If you have a sweet tooth that craves rich, decadent flavors wrapped up in a moist, tender cake, then let me introduce you to the absolute delight that is the Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake. This dessert is like a warm hug, blending luscious chocolate cake with a creamy peanut butter filling and topped with a silky ganache that perfectly balances sweetness and richness. Every bite oozes with irresistible textures and layers of flavor that feel like pure comfort. Trust me, once you try this cake, it will become your go-to special treat for celebrations or when you simply want to indulge.

Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable cake experience. Each component adds a unique quality: the chocolate cake offers a tender crumb, the peanut butter filling provides a creamy and slightly salty counterpoint, and the ganache brings in a glossy, rich finish that ties everything beautifully.

Chocolate cake mix: A convenient base that keeps the cake moist and chocolaty, perfect for layering.
Creamy peanut butter: Adds smoothness and a nutty depth that contrasts delightfully with the chocolate.
Cream cheese: Softened to creamy perfection, it enriches the filling with tang and silkiness.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling evenly and creates that signature ooey gooey texture.
Heavy cream: Key for making the silky ganache that drapes the cake in a luscious coating.
Dark chocolate: Chopped finely to melt into a rich, glossy ganache with just the right bitter note.
Crushed peanuts: A crunchy topping adding texture and a fresh peanut flavor.
Optional chocolate bars or peanut butter cups: Gorgeous decorations that enhance the cake’s indulgence factor.

How to Make Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake

Start by preparing the chocolate cake according to the package instructions—using two 8-inch round pans is ideal for layering. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool completely; this step is crucial for the filling to spread nicely without melting or sliding off.

Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling

While the cakes are cooling, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Then add the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar, mixing until everything is perfectly combined into a dreamy filling that’s rich but light enough to spread generously.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate and spread a hefty amount of the peanut butter filling evenly over the top. This luscious layer is the heart of the Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake. Then gently lay the second cake layer on top to sandwich the filling beautifully.

Step 4: Make the Ganache

Heat the heavy cream gently in a saucepan until it just starts to simmer. Pour it over the chopped dark chocolate and let it sit for about 5 minutes. After that, stir until the ganache is smooth, glossy, and perfectly pourable. This ganache is what makes the cake ooey gooey and utterly irresistible.

Step 5: Top the Cake

Pour the warm ganache over the top of the assembled cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides naturally. Use a spatula to smooth it out if needed. This chocolatey finish seals in the flavors and adds a shiny, elegant touch that will wow anyone who sees it.

Step 6: Garnish to Perfection

Sprinkle crushed peanuts across the ganache to introduce crunch and enhance the peanut flavor. If you want to take the presentation up a notch, arrange chocolate bars or peanut butter cups around the edges or on top. This step turns your cake into a showstopper!

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Chill the cake for at least one hour before slicing. This allows the filling and ganache to set beautifully, making each slice neat yet wonderfully ooey gooey. Serve and prepare for compliments to pour in!

How to Serve Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake

Garnishes

Besides the classic crushed peanuts and chocolate candies, you can add a dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate the look and add another dimension of flavor. Fresh berries like raspberries also add a lovely pop of color and a slight tartness that cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream, balancing the dense chocolate and peanut butter with cool, creamy freshness. A hot cup of coffee or rich espresso complements the chocolate notes perfectly as well.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or holiday treat, serve individual slices on pretty plates with a drizzle of peanut butter sauce or chocolate syrup on the side. You can also turn the ganache into a thicker frosting by chilling it longer and whipping it, then spreading it like frosting for a different texture and look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake will keep moist and fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy the Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake for days after baking.

Freezing

If you want to keep the cake longer, freeze it by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator to maintain its ooey gooey texture and delicious flavors.

Reheating

For the perfect warm slice, microwaving a piece for about 10–15 seconds can revitalize the ganache’s creaminess, enhancing that ooey gooey feel. Just be careful not to overheat, or the filling might get too soft and spill out.

FAQs

Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a mix?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe instead of the box mix for a more personalized touch. Just ensure the cake layers are sturdy enough to hold the filling and ganache.

What type of peanut butter works best?

Creamy peanut butter is preferred because it blends smoothly with the cream cheese, creating that perfect filling texture. Natural peanut butter can work but might alter the consistency slightly.

Can I substitute the dark chocolate in the ganache?

Yes, you can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate for a sweeter, milder ganache. Just keep in mind the flavors will be a bit different, but still delicious.

Is it necessary to chill the cake before serving?

Chilling helps the filling and ganache set up so the cake slices cleanly and holds its structure. Serving it warm right out of the fridge is best to fully appreciate the ooey gooey texture.

Can this cake be made gluten-free?

Yes, by using a gluten-free chocolate cake mix or baking a gluten-free chocolate cake from scratch, you can make this cake suitable for gluten-free diets without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making the Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake is a joy from start to finish, and sharing it with friends or family is even more rewarding. This cake truly encapsulates the best of chocolate and peanut butter in a way that feels indulgent yet approachable. Give yourself the treat of baking and savoring this incredible dessert—you won’t regret it!

Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 17 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 1 hour 60 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake combines rich chocolate cake layers with a creamy peanut butter and cream cheese filling, topped with a luscious dark chocolate ganache and crunchy peanuts for an indulgent dessert experience.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

1 box chocolate cake mix (prepared according to package instructions)

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

1 cup creamy peanut butter
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar

For the Ganache:

1 cup heavy cream
8 oz dark chocolate, chopped

For Topping:

½ cup crushed peanuts
Optional: Chocolate bars or peanut butter cups for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Cake: Bake the chocolate cake according to the instructions on the box using two 8-inch round cake pans. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool completely before proceeding.
Make the Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then add the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar. Mix thoroughly until the filling is well-blended and creamy.
Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread the peanut butter filling generously over the top. Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the filling.
Make Ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan just until it begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes. Stir gently until the ganache is smooth and glossy.
Top the Cake: Pour the ganache evenly over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Use a spatula to smooth the ganache over the surface.
Garnish: Sprinkle crushed peanuts over the ganache and add chocolate bars or peanut butter cups if desired for extra decoration and flavor.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to set the ganache and filling. Slice and serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Ensure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature for the smoothest filling.
The cake can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
Use high-quality dark chocolate for a richer ganache.
Peanut butter cups or chocolate bars used for garnish can be chopped or placed whole as decoration.
For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
Calories: 520 kcal
Sugar: 40 g
Sodium: 300 mg
Fat: 32 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0.2 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 8 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: chocolate peanut butter cake, peanut butter filling, chocolate ganache cake, ooey gooey cake, dessert recipes, layered cake