Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Bundt Cake: A Decadent Dessert Dream

Are you a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup fanatic? Do you dream of peanut butter and chocolate in perfect harmony? Then prepare to have your dessert dreams come true! This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Bundt Cake is the ultimate indulgence, a show-stopping centerpiece that’s surprisingly easy to make. We’re talking moist, peanut butter-infused cake, studded with chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and drizzled with a rich chocolate ganache. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite!

This recipe takes the classic bundt cake to a whole new level. Forget dry, crumbly cakes – this one is incredibly moist and tender, thanks to a few key ingredients and techniques. And the best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. So, grab your bundt pan and let’s get baking!

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Moist and Tender Crumb:** We use a combination of butter, oil, and sour cream to create a cake that’s incredibly moist and stays that way for days.
* **Intense Peanut Butter Flavor:** Peanut butter is incorporated directly into the batter, ensuring every bite is bursting with that signature Reese’s flavor.
* **Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chunks:** We don’t just add peanut butter; we load the cake with chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for pockets of melty goodness.
* **Rich Chocolate Ganache:** The smooth, decadent chocolate ganache perfectly complements the peanut butter flavor and adds a touch of elegance.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite its impressive appearance, this cake is surprisingly simple to make. Follow the steps carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with a bakery-worthy dessert.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Cake:

* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1 cup creamy peanut butter
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil
* 4 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1 cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (about 12-15 cups)

### For the Chocolate Ganache:

* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

## Equipment You’ll Need

* 10-inch Bundt pan
* Electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer)
* Large mixing bowl
* Medium mixing bowl
* Whisk
* Rubber spatula
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Wire rack

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Step 1: Prepare the Bundt Pan

This is crucial for ensuring your cake releases cleanly. Generously grease the bundt pan with shortening or baking spray that contains flour. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. You can also dust the pan with flour after greasing it.

### Step 2: Preheat Oven and Whisk Dry Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients.

### Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. This step is important for incorporating air into the batter, which contributes to the cake’s light and airy texture.

### Step 4: Add Peanut Butter and Oil

Beat in the peanut butter and vegetable oil until well combined. The oil adds moisture and helps to keep the cake from drying out.

### Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature, as this will help them incorporate more easily into the batter.

### Step 6: Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tough cake. Overmixing is a common pitfall in baking, so be mindful of this step.

### Step 7: Fold in Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Gently fold in the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Be careful not to overmix at this point.

### Step 8: Pour Batter into Bundt Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and spread evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.

### Step 9: Bake the Cake

Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Start checking for doneness around 60 minutes. Baking times may vary depending on your oven.

### Step 10: Cool the Cake

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the cake in the pan allows it to set slightly, making it easier to remove without breaking.

### Step 11: Make the Chocolate Ganache

While the cake is cooling, make the chocolate ganache. Place the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl and heat until simmering (about 1-2 minutes). Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 1 minute to soften the chocolate. Then, whisk until smooth and glossy.

### Step 12: Drizzle with Ganache

Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top. You can also pour the ganache into the center of the bundt cake and let it drip down the sides. For an extra touch, sprinkle with chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

### Step 13: Slice and Serve

Slice the cake and serve. Enjoy the peanut butter and chocolate perfection!

## Tips for Success

* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** This is especially important for the butter and eggs. Room temperature ingredients emulsify more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and a more tender cake.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make the cake tough. Mix until just combined.
* **Grease and Flour the Bundt Pan Thoroughly:** This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.
* **Let the Cake Cool Completely Before Adding the Ganache:** If the cake is still warm, the ganache will melt and run off.
* **Adjust Baking Time as Needed:** Baking times can vary depending on your oven. Start checking for doneness around 60 minutes and adjust the baking time as needed.
* **Add a Peanut Butter Glaze:** If you want an extra peanut butter punch, consider adding a peanut butter glaze on top of, or instead of, the chocolate ganache. Simply whisk together powdered sugar, peanut butter, milk (or cream), and a touch of vanilla extract until smooth.
* **Add a Sprinkle of Sea Salt:** A sprinkle of sea salt on top of the ganache will enhance the sweetness and add a salty-sweet flavor dimension.

## Variations

* **Peanut Butter Chips:** Add peanut butter chips to the batter along with the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for even more peanut butter flavor.
* **Chocolate Chunks:** Use dark chocolate chunks instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips in the ganache for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
* **Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups:** Use mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups instead of chopping the regular-sized ones.
* **Add Espresso Powder:** Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
* Pair it with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee.
* This cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.
* It also makes a great gift for the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup lover in your life.

## Storage Instructions

* Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* You can also store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
* For longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use a different size bundt pan?**

A: This recipe is designed for a 10-inch bundt pan. If you use a smaller pan, the cake may overflow. If you use a larger pan, the cake may be thinner and require a shorter baking time.

**Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache?**

A: Yes, you can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate for the ganache. Adjust the amount of heavy cream as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

**Q: Can I make this cake without a bundt pan?**

A: While this recipe is specifically for a bundt cake, you could try baking it in two 9-inch round cake pans. Reduce the baking time accordingly.

**Q: My cake stuck to the bundt pan. What did I do wrong?**

A: This is usually due to not greasing and flouring the pan thoroughly enough. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Also, let the cake cool in the pan for the recommended time before inverting it.

**Q: Can I use natural peanut butter?**

A: While you *can* use natural peanut butter, the cake’s texture and flavor might be slightly different. Natural peanut butter tends to be drier and less sweet than processed peanut butter. If you do use it, make sure to stir it well before measuring.

**Q: The ganache is too thick/thin. What can I do?**

A: If the ganache is too thick, add a tablespoon of hot heavy cream at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a tablespoon of melted chocolate chips at a time.

## Conclusion

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Bundt Cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion and is sure to impress your friends and family. The combination of moist peanut butter cake, chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and rich chocolate ganache is simply irresistible. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get baking! You won’t regret it.
Enjoy this decadent masterpiece! It’s truly a peanut butter lover’s dream come true.