Guest Post: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Texas Cheet Cake by Chocolate Moosey

by Erin

It’s very exciting to have Carla from Chocolate Moosey guest posting for me today! She is an awesome person as a whole, and one part involves fabulous recipe creations. I have had her Funfetti Cheesecake on my to-do list for far too long, but with other recipes of hers such as Cheesecake-Stuffed Peaches and Strawberry S’mores Tart it’s hard to keep up. And now today she is sharing a combination of flavors that is close to both of our hearts. If you don’t know what I am talking about, you obviously don’t pay much attention ;-).

One year ago: Feta Stuffed Pesto Turkey Burgers

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Texas Sheet Cake

Thank you, Erin, for asking me to guest post! For those of you not familiar with my blog, I’m a self-taught home baker with a from-scratch philosophy. I’ve been following The Spiffy Cookie for quite some time. In fact, the first time I came across this blog, Erin had a link to a Pinterest board dedicated to chocolate and peanut butter. I knew we would be great friends after that! Then last week, she did a chocolate and peanut butter round-up. How could I not bake Erin something with that perfect combination? And what better way to celebrate such a winning combination than with Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Texas Sheet Cake!


Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Texas Sheet Cake
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Texas Sheet Cake

Most of you probably recognize a sheet cake from most potlucks and get-togethers. It is a single-layer rectangular cake (usually 13×9) that is baked and served directly from the pan. Because it is served straight from the pan, you only need to frost the top, It also makes the perfect traveling companion and can be baked at a moment’s notice. Most companies now make pans with travel lids, so you don’t even have to fuss with foil or plastic wrap (I hate plastic wrap – so annoying).


Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Texas Sheet Cake
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Texas Sheet Cake

So what makes it a Texas sheet cake? Nobody really knows if this cake truly came from Texas. Some sources say it’s really named after Texas’ friendly hospitality since this cake is meant to be shared. I know most Texas sheet cakes I ate growing up had a coconut-pecan frosting on top. Why not mimic it after one of my favorites – the peanut butter cup?


Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Texas Sheet Cake

This cake stays very moist, even after a few days. I saved a piece for my dad a few days after it was baked, and it was still good. The secret to making this cake moist and chocolatey? Using espresso powder. Coffee adds depth to chocolate. It’s used more as an enhancer rather than as a flavor, so your cake will not taste like coffee. I used espresso powder so I didn’t have to make a pot; however, feel free to use instant coffee or regular liquid coffee. You can leave it out if you must, but you will be missing that extra layer of flavor.


Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Texas Sheet Cake

The peanut butter frosting tasted like heaven. I’ve never had such a fluffy peanut butter frosting before! In fact, I didn’t need any cake, just a spoon. The key is to whip it in a stand mixer with the whisk attachment to incorporate all of that air. Of course don’t fret if all you have is a hand mixer. I’ve been using a hand mixer up until this summer. It may not be *as* fluffy, but I promise you won’t be disappointed either!


Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Texas Sheet Cake

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Texas Sheet Cake is so rich and sinful, you’ll need a glass of milk with it. I hate drinking milk straight-up, so I opt for coffee instead. That also means this cake is perfectly acceptable for breakfast ;)


Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Texas Sheet Cake
Cake:
2 cups sugar
1 3/4 cups flour
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup boiling water (use coffee if not using powdered coffee)
2 tsp espresso powder or instant coffee

Peanut Butter Frosting:
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 Tbsp milk
1 1/2 cups chopped peanut butter cups

1. For the cake: Preheat oven to 350F. Grease a 13×9 pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes or until smooth. Dissolve the espresso powder or instant coffee in the boiling water. Stir the coffee into the batter. The batter will be really thin. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (the top of the cake will be sticky to the touch). Cool cake completely.
3. For the frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment (you can use a hand mixer instead), beat together on medium-high speed the sugar, butter, and salt until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add peanut butter and milk. Beat on high speed until light and fluffy, another 2-3 minutes. Spread on top of the cooled cake. Sprinkle peanut butter cups on top.

Sources: Cake adapted from Hershey’s Make It Chocolate; Frosting adapted from 125 Best Cupcake Recipes

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25 comments

Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust August 31, 2012 - 6:41 pm

Holy cow that cake is sinful! I loooove it!

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Vicki @ WITK August 30, 2012 - 8:26 pm

I love sheet cakes! THey are so simple to make and please everyone :) I especially love this chocolate and peanut butter one, I’m also intrigued by the funfetti cheesecake… I should bake more cakes!

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Joan August 30, 2012 - 6:22 pm

What a scrumptious looking cake. I will have to try that soon!

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Carla August 30, 2012 - 7:48 pm

Thanks Joan!

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Jackie @ The Beeroness August 30, 2012 - 2:03 pm

I have a total weakness for peanut butter cups. AND for putting espresso powder in chocolate cake. Well done :)

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Carla August 30, 2012 - 7:47 pm

Espresso powder is my secret weapon ;) Thanks Jackie!

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Susan August 30, 2012 - 11:30 am

This has got to be the best cake ever. PB& Chocolate and no decorating needed. This is on my list next time I need to bake a cake for someone!

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Jennifer | Mother Thyme August 30, 2012 - 10:23 am

I have been a bit obsessed with Texas sheet cakes lately. This looks amazing!

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Carla August 30, 2012 - 7:46 pm

I have so many ideas running through my head since this cake was so easy to throw together! Thanks Jennifer!

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Angie @ Big Bear's Wife August 30, 2012 - 10:18 am

I need some sheet pans with lids!!! I will be using this cake as an excuse to buy some! I wish I could dig in right now!

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Carla August 30, 2012 - 7:43 pm

I love pans with lids! Seriously it makes sharing that much easier. Thanks Angie!

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Tara @ Chip Chip Hooray August 30, 2012 - 9:23 am

Well, it’s official. I need to get me a sheet pan. What a perfect pb and chocolate guest post! :)

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Carla August 30, 2012 - 7:39 pm

Yes, go get a 13×9 cake pan and you’ll be set to go! Make sure you get one w a lid. I love my lid. Thanks Tara!

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Kristina August 30, 2012 - 9:14 am

O geez…. this cake so. good. I saw a pic of it on Facebook this morning and now I”m already craving cake at 9am!

Looks delicious girls, yummy post!!

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Carla August 30, 2012 - 7:37 pm

Not going to lie – this cake makes an excellent breakfast ;) Thanks Kristina!

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sally @ sallys baking addiction August 30, 2012 - 8:38 am

I’m weak at the knees when it comes to pb & chocolate. this cake is EPIC!!!!!!!!

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Carla August 30, 2012 - 7:36 pm

Me too, Sally. Me too. Thanks!

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Chelsea {Whatcha Makin' Now?} August 30, 2012 - 8:17 am

Wow! This looks amazing! Peanut Butter and Chocolate are my weaknesses. Saving this one.

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Carla August 30, 2012 - 7:33 pm

Thanks Chelsea!

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Renee August 30, 2012 - 7:27 am

What could make chocolate cake better than peanut butter frosting? Freaking awesome recipe. I’m ready to make it, well, actually to eat it right now. Any way to transport a slice to me?

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Carla August 30, 2012 - 7:31 pm

The cake does stay moist after a few days, so it may last in the mail… ;) Thanks Renee!

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Kayle (The Cooking Actress) August 30, 2012 - 7:20 am

I’m in love with this cake.

Like…omg

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Carla August 30, 2012 - 7:28 pm

I almost didn’t share this at work. They were lucky ;) Thanks Kayle!

Reply

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