Print

Ultimate Reese’s Peanut Butter Fudge Cake: Easy Homemade Recipe

Reeses Peanut Butter Fudge Cake - featured image

This Ultimate Reese’s Peanut Butter Fudge Cake with Chocolate Ganache is a dense, fudgy chocolate cake swirled with creamy peanut butter and topped with a glossy chocolate ganache. It’s an indulgent, one-bowl wonder that comes together in about 45 minutes of active time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup (130g) creamy peanut butter (e.g., Jif or Skippy)
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Sea salt flakes (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides. Lightly grease the parchment and the exposed sides of the pan with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Melt the butter. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in 30-second increments until completely melted. Let it cool for about 2 minutes.
  3. Add the sugars. Whisk the granulated sugar and brown sugar into the melted butter until fully combined.
  4. Add the eggs and vanilla. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and whisk until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
  5. Add the milk and oil. Pour in the milk and vegetable oil, then whisk until combined.
  6. Add the dry ingredients. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt directly into the bowl. Whisk gently until just combined—about 15-20 strokes. A few small lumps are fine.
  7. Make the peanut butter swirl. In a small bowl, stir together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  8. Layer the batter and swirl. Pour about two-thirds of the chocolate batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the batter, then pour the remaining chocolate batter on top. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the peanut butter into the batter.
  9. Bake the cake. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
  10. Cool the cake completely. Transfer the pan to a cooling rack and let the cake cool for at least 1 hour. Once completely cool, use the parchment overhang to lift the cake out of the pan.
  11. Make the ganache. Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. 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 and let it sit for 2-3 minutes without stirring. Add the tablespoon of butter, then gently whisk until smooth and glossy.
  12. Pour the ganache. Pour the warm ganache over the cooled cake, spreading it gently to the edges with a spatula. Let it set at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or refrigerate for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes if desired.

Notes

Don’t overmix the batter. Use room temperature ingredients. Watch the baking time closely. Let the cake cool completely before adding the ganache. For clean slices, use a hot knife.

Nutrition

Keywords: Reese's, peanut butter, fudge cake, chocolate ganache, easy dessert, homemade cake