1. Prepare the Chocolate Cake:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
- Combine and Mix:
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth (it will be thin).
- Bake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Layer:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan or line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the peanut butter and mix until well combined. Gradually add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour and Bake:
- Pour the cheesecake mixture into the prepared springform pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour. Remove from the oven and cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat Cream:
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat.
- Add Chocolate:
- Add the chopped chocolate to the hot cream and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. If desired, stir in the butter for added shine.
- Cool Slightly:
- Allow the ganache to cool slightly before using it to avoid it being too runny.
4. Assemble the Cake:
- Layer the Cakes:
- Place one layer of chocolate cake on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of peanut butter cheesecake on top. Place the second chocolate cake layer on top of the cheesecake layer.
- Frost with Ganache:
- Pour the slightly cooled chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, spreading it evenly over the top and letting it drip down the sides.
- Garnish:
- Sprinkle crushed peanuts and chocolate shavings over the top of the cake. If desired, drizzle extra peanut butter on top.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Chill and Slice:
- Chill the assembled cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set. Slice and serve. Enjoy your indulgent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Cake!
Tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially cream cheese, are at room temperature for a smooth cheesecake mixture.
- Cake Cooling: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the ganache.
- Make Ahead: The cake can be made a day ahead. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Cake is a delightful treat for anyone who loves rich, indulgent desserts. Enjoy the combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and creamy cheesecake in every bite!