Decadent Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake Layers:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
For the Chocolate Ganache:
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
Make the Chocolate Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in the boiling water until well combined; the batter will be thin.
Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy and well combined.
Make the Chocolate Ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy. Allow to cool slightly before using.
Assemble the Cake: Place one layer of chocolate cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of peanut butter frosting on top. Repeat with the second layer. Place the third layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining peanut butter frosting.
Add the Ganache: Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides. You can use a spatula to spread it if desired.
Garnish & Serve: For an extra touch, decorate with chocolate shavings or additional dollops of peanut butter frosting. Slice and enjoy this decadent treat!

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 550 kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 30g
Sugar: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 400mg
Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes (plus cooling time)