Desserts > Cake > Layer Cakes > Peanut Butter Cakes

Peanut Butter Cup Stack Cake Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips, melted
- 1/4 cup heavy cream

Special equipment needed:
- 3 9-inch cake pans
- Electric mixer
- Offset spatula

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until everything is well combined.

6. Fold in the chopped peanut butter cups.

7. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.

8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing them from the pans and placing them on wire racks to cool completely.

10. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it begins to simmer.

11. Remove from heat and add the melted chocolate chips, stirring until smooth.

12. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of the chocolate ganache on top.

13. Repeat with the remaining cake layers, spreading the ganache between each layer.

14. Use an offset spatula to spread the remaining ganache over the top and sides of the cake.

15. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
12-14 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 560
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 270mg
Carbohydrates: 63g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 44g
Protein: 10g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter.
- You can use semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate chips.
- You can use any type of milk you prefer.

Variations:
- You can add chopped peanuts to the cake batter for extra crunch.
- You can use a different type of candy, such as chopped Snickers or Reese's Pieces, instead of peanut butter cups.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to grease and flour the cake pans well to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely before assembling the cake to prevent the ganache from melting.
- Use an offset spatula to spread the ganache evenly and smoothly.

Storage instructions:
- Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.

Presentation ideas:
- Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar before serving.
- Top the cake with additional chopped peanut butter cups or chocolate shavings.

Garnishes:
- Chopped peanuts
- Chocolate shavings
- Whipped cream

Pairings:
- Milk
- Coffee
- Hot chocolate

Suggested side dishes:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh fruit salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cake layers are uneven, use a serrated knife to trim them before assembling the cake.
- If the ganache is too thick, add a little more heavy cream to thin it out.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use pasteurized eggs to prevent the risk of salmonella.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator to prevent the ganache from melting.

Food history:
- Stack cakes are a traditional Southern dessert that date back to the 1800s. They were originally made with layers of dried apple or blackberry preserves and were often served at weddings and other special occasions.

Flavor profiles:
- Sweet
- Peanut buttery
- Chocolatey

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the cake as a dessert after a meal or as a special treat for a party or celebration.

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Taste: Rich, Sweet, Nutty, Creamy, Decadent