If there is one dessert that perfectly captures comfort, indulgence, and irresistible flavor in every bite, it’s Ooey Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake. This decadent cake combines rich chocolate cake layers with a molten peanut butter center that melts into a soft, gooey dream as it bakes. Each slice delivers a contrast of textures—tender crumb, fudgy chocolate, and creamy peanut butter—that dessert lovers crave.

Chocolate and peanut butter are a legendary pairing for a reason. Together, they balance sweetness and richness in a way that feels luxurious yet familiar. This cake elevates that classic combination into a showstopping dessert that’s perfect for holidays, birthdays, potlucks, or those nights when you simply want something extra comforting.

Unlike traditional layer cakes that require frosting skills and chilling time, this recipe focuses on maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The magic happens in the oven as the batter bakes around a creamy peanut butter filling, creating an ooey-gooey center that feels almost lava-like when warm.

Whether you serve it straight from the oven or slightly cooled with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this cake guarantees wide eyes and silent, happy bites at the table.

Why This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Is So Special

What makes this cake truly unforgettable is its texture. The outer edges bake up soft and tender, while the center stays irresistibly gooey. The peanut butter filling doesn’t fully set—instead, it melts into the chocolate cake, creating ribbons of creamy richness throughout every slice.

This dessert also hits the sweet spot between homemade comfort and bakery-level indulgence. It feels nostalgic, yet impressive. Best of all, it uses pantry-friendly ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Ingredients

Chocolate Cake Batter

All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Unsalted butter
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Milk
Hot water or brewed coffee

Peanut Butter Filling

Creamy peanut butter
Powdered sugar
Unsalted butter
Vanilla extract

Optional Toppings

Chocolate chips
Peanut butter drizzle
Powdered sugar
Vanilla ice cream

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Stir in hot water or coffee until smooth.
In another bowl, beat peanut butter, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla until creamy.
Pour half of the chocolate batter into the prepared pan. Spoon the peanut butter filling evenly over the batter.
Gently spread the remaining chocolate batter on top, covering the filling.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is slightly soft.
Cool for 15–20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm for maximum gooeyness.

Pro Tips for the Best Gooey Texture

Do not overbake. The center should jiggle slightly when you remove it from the oven.
Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth filling.
Let the cake rest briefly before slicing to allow layers to settle while staying gooey.
For deeper flavor, use brewed coffee instead of water—it enhances the chocolate without tasting like coffee.

Delicious Variations

Chocolate Chip Explosion: Add chocolate chips to the batter for extra richness.
Salted Peanut Butter: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking.
Mini Lava Cakes: Bake in ramekins for individual portions.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Serving Suggestions

This cake shines when served warm. Pair it with:

Vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream
Fresh strawberries
A glass of cold milk or hot coffee

Fun Fact: Chocolate and Peanut Butter

The chocolate-peanut butter pairing gained popularity in the early 20th century and became iconic thanks to candy makers. Today, it remains one of the most beloved dessert flavor combinations worldwide—and this cake proves why.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheat slices briefly in the microwave to restore gooey texture.

Final Thoughts

Ooey Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake isn’t just dessert—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of cake people remember, request again, and secretly hope there’s one more slice left of. Rich, comforting, and unapologetically indulgent, this recipe belongs in every dessert lover’s collection.

Ooey Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

A rich chocolate cake with a molten peanut butter center that bakes into an irresistibly gooey dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 220