The Ultimate Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

Step 1

Important notes: you will want to use the same pans or pans that are exactly the same size for all components. I used 2 10" springform pans and my layers were about the right thickness. Each time, I line the springform pan with wax paper and spray with non-stick.For the cake:Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 springform pans or cake pans the same size with wax paper and spray with non-stick spray. If using springform pans, line the outside with tin foil to catch any leaks.

Step 2

In a large bowl, with a stand mixer or a whisk, combine milk, oil, eggs and vanilla. Add the sugar and beat until smooth.

Step 3

Add flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt and beat until just combined.

Step 4

Slowly stir in hot coffee or water.

Step 5

Pour into prepared pans and bake 20-30 minutes (baking time will depend on the size of your pans - check after 20 minutes), until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6

Cool to room temperature before freezing or chilling for at least a few hours before assembly.

Step 7

For the cheesecake: Line a springform pan (I used all 10" springform pans)with wax paper and spray with non stick spray. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 8

Melt chocolate in the microwave at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds. Set aside.

Step 9

In a stand mixer, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add eggs, sugar, cocoa and vanilla. Mix until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl if necessary.

Step 10

Add the melted chocolate and beat again until smooth.

Step 11

Pour into prepared pan and bake about 40 minutes, until set and doesn't jiggle. (*Note: the original recipe recommends a water bath. I'm a bit of a rebel -- obviously -- and rarely do water baths. I didn't this time and it didn't crack at all)

Step 12

Let cool to room temperature on the counter. Freeze or chill at least 3-4 hours before assembly.

Step 13

For the cookie: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a springform pan with wax paper and spray with non-stick.

Step 14

In a stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 15

Add egg and vanilla extract.

Step 16

Add flour, cocoa and baking soda and combine. Stir in chocolate chips.

Step 17

Press into prepared pan (I recommend lightly wetting your hands to spread the dough evenly in the pan). Bake for about 15 minutes, until set. Be careful not to overbake as it will be hard and difficult to cut through.

Step 18

Cool to room temperature. Chill or freeze cookie if not yet ready for assembly, or move on to assembly.

Step 19

For the frosting: Beat butter, peanut butter, vanilla and milk until smooth.

Step 20

Add in icing sugar and beat, slowly at first, then increasing speed to high, until light and fluffy.

Step 21

Assembly:Set one of the cakes on a cake stand or plate. Spread a thin layer of frosting over top.

Step 22

Set the cookie layer on top and spread a thin layer of frosting on top.

Step 23

Set the cheesecake layer on top and spread on a thin layer of frosting.

Step 24

Set the last cake layer on the very top. If the sides of your cake are quite uneven and you want to trim them, do that now with a serrated knife. Frost the top and sides of the cake. Set the cake in the fridge to set.

Step 25

Prepare the ganache: combine chocolate, peanut butter and milk in a small pot over low heat on the stove. Stir constantly until melted.

Step 26

Remove cake from the fridge and pour over the top.

Step 27

Garnish as desired, and devour.