Description
This luscious Cacao and Peanut Swirl Cake combines rich cacao and creamy peanut butter in a beautifully marbled batter, creating a moist, flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion. With a balanced blend of cocoa and peanut butter, enhanced by a hint of honey or maple syrup, this cake is a delightful treat that’s simple to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Batter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup cacao powder
Peanut Swirl
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, based on preference)
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon milk (dairy or plant-based)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cacao powder. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Prepare Peanut Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup peanut butter with honey or maple syrup and 1 tablespoon milk. Stir until smooth and slightly runny to create a swirlable consistency.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour half of the cacao batter into the prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the batter, then pour the remaining batter on top. Use a skewer or knife to gently swirl the peanut butter into the cake batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and vegan butter substitutes.
- You can use crunchy or smooth peanut butter based on preference for texture.
- The honey or maple syrup in the peanut swirl adds a subtle sweetness and helps with swirl consistency.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Enhance the flavor by serving with whipped cream or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
