A Chocolate-Peanut Butter Dream
If you’re a fan of the iconic combination of chocolate and peanut butter, this Reese's 3-Layer Cake is your ultimate dessert dream come true. As a self-proclaimed Reese's enthusiast, I can confidently say this cake is a love letter to my favorite candy. Each layer is rich, moist, and packed with chocolatey goodness, while the creamy peanut butter frosting ties it all together. Topped with a decadent chocolate drip and a generous helping of Reeses cups, this cake is a showstopper that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether it’s for a birthday, celebration, or just because, this cake is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and Reese's obsession.
Reese's Three-Layer Cake
Ingredients
Cake
1 box of chocolate cake mix
3.4 oz instant chocolate pudding
4 large eggs
1⅓ cup milk
½ cup espresso or coffee
⅓ cup vegetable oil
Peanut Butter Frosting
1½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1¼ cup creamy peanut butter
1 tbsp vanilla extract
3 cups powdered sugar
⅓ cup heavy cream
Decor
10 Reese's cups
10 oz melted chocolate chips (mixed with heavy cream for drip and topping)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box. Grease three 8-inch round cake pans and optionally line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix and instant chocolate pudding mix.
Add the milk, vegetable oil, and espresso (or coffee) to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated.
Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans.
Bake according to the cake mix box instructions, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Step 2: Cool and Freeze the Cakes
Once the cakes are done baking, let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
Carefully remove the cakes from the pans and wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap (saran wrap).
Place the wrapped cakes in the freezer for a few hours. This step helps lock in moisture and makes the cakes easier to frost.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature butter on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, until it becomes light and fluffy.
Add the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud, then increase the speed to fully incorporate.
Pour in the heavy cream and mix on medium-high speed for 1-2 minutes, until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and spreadable.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Remove the cake layers from the freezer and let them sit on the counter for 10-15 minutes to slightly thaw.
Place the first cake layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread a generous layer of peanut butter frosting on top.
Add the second cake layer and repeat with another layer of frosting.
Place the final cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with a thin crumb coat. Chill the cake in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to set the crumb coat.
Once chilled, apply a final, thicker layer of frosting to the entire cake, smoothing the sides and top with a spatula.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Drip and Decorations
Melt the chocolate chips with a splash of heavy cream in the microwave or over a double boiler until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
Pour the melted chocolate over the top edges of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Use a spatula to spread the remaining chocolate on top of the cake for a glossy finish.
Arrange Reese's cups on top of the cake in a decorative pattern. For extra flair, you can also chop some Reese's cups and press them into the sides of the cake.
Serve and Enjoy!
Slice into this indulgent Reese's 3-Layer Cake and watch as the layers of chocolate cake, peanut butter frosting, and Reese's cups come together in perfect harmony. Every bite is a celebration of chocolate and peanut butter bliss. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or keeping it all to yourself (no judgment here!), this cake is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy!