Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter

Featured in Desserts.

This Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter creation pairs indulgent chocolate layers with a velvety peanut butter center, topped off with a silky ganache. The base is made from German chocolate cake mix, combining butter and eggs for extra richness. The middle layer includes softened cream cheese, smooth peanut butter, and powdered sugar to amp up the sweetness. Finally, the ganache topping blends chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and cream for that perfect finish. Bake it to gooey goodness, and it's sure to steal the show!

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Updated on Fri, 12 Sep 2025 19:10:47 GMT
A rich chocolate dessert topped with a glossy ganache drizzle. Pin it
A rich chocolate dessert topped with a glossy ganache drizzle. | tasteofmoms.com

This decadent chocolate peanut butter gooey cake blends two favorite flavors into an unforgettable treat that sits somewhere between a fudgy cake and a soft cookie bar. The rich chocolate bottom gets crowned with a smooth peanut butter topping that stays wonderfully soft in the middle—making it a dream come true for anyone who loves serious desserts.

I whipped this up for my boy's birthday party when he asked for something combining chocolate and peanut butter. When he took his first bite, his eyes shut and a tiny grin appeared—that's when I knew this sweet treat would become a regular at our family gatherings.

Ingredients

  • German chocolate cake mix: Builds the chocolatey base with its deep, sweet flavor
  • Cream cheese: Adds that wonderful creamy tang to the filling
  • Peanut butter: Brings that classic nutty flavor that works so well with chocolate
  • Confectioners' sugar: Adds sweetness while keeping that soft, melty texture
  • Eggs: Hold everything together and help create those distinct layers
  • Butter: Makes both the bottom and filling richer and gives the right texture
  • Vanilla extract: Deepens the taste and balances the sweetness
  • Chocolate chips and peanut butter chips: Make an amazing topping when melted together
  • Heavy cream: Creates that smooth, velvety topping that sets up perfectly

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make The Bottom Layer:
Combine the German chocolate cake mix with one egg and half the melted butter until fully mixed. This mix will feel thicker and drier than regular cake batter. That's intentional - this sturdy base will hold up your gooey topping. Press it down firmly into your pan to make an even layer.
Whip Up The Filling:
Start by beating the cream cheese until it's completely lump-free before adding anything else. Then mix in the two remaining eggs and peanut butter until everything's smooth. Your mixture should look silky at this point. Add the confectioners' sugar starting on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud, then gradually turn it up. Mix in the rest of the melted butter and vanilla until you get something that pours like thick pancake batter.
Combine And Bake:
Pour your peanut butter mixture evenly over the chocolate base, making sure it reaches all the edges. The real magic happens in the oven—the filling puffs slightly but stays deliciously gooey inside. Don't overbake or you'll lose that soft center. Look for set edges but a little wiggle in the middle after about 45 minutes, then check every few minutes.
Make The Topping:
While your cake cools a bit, put chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, peanut butter, and heavy cream in a bowl you can microwave. Heat for 30 seconds at a time, stirring between, until it's smooth and pourable. This topping will be runny at first but gets more fudge-like as it cools down.
A piece of chocolate cake with chocolate drizzled on top. Pin it
A piece of chocolate cake with chocolate drizzled on top. | tasteofmoms.com

The peanut butter section really makes this dessert stand out. I still remember when my sister-in-law tried her first bite and immediately wanted the recipe. She told me it beat any restaurant dessert she'd ever had—still my favorite comment about this rich cake.

Texture Variations

How long you bake directly affects how this cake turns out. If you want a super gooey middle that almost flows when cut, take it out about 5 minutes earlier than suggested. The sides will still set up fine, but the center stays really soft. On the flip side, adding 5 extra minutes gives you a more set middle while keeping everything moist. This flexibility lets you adjust based on what you like or how you're planning to serve it.

Storage Solutions

This cake actually gets better after chilling overnight in the fridge, as the flavors mix together and the texture becomes more fudgy. Keep it covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, cut it into pieces and wrap them in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight then bring to room temp before eating. It tastes best when slightly warm—pop individual pieces in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Take this already rich cake to new heights by serving warm slices with cold vanilla ice cream. The way the warm, gooey cake meets the cold ice cream creates an amazing contrast. For something simpler, sprinkle extra confectioners' sugar right before serving, or drizzle with warm peanut butter for more nutty flavor. Cut into tiny squares for parties where folks might want to sample different desserts without filling up too fast.

A slice of chocolate cake with peanut butter and chocolate drizzle. Pin it
A slice of chocolate cake with peanut butter and chocolate drizzle. | tasteofmoms.com

Enjoy this cake slightly warmed up with your favorite topping to get the absolute best experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap the cake mix for another type?

Totally! While other options work, German chocolate cake mix really enhances the peanut butter layer.

→ What should I do if I'm out of peanut butter chips?

No worries! Just skip them or use extra semi-sweet chocolate chips for a deeper chocolate flavor.

→ Is it okay to make this ahead?

Sure thing! Bake it, refrigerate for up to 3 days, and let it sit at room temp before devouring.

→ When should I take the cake out of the oven?

Look for firm edges with a jiggly center. Pull it out before it overbakes to keep that gooey texture.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yep, just wrap it tightly in plastic and foil, freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw and bring to room temp to serve.

Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter

Gooey chocolate and creamy peanut butter collide in this irresistible dessert.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Chocolate Cake

01 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
02 113 g of melted butter (1 stick)
03 2 cups powdered sugar
04 8 oz of softened cream cheese
05 1 cup peanut butter, smooth
06 15.25 oz box of German chocolate cake mix
07 Three eggs, separated

→ Topping

08 ½ cup heavy cream
09 ¼ cup peanut butter chips
10 ¾ cup chocolate chips, semi-sweet
11 ½ cup smooth peanut butter

Instructions

Step 01

Heat up the oven to 350°F (177°C). Get either a 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch pan ready, depending on how thick or thin the cake should be.

Step 02

Stir together the cake mix, a single egg (keep the other two eggs for later), and 113 g (1 stick) of melted butter. Press evenly into your prepared pan. Put aside for now.

Step 03

Use a hand or stand mixer to beat the cream cheese until it's creamy. Add the last two eggs and smooth peanut butter, mixing them in gently.

Step 04

Turn down the mixer speed and carefully add the powdered sugar in steps. Slowly pour in another melted stick of butter (113 g), then mix in the vanilla extract. Stir until silky and lump-free.

Step 05

Pour the creamy layer over the base in the pan. Bake for about 50 minutes, leaving the center slightly soft and gooey. Be careful not to overdo it.

Step 06

Let the cake chill for a bit on a wire rack while you prepare the ganache topping.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch pan
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Cooling rack

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy and peanuts

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~