Print

Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Cake Recipe

4.8 from 128 reviews

This decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Cake combines a rich, moist chocolate cake base with a creamy, luscious peanut butter mousse filling and a smooth semi-sweet chocolate ganache topping. Perfect for celebrations or any chocolate and peanut butter lover’s delight, this layered cake offers a harmonious blend of flavors with a light, airy texture and an indulgent finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 1 cup All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 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 Buttermilk

Peanut Butter Mousse

  • 1 cup Heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup Powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup Cream cheese, softened

Ganache

  • 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup Heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  3. Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
  4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
  5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix just until combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the cake tender.
  6. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before transferring it onto a wire rack for further cooling.
  8. Whip the cream: While the cake cools, whip the heavy cream in a mixing bowl until soft peaks form, preparing the mousse base.
  9. Prepare peanut butter mixture: In another bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  10. Add cream cheese: Incorporate softened cream cheese into the peanut butter mixture and blend until fully combined and creamy.
  11. Fold in whipped cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until the mousse is light and fully incorporated.
  12. Slice cake layers: Once the cake is completely cooled, carefully slice it horizontally into two equal layers.
  13. Assemble first layer: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread half of the peanut butter mousse evenly over it.
  14. Add second layer and mousse: Place the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining peanut butter mousse over the surface.
  15. Refrigerate to set: Cover the assembled cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the mousse to firm up properly.
  16. Prepare ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
  17. Mix ganache: Let the chocolate and cream mixture sit for one minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
  18. Top the cake: Pour the ganache over the mousse layer, allowing it to cascade down the sides beautifully.
  19. Serve: Slice the cake and serve, enjoying the rich combination of chocolate and peanut butter flavors.

Notes

  • Ensure the cake is completely cool before slicing and assembling to prevent the mousse from melting.
  • Use room temperature butter, eggs, and cream cheese for smooth mixing and texture.
  • You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.
  • For a firmer mousse, chill the mousse mixture before assembly.
  • Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and mousse consistency.

Keywords: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake, Chocolate Mousse Cake, Peanut Butter Mousse, Layered Cake, Chocolate Ganache Cake