Who doesn’t love peanut butter cups? This cake has chocolate on the outside, and peanut butter deliciousness on the inside! Although the cake is labor intensive, and needs to be made over 2 days, it’s worth it! Take a look at the gorgeous cake below!

Scrumptious Peanut Butter Cup Cake

Ingredients

For the chocolate cake

• butter, for greasing the pans
• 1 3/4 cups flour, plus more for pans
• 2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cups cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee

For the peanut butter cake

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup butter
• 3 tbsp peanut butter
• 2 tsp PB2 (optional)
• 6 tbsp milk
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
• 1 scant tsp vanilla extract

For the peanut butter filling

• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 1/3 cups creamy peanut butter
• 5 tbsp melted butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

For the chocolate icing

• 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
• 1 cup cocoa powder
• 4-5 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup whipping cream (or milk)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp espresso powder

Garnish

• 3/4 of a bag of mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, roughly chopped

Instructions

For the chocolate cake

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Butter two 8-inch round cake pans and line with parchment paper. Butter and flour the pans.
2. Sift flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a bowl and mix on low speed until combined.
3. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
4. Mixing on low speed, slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry. Add coffee and stir just to combine.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick or knife put into the middle comes out clean.
6. Cool in the pans for 30 minutes, then turn them out onto a cooling rack and cool completely.

For the peanut butter cake

1. Heat oven to 350°. Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and soda.
3. In a saucepan, heat the butter, peanut butter, and milk until the butter has melted and mixture is hot. Stir the hot mixture into the flour mixture until blended.
4. Whisk eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla. Slowly beat into the first mixture until smooth and well blended.
5. Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.

For the peanut butter filling layer

1. Mix powdered sugar, peanut butter and melted butter with a mixer (it will be crumbly). Add cream 1 tablespoon at a time until the mixture becomes a consistent workable dough. It should not be crumbly or stick to your fingers. The mixture should hold together easily when a small amount is squeezed tight in the palm of your hand.
2. Divide the dough into two even portions. Line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper. Press peanut butter dough into the bottom of the pans evenly, forming the peanut butter layers. Place in freezer until frozen, about 6 hours.

For the chocolate frosting

1. Add cocoa to a bowl and whisk through to remove any lumps.
2. Cream together butter and cocoa powder until well-combined.
3. Add powdered sugar and milk to cocoa mixture by adding 1 cup of powdered sugar followed by about a tablespoon of cream. After each addition has been combined, turn mixer onto a high speed for 1 minute. Repeat until all sugar and cream have been added.
4. Add vanilla extract and espresso powder and combine well.
5. If frosting appears too dry, add more cream, a tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency. If it appears to wet and does not hold its form, add more sugar, a tablespoon at a time.

Assembling the cake

1. Level your cakes to remove domed tops.
2. Place 1 layer of chocolate cake on a cardboard round and top with 1/4 cup of chocolate frosting. Top with a layer of frozen peanut butter filling and add another layer of frosting. Follow with the peanut butter cake layer, a layer of frosting, the second peanut butter filling layer, a layer of frosting, then top off with the second chocolate cake layer.
3. Once all your layers are stacked, frost the cake with a very thin crumb coat layer of icing and refrigerate until icing is set (about 30 minutes).
4. Use the remaining icing to frost the outside of the cake then top with a mountain of chopped Reese’s Cups.

Photos and recipe: Butter Lust Blog.

There are so many little things that are needed for a party, BBQ, or any special occasion, and sometimes it can be overwhelming. Setting that perfect table is one of the things many people have trouble with, but don’t fret! We’ve got 10 tips on how to set the perfect table for that special occasion, stress not included!

1. Table Runner

You don’t have to use a conventional table runner to decorate your table. Try using a pretty scarf, or you can stitch doilies together for a vintage look. Use your imagination, and the sky is the limit!

2. Napkin Rings

If you would like your silverware to look a little more organized, try using some napkin rings. You can buy your own, or get creative and make your own! We’re loving these simple print-out napkin rings that can be assembled in minutes.

3. Centerpiece

A gorgeous centerpiece is the highlight of any beautifully set table. Be it flowers, succulents, or candles. These lanterns and pink flowers look gorgeous on this table. Look for simple lanterns at the dollar store that can be spray painted, and decorated any way you wish!

4. Place Cards

If you have a seating arrangement, placing the names of your guests on cute place cards can help everyone stay organized. An easy way to keep your seating plan organized is printing out names in a fancy font on card stock and placing it with your silverware. If you’re feeling creative, these message in a bottle place cards are just too cute to pass up!

5. Lighting

For lighting, there are many options to choose from. For a rustic look, hang mason jars with tea candles inside. For a more casual party, paper lanterns are a popular choice, and they come in any color. What we’re loving these days is outdoor chandeliers that add a touch of elegance and romance to any party or get-together. Scour thrift shops for chandeliers and give them a new coat of paint to freshen them up. Hang the chandelier above the center of your table, or add two or three in a row for even more light.

6. Chair Covers

To save money, you can rent chairs and cover them with a unique slipcover to fit your party or get-together theme. Once you’ve outfitted the chair with a slipcover, decorate it by wrapping the back of the chair with a large bow, or even a small bouquet of flowers.

7. Charger Plates

Charger plates are a great way to dress up your table and they act as a base for food-bearing bowls and dishes. Since they’re not meant to be eaten off of, you can decorate them any way you wish to fit the theme of your table. These faux mercury glass charger plates would fit any elegant or winter-themed party.

8. Party Favors

Although optional, party favors add a little extra surprise for your guests. Place them in the middle of each plate, as a little thank you to your guests for coming. You can place candy inside cute packaging, or even a small succulent in a mini pot can be a delightful gift. We love the small paper bags at this western-themed party. Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best ones!

9. Glassware

From fancy wineglasses to simple mason jars, your glassware reflects the theme and feel of your party. If you’re looking for a more elegant look with your glassware, large frosted wineglasses will do the trick. For a casual party, try mason jars and straws in the color of your theme.

10. Elevate Your Food and Drinks

To add interest to your table, place your drinks and food on cake stands and tiers. For extra serving space, place them on a bar cart or small table close to your main dining table. This is also a great way to store extra napkins and silverware within reach of your guests, and without crowding your dining table.

Photos: The Graphics Fairy, My Big Day Company, Ashley Ann, Etsy, Sheila Zeller, Style Me Pretty, Tip Junkie, Rustic Wedding Chic, Tidbits and Twine, Mid West Living.