Peanut Butter Fudge Cake – Creamy Flavors

My Baking Addiction presents Peanut Butter Fudge Cake, a rich dessert I’ve made many times in my kitchen. Inspired by a cooking show featuring Southern-style baking, I decided to recreate it at home.

This cake blends deep chocolate flavor with a generous peanut butter layer, topped with a glossy fudge frosting. The specialty lies in the warm cake base absorbing the creamy peanut butter, making it incredibly moist.

I’ve enjoyed baking this recipe for friends and family. Now, I will share how I prepare this Peanut Butter Fudge Cake step by step from start to finish.

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Fudge Cake

You’ll love this Peanut Butter Fudge Cake for its ultra-moist chocolate base paired with a rich, creamy peanut butter layer and silky fudge topping.

The textures melt together in every bite, delivering deep chocolate flavor balanced by salty-sweet peanut butter.

It’s a show-stopping dessert that feels indulgent without being overly complicated. If you’re a fan of classic chocolate-peanut butter desserts, this cake takes it to the next level.

It’s great for gatherings, birthdays, or when you’re craving something seriously rich. One slice is never enough this cake is the kind people ask for again and again.

Details Of Peanut Butter Fudge Cake

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Course: Dessert

Calories: 350

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8-10 servings

Equipment Needed

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (or whisk)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Saucepan
• Cooling rack
• Knife or cake spatula for frosting

Ingredients

For the Cake Base

• 2 cups (about 250 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (about 400 g) granulated white sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter (or margarine)
• ½ cup (approx. 50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Peanut Butter Layer (middle)

• 1½ cups (about 360 g) creamy peanut butter
• (You can warm it slightly to make spreading easier)

For the Fudge / Chocolate Frosting

• ½ cup (113 g) butter (or margarine)
• ¼ cup (about 25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ⅓ cup (approx. 80 ml) buttermilk
• 4 cups (approx. 480 g) confectioners’ (powdered) sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Peanut Butter Fudge Cake

1. Preheat and prepare pan

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch (or similarly sized) baking pan, or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix dry ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and baking soda. Set aside.

3. Make chocolate‑buttermilk mixture

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the 1 cup (226 g) butter. Stir in the ½ cup cocoa powder until fully combined. Then stir in the buttermilk and the beaten eggs until well blended. Bring it to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat once it begins to bubble. Let it cool just a little.

4. Combine batter

Add the chocolate mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth and no lumps remain. Stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top.

5. Bake

Bake for about 20–25 minutes (some recipes say up to 30 minutes) or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Slight cooling & peanut butter layer

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. While still warm (but not scalding), carefully spread the creamy peanut butter over the top of the cake, covering it nearly to the edges. The residual warmth helps it adhere. Then allow the cake + peanut butter to cool completely (on a wire rack) before frosting.

7. Make fudge frosting

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the ½ cup butter, ¼ cup cocoa powder, and ⅓ cup buttermilk. Bring to a boil while stirring constantly. Remove from heat, then pour this hot mixture over the sifted powdered sugar in a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix well.

8. Frost the cake

Spread the fudge frosting over the top of the cooled cake (over peanut butter). Smooth it out with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.

9. Slice & serve

Let the cake rest for a little while to let frosting set (you may refrigerate briefly if desired). Cut into squares and serve.

Special Notes

1. Substitutions: If you prefer a healthier version, you can use a natural peanut butter with no added sugar. You could also replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if you’re looking for a gluten-free option.

For a dairy-free version, swap the butter and heavy cream for dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil and almond milk.

2. Peanut Butter Options: You can use crunchy peanut butter for a different texture. The cake will have a delightful crunch when you bite into it.

Why My Recipe Works

My Peanut Butter Fudge Cake recipe works because it balances flavor, texture, and technique. The chocolate cake stays incredibly moist thanks to buttermilk and hot coffee, enhancing the cocoa without overpowering it.

The peanut butter layer is whipped with butter and powdered sugar for a smooth, creamy texture that spreads easily over the cooled cake.

The fudge ganache uses real chocolate and cream for a glossy, rich finish that sets perfectly. Each layer complements the next without overwhelming.

This recipe has been tested, refined, and made for real home kitchens no fancy equipment, just solid, reliable results every time.

My Favorite Ways To Serve

1. With Fresh Berries

Serve the cake alongside fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The natural sweetness and slight tartness of the berries complement the rich peanut butter and chocolate layers, adding a refreshing touch to each bite.

2. Drizzle Extra Ganache

For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle any leftover chocolate ganache over the top of the cake before serving. This adds an additional layer of richness and a glossy finish that enhances the cake’s appearance and taste.

3. Pair with Coffee or Tea

Enjoy a slice of cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The slight bitterness of the beverage balances the sweetness of the cake, making for a perfect afternoon treat.

4. With Crushed Cookies

Sprinkle crushed peanut butter cookies or chocolate cookies over the top of the cake before serving. This adds a delightful crunch and intensifies the peanut butter flavor, creating a more textured dessert experience.

My Tips Tips For Success!

1. Bring your eggs, buttermilk, and butter to room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smoother batter and better rise. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to seize or separate.

2. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar. This prevents a dry or dense cake due to over-measuring.

3. Grease your pan with butter or cooking spray and line it with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.

4. Mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to a dense or uneven texture.

5. Allow the cake to cool completely before spreading the peanut butter layer. This prevents melting and ensures clean layers.

6. After pouring the ganache over the cake, let it set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.

Variations Of The Peanut Butter Fudge Cake

1. Peanut Butter and Banana Fudge Cake

Add ripe mashed bananas to the batter for a moist, fruity twist. The natural sweetness of the bananas complements the peanut butter and chocolate, creating a delicious combination.

2. Peanut Butter Fudge Cake with Caramel Drizzle

Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top of the frosted cake for an added layer of flavor. The smooth, buttery caramel pairs wonderfully with the peanut butter and chocolate, adding a rich and indulgent touch.

3. Peanut Butter and Pretzel Fudge Cake

Add crushed pretzels to the cake batter for a salty crunch. The contrast between the salty pretzels, sweet peanut butter, and chocolate creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

4. Peanut Butter Fudge Cake with Oreos

Layer crushed Oreos between the cake layers or mix them into the batter for an extra indulgent treat. The crunchy chocolate cookies add texture and an extra chocolatey flavor that pairs perfectly with the peanut butter.

5. Peanut Butter Fudge Cake with Chocolate Ganache

Instead of the frosting, top the cake with a rich chocolate ganache made from heavy cream and chocolate. The smooth ganache adds a luxurious layer of chocolatey richness that complements the peanut butter flavor beautifully.

Additions And Substitutions

Additions:

• Chopped roasted peanuts for extra crunch inside or on top
• Mini chocolate chips mixed into the batter or sprinkled over the frosting
• A swirl of caramel or peanut butter cups melted into the fudge frosting

Substitutions:

• Use natural or crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for more texture
• Substitute dairy butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version
• Swap buttermilk with a mixture of milk and lemon juice or vinegar if you don’t have buttermilk on hand

How To Store Leftovers

To store leftovers of Peanut Butter Fudge Cake, let the cake cool completely first. Then cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container.

Keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.

Thaw at room temperature before serving. If you prefer a softer texture, microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds to slightly warm the fudge and peanut butter layers before eating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

This Peanut Butter Fudge Cake is an absolute showstopper. It’s perfect for anyone who loves the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter paired with the indulgence of fudge.

The creamy peanut butter flavor in the cake, combined with the decadent fudge topping, makes every bite a heavenly experience.

I hope you give this recipe a try and that it becomes one of your go-to desserts for every special occasion.

Let me know in the comments how it turned out for you, or if you made any creative twists to the recipe!

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