Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Brownie Layer Cake is an amazing dessert that combines the rich, indulgent taste of brownies with the delightful flavor of cookie dough. This layered cake is a chocolate lover’s dream, and it’s perfect for any special occasion. If you’re looking to impress family and friends with an extraordinary dessert, this cake won’t disappoint. The contrast between the fudgy brownie layers and the creamy peanut butter cookie dough utterly captivates the senses.
Imagine slicing through the layers of chocolatey goodness, each bite revealing a perfect blend of flavors and textures. This Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Brownie Layer Cake is not just a feast for the taste buds; it’s also visually stunning. With rich layers of brownie and cookie dough, it’s designed to make any dessert table shine. Whether for a birthday, a holiday gathering, or simply to indulge yourself, this incredible cake will leave everyone wanting more.
This guide will walk you through why you’ll love this recipe, the preparation and cooking times, and all the necessary ingredients. Additionally, a straightforward step-by-step instruction list will help make your baking experience easy and enjoyable. Let’s dive into the world of peanut butter and chocolate!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Brownie Layer Cake is a treat that has something for everyone. Here are several reasons to fall in love with this recipe:
1. Decadent Flavors: The rich combination of chocolate and peanut butter creates a mouthwatering experience.
2. Layered Delight: Each layer offers a different texture—from soft brownie to creamy cookie dough.
3. Easy to Customize: Feel free to adjust the ingredients or add your favorite toppings, like crushed nuts or drizzled chocolate.
4. Impressive Presentation: With its layered look, this cake is guaranteed to be the centerpiece of any dessert table.
5. Perfect for Sharing: This cake serves multiple people, making it ideal for gatherings and celebrations.
6. Satisfying Indulgence: As you enjoy each slice, you’ll experience a delightful balance of flavors that will keep you coming back.
With such compelling reasons, this Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Brownie Layer Cake is a must-try for anyone who loves a good sweet treat!
Preparation and Cooking Time
Making Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Brownie Layer Cake is an engaging process. Here’s a breakdown of the time involved:
– Preparation Time: 30 minutes
– Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
– Cooling Time: 20-30 minutes
This cake may take a bit of time and effort, but the results are absolutely worth it. The total time, from start to finish, will be approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make your Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Brownie Layer Cake:
For the Brownies
– 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 4 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup mini chocolate chips
– ½ cup creamy peanut butter
For the Frosting
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– ½ cup creamy peanut butter
– ¼ cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating your Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Brownie Layer Cake can be straightforward. Just follow these steps:
For the Brownies
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Add Eggs: Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
4. Sift Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
5. Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until well combined.
6. Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
7. Divide and Pour: Evenly distribute the brownie batter among the three prepared pans.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
For the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough
9. Mix Butter and Sugars: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until creamy.
10. Add Milk and Vanilla: Mix in the milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
11. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
12. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Carefully mix in the mini chocolate chips, then set aside.
For the Frosting
13. Beat Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
14. Add Peanut Butter: Mix in the peanut butter until well combined.
15. Add Sugar: Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until fluffy. Adjust the consistency with heavy cream as needed, and add vanilla extract.
Assembling the Cake
16. Layering: Place one brownie layer on a serving platter. Spread a layer of peanut butter frosting on top, followed by a layer of cookie dough.
17. Repeat: Add the second brownie layer and repeat the frosting and cookie dough process.
18. Top with Final Layer: Place the third brownie layer on top, and use the remaining frosting to frost the top and sides of the cake.
19. Add Final Touches: Optionally, decorate with additional chocolate chips or a drizzle of peanut butter.
How to Serve
Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Brownie Layer Cake is a showstopper and should be served with care. Here are some tips for an unforgettable presentation:
1. Presentation Plate: Use a decorative cake stand to enhance the cake’s appearance.
2. Slice Generously: When cutting, serve large slices to allow guests to fully enjoy the layers.
3. Garnish: Consider garnishing with extra chocolate chips or drizzles of melted peanut butter for added flair.
4. Beverage Pairing: Complement this sweet treat with milk, coffee, or even a dessert wine for adults.
5. Time to Indulge: Serve immediately after slicing, letting the rich aroma draw guests in.
By focusing on these elements, your Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Brownie Layer Cake will not only taste amazing but also look spectacular at any gathering! Enjoy the sweet indulgence!
Additional Tips
– Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
– Allow Cooling: Let the brownie layers cool completely before assembling to prevent the frosting from melting.
– Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding a pinch of sea salt on top of the frosting for an enhanced taste that complements the sweet layers.
– Check for Doneness: Always check your brownie layers to prevent overbaking. They should be set but still fudgy.
Recipe Variation
Feel free to get creative! Here are some delicious variations to try:
1. Cookie Dough Twist: Add a dash of cinnamon to your cookie dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
2. One-Pan Wonder: Instead of layered cakes, bake all the batter in a single 9×13 pan and layer frosting and cookie dough on top for a quicker version.
3. Nutty Addition: Stir in crushed peanuts or other nuts into the brownie batter for added texture and flavor enhancement.
4. Brownie Bottom: For a more indulgent version, bake a thicker brownie layer at the bottom, then add cookie dough and frosting above it.
Freezing and Storage
– Storage: Keep the assembled cake in an airtight container at room temperature if you’ll consume it within a couple of days. For longer storage, refrigerate.
– Freezing: You can freeze individual slices of the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container.
Special Equipment
Having the right tools can make your baking experience smoother:
– Mixing bowls for different batter components.
– Electric mixer to easily cream the butter and sugars.
– A spatula for spreading frosting evenly.
– Parchment paper for lining the cake pans to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few crumbs clinging to it.
Can I make the cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the brownie layers a day prior. Just assemble and frost just before serving for the best texture.
Is this dessert suitable for gluten-free diets?
You can use gluten-free flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour in both the brownie and cookie dough components.
Can I add different flavors to the frosting?
Absolutely! You can incorporate various extracts, like almond or coconut, for a unique twist on the frosting.
Should I store this cake in the fridge?
If the cake has frosting, it’s best stored in the fridge to keep it fresh and maintain the frosting’s integrity.
Conclusion
The Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Brownie Layer Cake is a dessert that will impress both visually and in taste. With rich layers of brownie and cookie dough, every bite is an explosion of flavor. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Its combination of textures and flavors, alongside the irresistible peanut butter frosting, creates a truly indulgent experience. Don’t hesitate to try this delightful recipe; it’s an adventure that’s worth every bite.
Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Brownie Layer Cake: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
- Total Time: 0 hours
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make your Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Brownie Layer Cake:
Instructions
Creating your Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Brownie Layer Cake can be straightforward. Just follow these steps:
For the Brownies
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Add Eggs: Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
4. Sift Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
5. Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until well combined.
6. Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
7. Divide and Pour: Evenly distribute the brownie batter among the three prepared pans.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
For the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough
9. Mix Butter and Sugars: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until creamy.
10. Add Milk and Vanilla: Mix in the milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
11. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
12. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Carefully mix in the mini chocolate chips, then set aside.
For the Frosting
13. Beat Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
14. Add Peanut Butter: Mix in the peanut butter until well combined.
15. Add Sugar: Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until fluffy. Adjust the consistency with heavy cream as needed, and add vanilla extract.
Assembling the Cake
16. Layering: Place one brownie layer on a serving platter. Spread a layer of peanut butter frosting on top, followed by a layer of cookie dough.
17. Repeat: Add the second brownie layer and repeat the frosting and cookie dough process.
18. Top with Final Layer: Place the third brownie layer on top, and use the remaining frosting to frost the top and sides of the cake.
19. Add Final Touches: Optionally, decorate with additional chocolate chips or a drizzle of peanut butter.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 slices
- Calories: 570 kcal per slice
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 8g