Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake – A Decadent Duo of Comfort and Flavor

This Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is pure dessert bliss. Every bite delivers the perfect marriage of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, baked into a warm, indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth treat. With a luscious, fudgy texture and a swirl of sweet nuttiness, it’s the kind of cake that feels like a cozy hug from the oven. Whether served as a weeknight dessert or the centerpiece of a celebration, this cake is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate + Peanut Butter Perfection: The ultimate flavor combination.
Incredibly Gooey: Fudgy center with a soft, tender crumb.
Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples, minimal prep.
Crowd Favorite: A guaranteed hit at any gathering.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (or oil for richer texture)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup low-fat milk (or almond milk)
• ½ cup warm water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Peanut Butter Swirl:

• ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp milk

Optional Toppings:

• Mini chocolate chips
• Drizzle of melted peanut butter or chocolate

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.

2. Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and both sugars. Add applesauce, eggs, milk, water, and vanilla. Stir until smooth and well combined.

3. Prepare the Swirl
In a small bowl, mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, and milk until creamy.

4. Assemble the Cake
Pour the chocolate batter into the baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the top and swirl gently with a knife to create a marbled pattern.

5. Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly gooey. Cool slightly before slicing.

6. Serve
Serve warm with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a scoop of light vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 210
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 9g
Protein: 5g
Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overbake: The center should stay moist and gooey for that irresistible texture.
• Natural Peanut Butter: Use a smooth, no-stir type for the best swirl consistency.
• Add Crunch: Sprinkle chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips on top before baking.
• Make Ahead: This cake reheats beautifully—just microwave a slice for 15 seconds to bring back the gooey magic.

Why This Recipe Works

The balance of rich cocoa and creamy peanut butter creates a perfect harmony of flavors. The applesauce keeps the texture soft and fudgy while reducing excess fat, and the swirl technique ensures every bite delivers that classic chocolate-peanut butter combination we all love.

Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is the perfect dessert for when you want something indulgent yet simple to make. With its warm, fudgy layers and swirls of peanut butter richness, it’s comfort food in dessert form—easy, elegant, and downright irresistible.