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Export 14 ingredients for grocery delivery
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C) and prepare three 8 inch cake pans with non-stick baking spray and parchment paper in the bottom.2
Step 2
. Add the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt to a large mixer bowl and combine. Set aside.
Step 3
. Add the milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract and eggs to a medium sized bowl and combine.
Step 4
. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and beat until well combined.
Step 5
. Slowly add the hot water to the batter and mix on low speed until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is well combined.
Step 6
. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 7
. Remove cakes from oven and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes, then remove to a cooling rack to finish cooling.
Step 8
. To make the frosting, combine the butter and peanut butter in a large mixer bowl and mix until well combined.
Step 9
. Add about half of the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
Step 10
Add 3 tablespoons of water or milk and mix until smooth.
Step 11
Add remaining powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
Step 12
Add remaining water or milk and mix until smooth, keeping an eye on the consistency of the frosting so it doesn’t get too thin.13
Step 13
To build the cake, use a large serrated knife to remove the tops of the cake layers so that they’re flat. See my tips on how to level a cake and how to stack a cake.Pl
Step 14
ce the first cake layer on a serving plate or cardboard cake circle and top with about 1 cup of frosting. Smooth frosting into an even layer.Ad
Step 15
about half of the chopped Reese’s on top of the frosting and press into the frosting. Spread a small amount of frosting on top of the Reese’s so that it’s sticky on top for the next cake layer.Add the
Step 16
ext cake layer and top with about 1 cup of frosting. Smooth frosting into an even layer.Add rema
Step 17
ning half of the chopped Reese’s on top of the frosting and press into the frosting. Spread a small amount of frosting on top of the Reese’s so that it’s sticky on top for the next cake layer.Add the final
Step 18
ake layer to the top of the cake.Smooth out the
Step 19
frosting on the sides of the cake, creating a thin crumb coat.Add about 1 cu
Step 20
of frosting to the top of the cake and smooth into an even layer.Frost the cake
Step 21
using my tutorial for a smooth cake. Stop just before using the paper towel, which won’t be necessary with the pattern on the sides of this cake.Use an offset spa
Step 22
ula to create the stripes around the cake. For guidance, see the video above starting at about 1:Set the cake asid
Step 23
and make the chocolate ganache (see my tips for making chocolate ganache). Put the chocolate chips in a heat proof bowl.Microwave the hea
Step 24
y whipping cream until it just begins to boil, then pour it over the chocolate chips. Allow it to sit for 2-3 minutes, then whisk until smooth.Use a squeeze bot
Step 25
le or a spoon to drizzle the chocolate around the edges of the cake, then fill in the top of the cake and smooth it with an offset spatula. See my tips for making a chocolate drip cake.Allow the ganache
Step 26
to firm a bit, about 10 minutes, then top with remaining frosting, additional Reese’s chopped in half, and Reese’s crumbles.Refrigerate the cake
Step 27
ntil ready to serve. Serve at room temperature. Cake is best for 3-4 days.