This post has been sponsored by Pillsbury™. All thoughts and opinions expressed are genuinely my own.

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Indulge in the Ultimate Dessert: Peanut Butter Espresso Cake

Prepare to fall in love with a cake that perfectly marries two beloved flavors: rich, dark espresso and creamy, decadent peanut butter. This Peanut Butter Espresso Cake features moist chocolate espresso cake layers, generously slathered with Pillsbury™ Peanut Butter Frosting made with real Jif® Peanut Butter. It’s truly a cake lover’s dream, offering an unparalleled taste experience that’s both sophisticated and comforting.

If you’re a devoted peanut butter fan, you might also adore these Peanut Butter and Jelly Breakfast Rolls for a delightful start to your day!

From Culinary Enthusiast to Occasional Baker: My Cake Journey

For most of my life, I’ve considered myself a cook, not a baker. While I can whip up a fantastic three-course meal on any given night, the world of meticulously measured ingredients, precise timings, and delicate techniques often felt daunting. I’ve always admired the stunning cakes, delicate macarons, and rustic pies that emerge from skilled bakers’ kitchens, but typically, when it came to dessert, a simple boxed cake mix was my go-to solution.

However, there are special occasions that inspire me to push my boundaries and embrace the art of baking. When a birthday rolls around, especially for someone incredibly special in our household, I dust off my cookbooks, retrieve my cake pans, and dive into the challenge. This Peanut Butter Espresso Cake was born out of one such occasion. The moment I envisioned the combination of bold espresso and creamy peanut butter, I knew it would be an absolute hit with my husband.

The Irresistible Fusion: Peanut Butter and Espresso

In our home, peanut butter isn’t just a pantry staple; it’s a way of life. If a dish contains peanut butter, it’s practically guaranteed to disappear within a day – often much sooner! And when you add chocolate into the mix, it becomes an even more irresistible treat. This deep affection for peanut butter, combined with our shared love for coffee, made the concept of a Peanut Butter Espresso Cake an absolute revelation.

The robust, slightly bitter notes of espresso perfectly complement the rich, nutty sweetness of peanut butter. This dynamic duo creates a dessert that’s both comforting and invigorating, a sophisticated twist on classic flavors. It’s the kind of cake that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite, truly perfect for a special celebration or just a luxurious indulgence on a quiet afternoon.

The Secret to Success: Pillsbury™ Peanut Butter Frosting

While I often pride myself on making components from scratch, I’m always open to smart shortcuts that save time without compromising on flavor or quality. For this particular cake, I initially planned to whip up my own homemade peanut butter frosting. However, during a recent trip to Kroger, my eyes immediately landed on a brilliant discovery in the baking aisle: Pillsbury™ Peanut Butter Frosting made with real Jif® Peanut Butter!

This was an absolute game-changer. Not only did it promise to significantly reduce my prep time, but knowing it was from Pillsbury, a brand we trust, and contained real Jif® Peanut Butter, a household favorite, sealed the deal. This frosting is not just convenient; it’s incredibly delicious – smooth, creamy, and packed with authentic peanut butter flavor that truly shines. It made the decision to choose a store-bought frosting over homemade an easy one, proving that sometimes, the best solution is already on the shelf!

Crafting the Espresso-Infused Cake Layers

The foundation of this exquisite dessert is a rich, moist espresso cake. While the recipe provided is for a scratch-made cake, designed to deliver that perfect light and airy texture, it’s also remarkably simple to execute. I typically prefer using cake flour for this recipe, as it results in a finer crumb and a wonderfully delicate consistency compared to all-purpose flour. However, don’t let that deter you; feel free to use whatever flour you have on hand, as the cake will still be absolutely delicious.

For those looking for an even quicker solution, you can easily adapt a boxed Pillsbury Dark Chocolate cake mix. Simply substitute chilled espresso for the water called for in the package directions to infuse your cake with that deep coffee flavor. Whichever method you choose, ensuring your cake layers are thoroughly cooled before frosting is crucial for a beautifully assembled cake.

Assembling Your Show-Stopping Peanut Butter Espresso Cake

Once your espresso cake layers have completely cooled, it’s time for the most enjoyable part: assembly! Begin by placing one cake layer on your chosen cake stand or serving plate. This base layer will hold all the deliciousness that follows. Next, generously spread about 1.5 containers of the Pillsbury™ Peanut Butter Frosting made with real Jif® Peanut Butter over the top of the first cake. I personally love a thick, luscious layer of frosting in the middle, as it adds incredible moisture and flavor to every slice. While I recommend 1.5 containers for this rich filling, you could certainly use just one if you prefer a slightly lighter touch.

Carefully place the second cake layer directly on top of the frosted first layer. Now, it’s time to cover the entire cake! Use the remaining 1.5 containers of Pillsbury™ Peanut Butter Frosting to spread evenly over the top and down the sides of the cake. Aim for smooth, even coverage for a professional finish. For an extra touch of elegance, transfer a portion of the frosting into a piping bag fitted with a star attachment. Pipe beautiful dollops around the top edge of the cake, and for the ultimate flourish, gently press a chocolate-covered espresso bean into the center of each dollop. And just like that, you’ve created a magnificent, show-stopping cake worthy of any birthday celebration, holiday gathering, or simply a delightful Sunday afternoon treat for the peanut butter and espresso enthusiast in your life!

Rich chocolate espresso cakes are layered with Pillsbury™ Peanut Butter Frosting made with real Jif® Peanut Butter to create the ultimate cake lover’s dream! | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

4 votes

Peanut Butter Espresso Cake

Prep 15 mins

Cook 30 mins

Total 45 mins

Author Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

Yield 16 servings

Rich chocolate espresso cakes are layered with Pillsbury™ Peanut Butter Frosting to create this Peanut Butter Espresso Cake-the ultimate cake lover’s dream!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups cake flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon fine salt
3/4 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup espresso, chilled
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs, room temperature
3 containers Pillsbury™ Peanut Butter Frosting made with real Jif® Peanut Butter
Chocolate covered espresso beans

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Line 2-8” cake pans with parchment paper (I highly recommend these parchment round papers) and spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
In a large bowl, sift together all the dry ingredients: cake flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and fine salt.
In a separate medium bowl, thoroughly mix together the buttermilk, chilled espresso, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and room temperature eggs.
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and gradually pour in the wet ingredients. Mix until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
Divide the batter evenly, pouring approximately 2 ½ cups into each prepared cake pan. Place both pans into the preheated oven.
Bake for 30-32 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10-15 minutes before carefully removing them. Transfer the cakes onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Assembly

Place the first cooled cake layer onto a cake stand or serving plate. Spread 1 ½ containers of Pillsbury™ Peanut Butter Frosting made with real Jif® Peanut Butter evenly over the top surface.
Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the frosted first layer. Spread 1 container of Pillsbury™ Peanut Butter Frosting made with real Jif® Peanut Butter over the top and down the sides, covering the entire cake smoothly.
Transfer the remaining ½ container of peanut butter frosting into a piping bag fitted with a star attachment. Pipe decorative dollops around the edges of the top of the cake. For a final flourish, place one chocolate-covered espresso bean into the center of each piped dollop.

Courses Dessert

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 serving

Amount Per Serving
Calories 529
% Daily Value
Total Fat 30 g		46%
	Saturated Fat 8 g	40%
Cholesterol 24 mg		8%
Sodium 365 mg		15%
Total Carbohydrates 60 g		20%
	Dietary Fiber 3 g	12%
	Sugars 42 g
Protein 10 g		20%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Beyond the Cake: The Versatility of Pillsbury™ Peanut Butter Frosting

I must confess, this Pillsbury™ Peanut Butter Frosting has truly impressed me. Dare I say, it might even rival my homemade version? I know, it’s a bold statement, but its perfectly creamy texture, rich peanut butter flavor, and sheer convenience are undeniable. I can easily imagine keeping a container of this delightful frosting in my pantry, ready to transform everyday snacks and desserts.

Think about the possibilities! It would make an incredible base for dips during football games or after-school snack time. Spread it onto crisp apple slices, celery sticks, or even graham crackers for an instant, satisfying treat. Essentially, you can use it just like you would traditional peanut butter, but with an added level of smooth, sweet indulgence. It’s truly creamy, incredibly smooth, and absolutely delicious – a versatile pantry essential for any peanut butter enthusiast.

Psst… for those who love variety, there’s also a fantastic chocolate version of Pillsbury™ Peanut Butter Frosting made with real Jif® Peanut Butter! It’s another fantastic option to explore!

Ready to try this incredible frosting for yourself? Check your local Kroger store locator to find a location near you today. Don’t forget to use this coupon to save on your purchase!

Espresso Peanut Butter Bliss