Description
A moist and flavorful cacao and peanut swirl cake featuring a rich marbled pattern and a perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter flavors. This easy-to-make American dessert is ideal for tea time or as a sweet snack paired with coffee or milk.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Flavoring Mixtures
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cacao powder
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, followed by the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients alternating with the whole milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Divide Batter and Add Flavors: Divide the batter evenly between two bowls. Stir unsweetened cacao powder and hot water into one bowl until smooth; mix creamy peanut butter into the other batter until blended.
- Create Swirl Pattern: Spoon alternating dollops of the cacao and peanut butter batters into the prepared loaf pan. Use a knife to gently swirl the batters together, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully baked.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use natural peanut butter for a less sweet and more authentic peanut flavor.
- Add chopped peanuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and crunch.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with coffee or a cold glass of milk, enhancing its flavor.
