The Best Reese’s Cake Recipe: Peanut Butter and Chocolate Perfection

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Calling all chocolate and peanut butter fans—this Easy Reese’s Cake recipe is about to become your new favorite dessert! 🍫🥜
With layers of rich, moist chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter frosting, and a generous topping of crushed Reese’s candies, this cake is pure indulgence.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a decadent treat, this Reese’s-inspired cake is easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any day you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is a must-try for dessert lovers everywhere! 🎂✨
Equipment You Will Need To Make The Best Reese’s Cake

Making a this Reese’s Cake is even more enjoyable when you have the right equipment on hand!
To start, you’ll need a mixing bowl and a sturdy whisk or an electric hand mixer to blend your ingredients smoothly.
A sifter is a must for ensuring your dry ingredients, like flour and cocoa powder, are lump-free for a silky batter.
A 9-inch round cake pan (or two, if you’re making a layered cake) is perfect for baking.
Don’t forget to line your pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
A rubber spatula will help you scrape every bit of batter from the bowl, while a cooling rack ensures your cakes cool evenly before frosting.
If you want to ease the application of the frosting, a cake decorating kit with a cake turntable will make decorating a breeze.
With these tools, baking a Reese’s cake becomes simple and stress-free!

Ingredients To Make The Perfect Chocolate Cake

Making a perfect chocolate cake starts with simple yet essential ingredients that create rich flavor and a moist, tender texture.
Start with high-quality cocoa powder to give your cake that deep chocolate taste.
Combine it with all-purpose flour for structure, sugar for sweetness, and eggs for richness.
Using oil instead of butter keeps the cake incredibly moist, while a dash of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor.
A pinch of salt balances the sweetness, and baking powder ensures the cake rises beautifully.
For a unique twist, adding espresso powder amplifies the chocolate flavor without overpowering it, while boiling water brings out the cocoa’s intensity.
These ingredients come together to create a chocolate cake so delicious it will quickly become a favorite!
Ingredients For Peanut Butter Frosting

Making the perfect peanut butter frosting starts with just a handful of simple ingredients, each working together to create a creamy and flavorful finish.
The star, of course, is creamy peanut butter, which gives the frosting its rich, nutty base.
Next, you’ll need unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, for that luscious, velvety texture.
To sweeten things up, use powdered sugar, which blends smoothly without any graininess. A splash of vanilla extract adds warmth and depth, while a touch of milk or heavy cream ensures the frosting is light and spreadable.
These ingredients come together effortlessly to create a frosting that’s perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and even cookies. Whether you’re making a Reese’s-inspired dessert or simply love the peanut butter-chocolate combo, this frosting is sure to elevate your treat!
Ingredients For Chocolate Ganache

Making chocolate ganache is easier than you might think, and it only requires a few simple ingredients to create this rich, glossy topping.
The foundation of ganache is high-quality chocolate, which provides the perfect balance of flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture—choose semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a deeper, more decadent taste.
The other key ingredient is heavy cream, which gives the ganache its silky smooth consistency.
🤎For a lactose-free option, it’s really easy to warm milk (or milk alternatives) and vegetable oil and then add the chocolate chips until everything blends well.
For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt to enhance the chocolatey richness.
Whether you’re drizzling it over a cake, dipping fruits, or using it as a filling, this indulgent ganache will take your desserts to the next level!
How to Make Reese’s Cake (step-by-step)
Making this Reese’s cake is super easy when you follow these simple steps! Fist let’s make the batter for the chocolate cake.
Here’s how!
Making The Chocolate Cake
🤎Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
🤎In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
🤎In another bowl, beat the sugar, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
🤎Gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
🤎Stir in the hot water (the batter will be thin)
🤎Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting
Making the Peanut Butter Frosting
🤎In a large bowl, beat the butter and peanut butter until creamy.
🤎 Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well.
🤎Add the milk one tablespoon at a time until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
Making the Chocolate Ganache
🤎Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
🤎Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a bowl and let sit for 1–2 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy. Let the ganache cool slightly.
Tips For Making The Perfect Reese’s cake

1. Use Quality Cocoa Powder
The rich chocolate flavor in a Reese’s Cake starts with the right cocoa powder. Choose a high-quality unsweetened cocoa for a deep, indulgent taste that pairs perfectly with peanut butter.
2. Don’t Skimp on the Peanut Butter Frosting
The creamy peanut butter frosting is the star of this cake! Use smooth, natural peanut butter for the best texture and flavor. Be generous with the layers to ensure every bite bursts with Reese’s-inspired goodness.
3. Add a Chocolate Ganache Drizzle
Take your cake to the next level by drizzling chocolate ganache over the top. It creates a luxurious finish and enhances the overall chocolatey vibe. Let the ganache drip down the sides for a bakery-worthy presentation.
4. Decorate with Reese’s Candies
Crushed Reese’s cups or mini Reese’s pieces make the perfect topping! Sprinkle them over the cake or use them as garnish for the ultimate peanut butter-chocolate combo and a bit of crunchy texture.
5. Chill Before Slicing
For clean, even slices, refrigerate your Reese’s Cake for 15–20 minutes before cutting. This allows the frosting and ganache to firm up slightly, ensuring your cake looks as good as it tastes!
These tips will help you bake a show-stopping Reese’s Cake that’s guaranteed to impress family, friends, and every dessert lover at the table!

How To Store Your Reese’s Cake
Storing your Reese’s Cake properly ensures it stays fresh, moist, and delicious for days!
Once the cake is assembled and frosted, cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it from drying out.
If you plan to enjoy it within 2–3 days, you can leave it at room temperature, but for longer storage, pop it in the refrigerator.
Refrigeration helps preserve the creamy peanut butter frosting and chocolate ganache, keeping every layer perfectly rich.
Before serving, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes to bring out its full flavor and texture.
If you have leftovers, you can even freeze slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
These tips make it easy to savor every last bite of your Reese’s Cake!

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The Best Reese’s Cake Recipe: Peanut Butter and Chocolate Perfection
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp espresso powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 1 cup milk or milk alternatives
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4-5 tbsp milk or milk alternatives
- 2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream see notes for lactose-free alternative
Topping
- 1½ cups chopped Reese’s cups (mini or full-size)
- Reese’s Pieces for extra color optional
Instructions
Make the Chocolate Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the sugar, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
- Stir in the hot water (the batter will be thin)
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting
Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and peanut butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well.
- Add the milk one tablespoon at a time until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
Make the Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a bowl and let sit for 1–2 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy. Let the ganache cool slightly.
Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of peanut butter frosting over the top.
- Add the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Place the cake in the fridge for at least 1h before pouring the ganache.
- Pour the cooled ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides for a dramatic effect.
- Top the cake with mini Reese’s Cups, crushed Reese’s Pieces, or peanut butter chips for the ultimate Reese’s overload.
Notes
Lactose-free alternative for heavy cream in ganache
-
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup oat milk
- 3 tablespoons neutral oil (e.g., canola or vegetable oil)
-
Instructions:
- Heat the oat milk until it’s just about to simmer but not boiling.
- Stir in the oil to mimic the fat content of heavy cream.
- Pour the hot oat milk-oil mixture over chopped chocolate (use the same ratio of chocolate to liquid as your recipe calls for).
- Let it sit for a minute to melt the chocolate, then stir until smooth and glossy.
💜Tips
- Choose High-Quality Chocolate: Since the fat content is slightly lower than heavy cream, high-quality chocolate ensures a creamy texture.
- Start with Less Liquid: If the ganache seems too thin, reduce the amount of oat milk slightly and adjust as needed.
- Refrigeration for Stability: If you need the ganache to be thicker (e.g., for piping or spreading), chill it for 15–30 minutes until it firms up.
💜Use as a 1:1 replacement.
Storage Tips
If you plan to enjoy it within 2–3 days, you can leave it at room temperature, but for longer storage, pop it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.Pin It In Your Favorite!💖

I’m Cath!
Foodie at heart
Welcome to my corner of the internet where I share my favorite food recipe. Food lover at heart I love cooking and food photography hence the combination of both creating this fun blog!
I hope you enjoy, bon appétit!
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