If you’re a fan of indulgent desserts packed with texture, flavor, and nostalgic goodness, this is the cake for you. The ultimate mashup of two iconic sweet treats—rocky road and peanut butter—this rich layer cake is an irresistible combination of chocolate, creamy peanut butter, fluffy marshmallow, and crunchy peanuts. It’s like a candy bar and a cake had the most delicious baby ever. Pour yourself a tall glass of milk because this one’s unapologetically decadent.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Rocky Road Layer Cake
Cake
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1 box devil’s food cake mix
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1 cup water (240 milliliters)
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1/3 cup vegetable oil (80 milliliters)
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3 large eggs
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1 cup peanut butter chips (170 grams)
Filling
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1 cup marshmallow creme (240 milliliters)
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1 cup creamy peanut butter (240 grams)
Frosting
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1 tub frozen whipped topping, thawed (8 oz or 225 grams)
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8 oz cream cheese, softened (225 grams)
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1 box instant chocolate pudding mix (3.4 oz or 96 grams)
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1 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (300 grams)
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1/2 cup chocolate syrup (120 milliliters)
Topping
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1/2 cup miniature marshmallows (25 grams)
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1/3 cup honey-roasted peanuts (45 grams)
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1/4 cup milk chocolate chips (45 grams)
How to Make Peanut Butter Rocky Road Layer Cake
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
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Spray two 8-inch (20-centimeter) round cake pans with cooking spray and lightly flour them to prevent sticking.
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In a large bowl, mix the devil’s food cake mix, water, oil, and eggs on low speed for about 30 seconds until moistened. Then beat at medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth. Stir in the peanut butter chips and divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
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Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely in the pans, then carefully remove them.
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In a small bowl, mix together the marshmallow creme and creamy peanut butter until smooth. This will be your gooey filling.
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Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of the marshmallow-peanut butter filling on top. Add the second cake layer directly on top of the first.
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For the frosting, combine the whipped topping, softened cream cheese, instant chocolate pudding mix, chocolate hazelnut spread, and chocolate syrup in a medium bowl. Stir until evenly mixed into a luscious, chocolatey frosting.
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Spread the frosting over the top and sides of the stacked cake, using a spatula to smooth it out.
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Garnish the cake by sprinkling miniature marshmallows, honey-roasted peanuts, and milk chocolate chips over the top.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Rocky Road Cake is a feast for the senses and a total crowd-pleaser. The contrast of creamy, crunchy, gooey, and fudgy layers ensures every bite is packed with something delightful (okay, we said no delight in the title, but it’s true!). It’s a fantastic centerpiece for birthdays, potlucks, or whenever you need to treat yourself or impress guests. Just be warned—once you serve it, everyone will be asking for the recipe.
