Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Galaxy Cake
Indulge in this impressive Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Galaxy Cake, a delightful symphony of rich chocolate layers, creamy peanut butter frosting, and a stunning galaxy swirl.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box chocolate cake mix or homemade if you prefer
- as required ingredients called for on the cake mix box (eggs, water, oil)
For the Peanut Butter Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream to achieve desired texture
For the Galaxy Swirl
- 1 cup chocolate ganache made from equal parts chocolate and heavy cream
- as needed food coloring (purple, blue, black)
For Garnish
- as desired mini peanut butter cups
- as desired chocolate drizzle optional but recommended
Instructions
Bake the Cake
- Preheat your oven according to the box instructions. Grease and flour your cake pans (two 9-inch round pans will do wonderfully!).
- Mix the chocolate cake batter as instructed on the box, then pour it into the prepared pans.
- Bake until a toothpick comes out clean—typically around 25-30 minutes. Let cool completely.
Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting
- While the cake is cooling, beat the softened butter and peanut butter in a mixing bowl until smooth.
- Slowly add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Layer and Frost
- Once the cakes are cool, level them with a knife if needed.
- Place one layer on a serving plate and generously spread peanut butter frosting on top.
- Add the second layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Make the Galaxy Swirl
- Prepare the chocolate ganache by heating heavy cream until just simmering, then pour it over chocolate chips. Stir until smooth.
- Divide the ganache into three bowls, and color each with your chosen food dye.
- Alternately drizzle the colored ganache on top, then use a toothpick or knife to swirl for that stunning galaxy effect!
Garnish
- Adding mini peanut butter cups on top is like a cherry on the sundae—except it’s a peanut butter cup on the chocolate cake!
- Drizzle with chocolate if you’re feeling fancy.
Notes
If the frosting gets too thick, add more heavy cream to achieve a spreadable consistency. Warm the ganache slightly if it’s too thick. Also, try not to eat all the mini peanut butter cups before they make it to the cake!