Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cake

This peanut butter chocolate chip cake is one of those easy, no-frills bakes that’s meant for slicing and snacking, with no layering and frosting. It’s soft and tender with plenty of peanut butter flavor, dotted with chocolate chips, and finished with a lightly crumbly topping that bakes right into the surface. Think coffee cake vibes, but for peanut butter lovers.

It works just as well for an afternoon treat as it does tucked into lunchboxes or served with coffee after dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cake

• Snack cake, not dessert cake. This is intentionally simple. No frosting, no layers, just a tender cake you can slice and serve any time.
• Big peanut butter flavor. Creamy peanut butter is mixed right into the batter for richness and depth.
• Chocolate in every bite. Chocolate chips add just enough sweetness without overpowering the peanut butter.
• Easy and unfussy. One pan, straightforward mixing, and no decorating required.

Is This the Cake for You?

This cake bakes up soft and moist with a slightly dense crumb that makes it closer to a coffee cake than a fluffy birthday cake. The peanut butter flavor is front and center, the chocolate chips add just enough sweetness, and the topping melts a bit into the surface as it bakes rather than forming a heavy crumb layer. It’s rich without being heavy, sweet but not over-the-top, and best enjoyed in simple slices.

Key Ingredients

This cake is all about simple ingredients. Let’s take a look at a few key components and what they do. (You’ll find the full recipe below.)

• Creamy peanut butter gives the cake its richness and signature flavor.
• Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that pairs beautifully with peanut butter.
• Milk keeps the crumb soft and tender.
• Chocolate chips add pops of sweetness without turning this into a full-on dessert cake.

How to Make It

Start with the base and topping.
The flour, brown sugar, peanut butter, and butter are mixed together first, creating a thick, crumbly mixture. This step does double duty! Once combined, you’ll set aside a portion to use as the topping, so nothing extra to prep later.

Add the leavening and liquids.
Mix in the baking powder and baking soda, then add the milk and vanilla. The batter will loosen as you go, but it should still feel thick and sturdy. Remember, this is a snack cake, not a pourable batter.

Mix in the eggs gradually.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. This helps keep the batter smooth and evenly blended without overworking it.

Assemble and finish the top.
Spread the batter evenly in the pan, then sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture and chocolate chips over the top. Don’t press them in — the topping will settle naturally as the cake bakes.

Bake until just done.
The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid over-baking, which can dry out the crumb, especially around the edges.

Variations and Serving Ideas

• Try a different chocolate. Semisweet chocolate chips keep the cake balanced, but milk or dark chocolate chips would also work.
• Add a little crunch. A handful of chopped peanuts sprinkled over the top adds texture without changing the spirit of the cake.
• Serve it simply. This cake is great on its own, but it’s also nice with a cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk.
• Dress it up (just a little). A light dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns it into an easy, low-key dessert.

How to Store

Once completely cooled, cover the cake tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will keep well at room temperature for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. Make sure the container is airtight so the cake doesn’t dry out. Let slices come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

You can also freeze individual slices, well wrapped, for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

A Simple Cake for Peanut Butter Lovers

This peanut butter chocolate chip cake is the kind of bake that doesn’t ask much of you. Just one pan, simple ingredients, and no decorating required. It’s rich without being heavy, sweet without being over-the-top, and perfect for slicing and enjoying whenever the craving hits.

However you serve it, this is a dependable, no-frills cake that’s meant to be enjoyed just as it is.