If you have a soft spot for the classic combo of sweet chocolate and creamy peanut butter, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Bundt Cake Recipe is about to become your new obsession. It’s a moist, tender cake that masterfully blends rich chocolate and luscious peanut butter flavors, all swirled together to create a stunning marbled effect inside and topped with a decadent drizzle that takes it to the next level. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something spectacular, this recipe delivers on every level and is guaranteed to wow anyone lucky enough to get a slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A single round bundt cake with a textured, cracked golden-brown crust sits in a grey bundt pan, showing a slightly darker, rich brown color near the edges and a raised spiral pattern around the center hole. The cake's surface has uneven ridges and a soft, moist appearance. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this cake lies in its straightforward list of ingredients, each one playing a key role in building the perfect balance of texture, taste, and visual appeal. From basic pantry staples to luscious creamy peanut butter and quality chocolate, you’ll be surprised how such simple components come together in such a spectacular way.

3 cups flour: The foundation of the cake that gives it structure and a soft crumb.
3 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise to fluffy perfection.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic sour cream to tenderize the crumb.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
1 cup butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
1 1/4 cups milk: Balances the batter, keeping it tender and moist.
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens just right and contributes to a beautiful crust.
3 eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
1 cup sour cream: Keeps the cake moist and adds a subtle tang that deepens flavor.
2 teaspoons vanilla: Elevates the taste with warm, inviting notes.
1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, bringing that signature nutty, creamy flavor to half the batter.
1 cup good quality chocolate, melted: Semi-sweet is perfect, but pick your favorite to suit your taste for mixing into the batter.
Additional 1/2 cup chocolate: For the luscious drizzle topping that seals the deal.
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar: Creates a sweet peanut butter drizzle that’s smooth and glossy.
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter: Combined with powdered sugar for the drizzle, enhancing every bite.
1/2 cup half and half: Thins the drizzle to just the right consistency without losing creaminess.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Bundt Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan thoroughly—this little extra step ensures your beautiful cake comes out with crisp edges and perfectly intact shape. Trust me, it makes all the difference!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Take a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This blend is the backbone for your cake’s rise and helps keep everything evenly distributed.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar, Add Eggs

Using a stand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add the sugar, beating well until the mixture loses its grainy texture—this gives your cake that light, tender bite. Add eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next to keep the batter smooth and luscious.

Step 4: Beat in Sour Cream and Vanilla

Now it’s time to bring in sour cream and vanilla. They add moisture and a hint of tang, making the cake feel rich without being heavy. Beat until the batter is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Flour Mixture and Milk

Slowly add your dry ingredients and milk in alternating batches. This technique keeps the batter tender and prevents it from becoming dense. Mix just until everything is combined—overmixing can toughen the crumb, so be gentle!

Step 6: Divide Batter and Incorporate Chocolate and Peanut Butter

Pour half the batter into a separate bowl and stir in the melted chocolate until it’s perfectly blended. To the other half, fold in the creamy peanut butter. This is where the magic begins—a luscious swirl of classic flavors waiting to happen.

Step 7: Assemble the Bundt Pan with Swirled Batters

Alternate dropping spoonfuls of the chocolate and peanut butter batters into your bundt pan, filling only about three-quarters full. Using a knife, gently swirl the batters together—don’t overdo it, just enough to create that gorgeous marbled effect. Pro tip: Use any leftover batter to make a small loaf cake for extra treats!

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes before turning it out onto a plate. Patience here means a perfect, intact cake ready for the finishing touches.

Step 9: Prepare the Peanut Butter Drizzle

With your stand mixer, combine powdered sugar and peanut butter. Slowly add half and half until the drizzle is thick but pourable. This sweet and creamy topping adds an irresistible layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Step 10: Drizzle and Decorate

Drizzle the peanut butter topping generously over the cooled cake. Then use the melted chocolate to go back over the gaps between the peanut butter drizzle in thin ribbons. The contrast not only looks stunning but amps up the chocolate-peanut butter love in every bite. This final decoration makes the Chocolate Peanut Butter Bundt Cake Recipe a true showstopper!

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Bundt Cake Recipe

A dark brown ring-shaped cake with a slightly textured crust sits on a wooden board. It has two layers of drizzle on top: a light tan cream and a milk chocolate glaze, both flowing in thin, uneven lines from the top and running down the sides, creating a striped look. The white marbled texture is just faintly visible in the blurred background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To enhance the visual and flavor profile, consider sprinkling chopped roasted peanuts or a pinch of sea salt flakes over the drizzle. This adds a delightful crunch and a touch of sophistication that makes each slice irresistible.

Side Dishes

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream pairs beautifully with this cake, balancing its richness and adding luscious creaminess. Fresh berries provide a bright contrast that cuts through the decadence, creating a well-rounded dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve slices on a rustic wooden board with extra drizzle on the side for dipping, or plate individual servings with a drizzle of chocolate and peanut butter sauces artistically swooshed around. These thoughtful touches make your guests feel like they’re indulging in a professional bakery treat right at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (unlikely, but possible!), wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days, keeping that moist texture intact.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to revive that fresh-from-the-oven feel. You can also gently warm the whole cake in a low oven (about 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for 10 minutes. Just be careful not to dry it out!

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture contrast throughout the cake. Just be sure to mix it well so the batter stays smooth and even.

Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a non-dairy alternative and use almond milk or another plant-based milk in place of regular milk. For sour cream, consider using a dairy-free yogurt alternative to maintain moisture and tanginess.

Can I make this recipe without a bundt pan?

Certainly. You can bake the batter in a loaf pan or even cupcake tins. Adjust baking time accordingly—loaf pans may take slightly less time, cupcakes much less, so watch carefully to avoid overbaking.

What kind of chocolate works best?

Semi-sweet chocolate is a reliable choice here, but feel free to customize based on your preferences. Milk chocolate will make it sweeter and creamier, while dark or bittersweet chocolate adds a rich, intense cocoa flavor that balances the peanut butter.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

While it’s best to bake the cake right after mixing, you can prepare the batter a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature and gently stir before baking for even results.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Bundt Cake Recipe is a delight to bake and an even greater joy to eat. Its moist, tender crumb combined with the perfect marriage of chocolate and peanut butter makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether for celebrations or cozy nights in, give this recipe a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!