This Reeses Cake is a dense, rich, and chocolaty dessert that’s smothered in a layer of peanut butter and finished with a thick chocolate crackle glaze. It pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or a big glass of milk.
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Looking for a cake that’s a little different? This reeses cake features a layer of peanut butter sandwich between a dense chocolate cake, and it’s topped with a homemade chocolate glaze. It’s a unique and delicious cake that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Love peanut butter? Then you’ll definitely want to try my homemade peanut butter cups, peanut butter fudge, and peanut butter and jelly cake for more delicious treats the whole family will love!
Found in my treasured local Amish cookbook, this Reese’s peanut butter cake bar recipe lives up to its name.
Why I Love This Recipe
- The best part of this dense cake is the peanut butter and chocolate glaze on top. OMG. So good.
- Despite how fancy it looks, this cake is quite easy to make. It’s a win-win, really!
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Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Salted Butter: This will add a rich, buttery flavor to the cake. It also helps to keep the cake moist.
- Eggs: These will add structure to the cake and help it to rise.
- Vanilla: This will enhance the overall flavor of the cake and the frosting.
- Salt, Cocoa, and Sour Cream: These ingredients will add depth and richness to the chocolate flavor of the cake. Instead of using sour cream, you can substitute buttermilk for a tangier flavor in the cake.
- Peanut Butter: It will add a delicious, creamy, and nutty flavor to the cake. For all the peanut butter lovers, feel free to add more peanut butter to the cake layer and even add chopped peanuts on top.
- Powdered Sugar: This will sweeten the frosting and also help to thicken it.
- Milk: This is used to thin the frosting to the right consistency.
How to Make Reeses Cake
Preparation
To start, preheat your oven to 350˚ F. This is the temperature at which you will bake your cake.
Step 1 – Melt Butter and Add Cocoa
Begin by melting the butter. Once melted, add water and cocoa powder. Mix these ingredients well to form a smooth, chocolaty mixture.
Step 2 – Mix the Cake Batter
In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and sour cream. Then, add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Combine these ingredients until you have a thick, creamy cake batter.
Step 3 – Combine the Mixtures
Next, combine the chocolate mixture with the cake batter. Mix these two elements together until they are well incorporated.
Step 4 – Pour into Dish and Bake
Pour the batter into a greased 13×9 inch baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool completely.
Step 5 – Add the Peanut Butter Layer
Once the cake is cool, spread a layer of smooth peanut butter over the top. Make sure the peanut butter is at room temperature to make it easier to spread.
Step 6 – Prepare and Add the Chocolate Glaze
In a saucepan, combine the remaining butter, milk, and cocoa powder. Bring this mixture to a boil, then remove it from the heat. Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, and stir until the frosting is smooth. Pour this chocolate frosting over the peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly.
Step 7 – Let the Cake Set
Allow the frosted cake to cool and set for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will help the layers to firm up and make the cake easier to slice.
Step 8 – Slice and Serve
Once the cake is set, slice it into squares and serve. Your Reeses Cake is now ready to be enjoyed!
Lynette’s Tip
This cake will make you feel like it will never be done, until it is. The middle is very liquidy until it’s not. Don’t let that scare you. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center is clean.
Recipe Variations
- Buttermilk: Instead of using sour cream, you can substitute buttermilk for a tangier flavor in the cake.
- More Peanut Butter: For all the peanut butter lovers, feel free to add more peanut butter to the cake layer and even add chopped peanuts on top.
- Extra Chocolate: If you love, mix some chocolate chips into the cake batter for an extra chocolatey treat.
Recipe FAQs
This Reese’s cake is special because it combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the creaminess of peanut butter, just like the popular Reese’s peanut butter cups. The cake itself is moist and the layer of peanut butter and chocolate glaze make it absolutely delicious!
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates that the cake is fully baked and has a light, fluffy texture. It usually takes about 30-35 minutes in a preheated 350˚F oven, but the exact time can vary, so it’s a good idea to start checking around the 30-minute mark.
Storing and Reheating
- Storing: If you have any leftovers, you can easily store them. Just cut the cake into individual slices and place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy the cake, simply let it thaw at room temperature.
More Cake Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cake Bars
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake Layer
- 1 Cup salted butter melted
- 1 Cup water
- 1 Tablespoon cocoa
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 Cups sugar
- 1/2 Cup sour cream
- 2 Cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Peanut Butter Layer
- 1 1/2 Cups peanut butter
Chocolate Glaze
- 1/2 Cup salted butter
- 2 Tablespoon cocoa
- 1/3 Cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 Cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Chocolate Cake Layer
- Preheat oven to 350˚ F. Grease a 13×9 baking pan.
- Whisk the melted butter, water, and cocoa in a small bowl. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, vanilla, sugar, and sour cream. Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Combine with the cocoa mixture and mix well.
- Pour the batter into a greased 13×9 baking dish. Bake at 350˚ F for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
Peanut Butter Layer
- Spread cake with peanut butter. (If it's difficult to spread the peanut butter, warm it quickly in the microwave to make it easier to spread.)
Chocolate Glaze Layer
- In a saucepan, bring the melted butter, milk, and cocoa to a boil. Remove from heat and add vanilla and powdered sugar.
- Spread on top of the peanut butter layer. Let cool and serve the cake.
Notes
My Favorite Substitutions:
- Buttermilk: Instead of using sour cream, you can substitute buttermilk for a tangier flavor in the cake.
- More Peanut Butter: For all the peanut butter lovers, feel free to add more peanut butter to the cake layer and even add chopped peanuts on top.
- Extra Chocolate: If you love, mix some chocolate chips into the cake batter for an extra chocolatey treat.
You don’t have sugar listed in your ingredients for the cake but have sugar needed under directions….
Whoops! It’s 2 Cups sugar in the cake layer. Thanks for catching that!
No problem, thank you!! I’ll be making it now!