Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake Recipe
If you’re the type who dreams about chocolate and peanut butter joining forces in the gooey-est, most indulgent dessert imaginable, then this Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake is calling your name! At first glance, it looks like a classic cake, but one bite reveals an ultra-fudgy chocolate base that’s crowned with a sweet, tangy, peanut butter and cream cheese topping. The whole thing is so lush and rich, with that signature soft-yet-gooey center, it’s almost impossible to stop at just one slice. This is a cake for serious dessert lovers and anyone who truly appreciates the magic that happens when chocolate and peanut butter get together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This crave-worthy treat is made with everyday pantry staples, but each ingredient plays a starring role in building layer after layer of flavor and texture. Don’t skip a thing—every spoonful is worth it!
- Chocolate cake mix: Your shortcut to a lush, fudgy base that brings deep cocoa flavor without fuss.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adds moisture and rich, buttery notes that make the cake base extra decadent.
- Eggs: Used in two spots—one for the base, two for the creamy topping—eggs provide lift and that fantastic gooey texture.
- Cream cheese, softened: The secret behind the ultra-creamy, tangy layer that offsets all the rich sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon boosts all the other flavors and rounds out the sweetness beautifully.
- Creamy peanut butter: The true star—melts into the topping for that bold, salty-sweet peanut butter punch.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens up the topping layer and gives it that signature silkiness—don’t be shy with it!
- Mini chocolate chips (optional): An extra sprinkle of chocolate gives each bite a little chip of pure happiness.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by firing up your oven to 350°F, so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish, then lightly grease it—this keeps that rich, fudgy base from sticking, ensuring your slices come out in perfect, gooey squares.
Step 2: Mix and Press Your Chocolate Base
Combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and one large egg in a medium bowl. Stir or beat until a thick, chocolatey dough forms. It will seem a bit stiff (almost like brownie batter), which is exactly what you want for that dense, decadent foundation. Using your hands or a spatula, press this dough firmly and evenly into your prepared baking dish, nuzzling it right up into the corners.
Step 3: Whip Up the Peanut Butter Gooey Layer
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then mix in the remaining two eggs, vanilla, and creamy peanut butter. You want a cohesive, silky filling with no streaks. Slowly add in the powdered sugar—this keeps things ultra-creamy instead of lumpy. If you’re in the mood for double chocolate fun, fold in those mini chocolate chips now.
Step 4: Layer and Bake
Pour the peanut butter filling over your chocolate base, spreading it gently and evenly all the way to the edges. Don’t worry if it seems a bit thick—remember, gooey is the goal! Pop the whole pan into your hot oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Here’s the trick: the edges should look set, but the center should still have a gentle jiggle. This ensures the classic, melt-in-your-mouth, ooey gooey texture you crave. Resist the urge to overbake!
Step 5: Cool, Slice, and Serve
When the timer goes off, let your Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake cool for at least 15–20 minutes in the pan. This helps the layers set just enough while keeping the center soft and luscious. Slice into generous squares and serve while still slightly warm, or allow to cool completely for cleaner cuts—and a perfect picnic treat!
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake
Garnishes
If you want to take it up a notch, sprinkle extra mini chocolate chips over the still-warm cake, or drizzle with a bit more creamy peanut butter for a glorious cascade effect. Whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty finish and tames the richness just a little—but honestly, this cake needs no help stealing the show!
Side Dishes
Even though this dessert can stand alone, why not treat it like a star? Pair with a cold glass of milk to cut the sweetness, or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for double the creamy joy. I also love it with fresh berries for a little tart contrast; raspberries or sliced strawberries make each bite feel fruity and extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual get-togethers, cut the Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake into bite-sized squares and pile onto a platter for a finger-food twist. You can also serve individual slices in small ramekins, add a warm drizzle of fudge or caramel, and top with a peanut butter cup for a knockout sundae-style dessert. If you’re hosting brunch, try serving slightly chilled squares with hot coffee—the gooey texture becomes almost truffle-like!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, wrap them tightly or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, pop the container into the refrigerator, where your cake will stay perfectly moist for up to five days. The flavors actually intensify slightly after a night in the fridge, making sneaky midnight snacks totally worth it.
Freezing
This cake is freezer-friendly! Let any extra slices cool completely, then layer between sheets of parchment paper and seal in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Frozen, the Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake keeps for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temp for a couple of hours when the craving strikes.
Reheating
To restore that glorious gooey texture, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds, or pop the whole (baking dish covered in foil) into a low oven (about 300°F) for 10–12 minutes. Serve immediately for that fresh-baked softness and melt-in-your-mouth factor.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While chocolate cake mix provides classic richness, you can play around with other flavors—try devil’s food for extra chocolate or even yellow cake for a peanut butter-forward twist. Just remember, the base flavor will shift accordingly.
Is crunchy peanut butter okay to use?
You can use crunchy peanut butter if you love a little extra texture! Just know the topping will have bits of peanut for a slight crunch, which pairs nicely with the gooey filling. Creamy peanut butter gives the smoothest, most traditional texture.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Check the cake at around 40 minutes. The edges should look set and pull away from the pan slightly, while the center will wobble or “jiggle” a bit. That’s your sign to pull it from the oven—the gooey center sets up just right as it cools.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free chocolate cake mix in a 1:1 ratio. Double-check all your other ingredients to be sure they’re gluten-free, especially the powdered sugar, and bake as directed.
What’s the best way to transport Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake for a party?
Let the cake cool completely in the pan for easiest transport, then cover tightly with foil or a lid. For clean, party-ready servings, slice just before serving or bring a sharp knife and small spatula to cut on-site—bonus points for serving with paper napkins since things can get wonderfully gooey!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a showstopper dessert that’s easy enough for a casual night in but dramatic enough for the holidays, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake is the answer. Trust me, everyone lucky enough to snag a slice will beg for the recipe—and you’ll love just how simple (and fun!) it is to make. You really have to try it at least once; after that, it just might become your signature sweet treat!
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent flavors of chocolate and peanut butter with this irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake. A rich and gooey dessert that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!
Ingredients
Cake Base:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare cake base: Mix chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Press into the baking dish.
- Make peanut butter layer: Beat cream cheese, 2 eggs, vanilla, and peanut butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar. Stir in chocolate chips if desired.
- Layer and bake: Pour peanut butter mixture over cake base. Bake for 40–45 minutes until edges are set but center is gooey.
- Cool and serve: Cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- The center should jiggle slightly when finished—don’t overbake.
- Top with more chocolate chips or a drizzle of warm peanut butter for extra indulgence.
- Best served slightly warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 39g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
