Decadent Peanut Butter Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Irresistible Peanut Butter Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Decadent desserts often surprise us with unexpected combinations, and this peanut butter chocolate gooey butter cake delivers pure indulgence.

Layers of rich, creamy textures melt together in a symphony of sweet satisfaction.

chocolate and peanut butter create an irresistible dance of flavors that tantalize every taste bud.

Each slice promises a luxurious experience that feels like a warm, comforting hug.

The gooey center melts in your mouth, promising pure bliss with every bite.

Soft, dense, and incredibly moist, this cake breaks all the traditional dessert rules.

Get ready to dive into a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Store and Reheat Gooey Cake Slices

  • Smart Slice Storage: Wrap individual cake squares in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent drying out for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freezing Friendly: Layer cake squares between wax paper in a freezer-safe container. These delightful treats can stay frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
  • Temperature Tips: Always store this gooey cake in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese filling stable and prevent potential spoilage. Let slices sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire cake up to 2 days before your event. Cover tightly and refrigerate. The flavors will actually develop more depth, making your dessert even more delicious when it's time to serve.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40-50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 490 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Chocolate Gooey Cake

For Cake Base:
  • Chocolate Cake Mix: Instant foundation that provides rich chocolate flavor and convenient texture, choose a high-quality mix for best results.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds moisture and enhances cake's richness, select fresh butter with clean, smooth consistency.
  • Large Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure, ensure eggs are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
For Filling and Topping:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates luscious, tangy base that balances sweetness, select full-fat version for optimal creaminess.
  • Creamy Peanut Butter: Delivers deep nutty flavor and smooth texture, opt for natural varieties without added sugars.
  • Large Eggs: Provide binding and contribute to silky filling consistency, use fresh eggs for best results.
  • Pure Vanilla Extract: Elevates overall flavor profile with warm, aromatic notes, choose pure extract over artificial versions.
  • Unsalted Butter: Enriches filling with creamy depth, use high-quality butter for superior taste.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes filling, sift to eliminate lumps for smooth texture.
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Adds delightful chocolate bursts and decorative element, select high-quality chips for intense flavor.

Tools and Bakeware for Gooey Butter Cake

  • Mixing Bowls: Two medium-sized bowls for preparing cake base and filling.
  • Electric Mixer: Essential for creaming cream cheese and blending ingredients smoothly.
  • 9×13 Inch Baking Pan: Crucial for creating perfect cake dimensions and even baking.
  • Wire Rack: Helps cake cool evenly after baking.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements ensure recipe success.
  • Spatula: Helps spread batter and filling evenly in the pan.
  • Whisk: Useful for mixing ingredients thoroughly.

Instructions to Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake

  • Oven Warmup

Prepare your kitchen for a delightful baking adventure by heating the oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab a 9×13 inch pan and give it a quick spray to prevent any sticky situations.

  • Chocolate Foundation

Dive into creating the base by mixing chocolate cake mix with melted butter and an egg. Blend until smooth, then press the mixture into the pan, creating a delectable chocolate canvas.

  • Creamy Peanut Butter Layer

In a separate bowl, whip cream cheese and peanut butter into a silky dream. Introduce eggs one by one, then splash in vanilla and melted butter. Softly fold in powdered sugar and sprinkle chocolate chips throughout for extra excitement.

  • Layer Magic

Gently cascade the peanut butter mixture over the chocolate base, ensuring every inch is covered with creamy goodness.

  • Baking Moment

Slide the pan into the oven and let magic happen for 40-50 minutes. Watch for edges to firm up while keeping the center delightfully soft and gooey.

  • Cooling Down

Let the cake rest and settle, transforming into a heavenly dessert that promises pure indulgence.

  • Slice and Enjoy

Cut into squares and savor the rich, decadent layers of chocolate and peanut butter bliss.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Customization Ideas

  • Magic Chocolate Swap: Experiment with different cake mix flavors like yellow or white cake to create unique twists on this classic dessert. Each variation brings its own delightful personality to the table.
  • Nutty Adventurer: Replace chocolate chips with chopped peanuts, pecans, or almonds for extra crunch and depth. These nutty additions introduce exciting texture and rich flavor profiles that elevate the entire dessert.
  • Flavor Fusion: Drizzle caramel sauce or top with chocolate ganache just before serving to add an extra layer of indulgence. These simple garnishes transform the cake from delicious to absolutely irresistible.
  • Temperature Delight: Experiment with serving temperatures – chilled versions offer a firmer texture, while room temperature slices deliver maximum gooeyness. Some people even enjoy a quick 10-second microwave warm-up for a molten center experience.
  • Dairy-Free Hack: For lactose-sensitive friends, substitute cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives and use vegan butter. These substitutions maintain the cake's signature richness while accommodating different dietary needs.

Plating and Serving Gooey Butter Cake

  • Decadent Dessert Companions: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors, creating a heavenly contrast of warm cake and cold, creamy sweetness.
  • Party-Perfect Plating: Dust the cake squares with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for an elegant touch that adds visual appeal and extra indulgence to your dessert.
  • Flavor Adventure Boosters: Pair with a tall glass of cold milk or a strong cup of coffee to balance the cake's intense sweetness and provide a refreshing counterpoint to each rich, gooey bite.
  • Weekend Brunch Star: Arrange cake squares on a beautiful platter with fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped peanuts to elevate the presentation and add a delightful textural contrast.
Print
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Decadent Peanut Butter Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Decadent Peanut Butter Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Midwestern peanut butter chocolate gooey butter cake merges rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter in a classic dessert. Sweet indulgence promises comfort and satisfaction when you slice into this delectable treat.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box chocolate cake mix
  • 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 large eggs
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray to ensure effortless release.
  2. Cake Base Creation: Combine chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and egg into a compact dough. Press the mixture firmly and evenly across the pan’s bottom, creating a solid foundation for the dessert.
  3. Filling Development: Whip cream cheese and peanut butter until ultra-smooth. Incorporate eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter, blending thoroughly to create a luxurious, cohesive mixture.
  4. Sugar Integration: Fold powdered sugar into the cream cheese mixture until achieving a velvety texture. Gently disperse chocolate chips throughout the filling, ensuring even distribution.
  5. Layer Assembly: Carefully pour the peanut butter filling over the chocolate cake base, spreading uniformly to cover the entire surface with precision.
  6. Baking Process: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Watch for firm edges with a slightly wobbling center, indicating the ideal gooey consistency.
  7. Cooling and Serving: Allow the dessert to rest on a wire rack, letting the center settle while maintaining its decadent texture. Once completely cooled, slice into generous squares and serve at room temperature or chilled as desired.

Notes

  • Prepare Pan Properly: Use cooking spray generously and evenly to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of bars.
  • Master Mixing Technique: Combine ingredients thoroughly without overmixing, which can create a tough texture in both cake base and filling.
  • Temperature Control Matters: Watch the oven carefully during baking; slight center jiggle indicates perfect gooey consistency, while firm edges suggest doneness.
  • Cooling is Crucial: Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature to help filling set and develop rich, smooth texture before cutting and serving.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 51 g
  • Sodium: 310 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 61 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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