)
- Oven
- Refrigerator
- Cooling rack
- Aluminum foil
- Parchment paper
Having these equipment and tools ready will not only make the baking process easier but also help achieve the perfect texture and taste for your Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake.
Preparation
Let’s dive into the preparation process for this delectable Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake. Follow these steps to create a moist and flavorful dessert that combines the richness of chocolate and the creaminess of peanut butter.
Preparing the Cake Mix
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×12-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the devil’s food cake mix, one egg, and 1/2 cup of melted butter. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the cake mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly, and pat it down gently.
- Using an electric hand mixer, soften the cream cheese in another large mixing bowl. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in 1/2 cup of melted butter until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden and the center is slightly gooey.
- In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter and 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips.
- In a small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream to a simmer for 1 minute.
- Pour the hot cream over the peanut butter and chocolate chips in the bowl. Stir the mixture until smooth and well combined.
- Optionally, you can microwave the mixture for 1 minute, stir, and microwave for an additional minute until fully melted and combined.
Follow these steps carefully to create a decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake that will delight your taste buds with every bite.
Baking Instructions
To bake the Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake, follow these simple steps for a delicious and indulgent dessert experience:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking your ooey gooey cake to perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the devil’s food cake mix, eggs, and melted butter. Mix well until smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 3: Press the Cake Mixture
Press the cake mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Ensure the layer is flat and covers the entire bottom surface.
Step 4: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
In another mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, peanut butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue mixing until well combined.
Step 5: Layer the Fillings
Spread the peanut butter filling over the cake batter layer in the baking dish. Ensure an even distribution for a perfect balance of flavors in every bite.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40-45 minutes or until the edges are set while the center remains slightly gooey.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the baking dish on a wire rack. For optimal results, refrigerate the cake for a few hours to set before serving.
Enjoy the rich and decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake by slicing it into squares and savoring every bite of its delightful combination of chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
Assembly
Assembling the Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake is where the magic happens. Follow these steps to create the perfect layers that blend chocolate and peanut butter flavors harmoniously.
- Once the cake has cooled, it’s time to layer on the decadence. Start by spreading a generous layer of creamy peanut butter over the top of the cake.
- Next, carefully pour the chocolate ganache mixture over the peanut butter layer, ensuring it covers the surface evenly for a luscious finish.
- Lastly, sprinkle a handful of peanut butter and chocolate chips over the ganache to add a delightful crunch and extra burst of flavor to each bite.
- For the final touch, drizzle a smooth layer of melted peanut butter over the top, creating a visually appealing design that hints at the delicious flavors awaiting within.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving the Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake, there are a few delightful ways to enhance the experience for yourself and your guests. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate this already decadent dessert:
1. Fresh Berries and Whipped Cream
Pairing a slice of the Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake with a side of fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries can add a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy flavors of the cake. A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of the cake will also provide a light and airy element to balance out the richness.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream
For a classic combination, serve the warm Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy texture of the ice cream against the warm, gooey cake creates a harmony of temperatures and textures that is simply irresistible.
3. Sprinkle of Sea Salt
A sprinkle of sea salt on top of the Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake can enhance the flavors of the chocolate and peanut butter filling. The subtle saltiness can cut through the sweetness and elevate the overall taste profile of the dessert.
4. Crushed Peanut Brittle
Adding some crushed peanut brittle on top of the cake before serving can introduce a crunchy texture that contrasts with the smoothness of the cake. The nutty flavor of the brittle will complement the peanut butter in the cake, creating a well-rounded and satisfying bite.
5. Drizzle of Caramel Sauce
For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake. The sticky sweetness of the caramel will mingle with the chocolate and peanut butter flavors, creating a luscious and decadent dessert experience.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
As a seasoned baker, I understand the convenience of preparing desserts in advance to save time and ensure a stress-free serving experience. When it comes to the decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake, proper storage and make-ahead strategies can help maintain its freshness and flavor for an extended period.
Storage Tips:
After indulging in a delightful slice of Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake, it’s crucial to store any remaining portions correctly to preserve its delectable taste. Here are some effective storage tips to keep your cake at its best:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the cake within 1-2 days, storing it at room temperature in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap can maintain its moisture.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage periods, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container. Ensure the cake is cooled completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation.
- Freezing: To extend the shelf life further, consider freezing individual slices or the entire cake. Wrap the portions in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Make-Ahead Tips:
Preparing components of the Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake in advance can streamline the cooking process and allow you to enjoy this delectable treat with minimal effort. Here are some make-ahead tips to assist you:
- Cake Layers: You can bake the chocolate cake layer in advance and store it in the freezer. Thaw it before assembling the cake to maintain its freshness.
- Peanut Butter Filling: The peanut butter cream cheese filling can also be made ahead and refrigerated until you are ready to assemble the cake. Ensure it is at room temperature for easy spreading.
- Assembly: Consider assembling the cake a day before serving. This allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a more decadent and harmonious dessert experience.
By following these storage and make-ahead tips, you can savor the rich and luscious flavors of the Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake at your convenience, whether for a special occasion or a simple indulgence.
Conclusion
I hope this article has inspired you to try making your own Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake at home. With its decadent layers of chocolate cake and creamy peanut butter filling, this dessert is sure to impress your family and friends. By following the tips provided for storage and preparation, you can enjoy this delicious treat whenever the craving strikes. Experiment with different serving suggestions to elevate the experience even further. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a sweet indulgence, this cake is bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Get creative in the kitchen and savor every bite of this irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake!