Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Pound Cake – Rich, Moist, and Utterly Indulgent

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between rich peanut butter flavor, buttery pound cake texture, and the irresistible pockets of melted chocolate throughout. It’s easy to make, slices beautifully, and stays moist for days. The combination of sweet and salty elements creates a well-rounded dessert that appeals to all ages. It’s equally perfect for gatherings or as a comforting homemade treat.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and ensures the cake has that classic dense pound cake texture.

Butter: A core component of pound cake, adding richness and moisture to every bite.

Creamy Peanut Butter: Infuses the cake with nutty depth and enhances the overall richness.

Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a tender crumb.

Eggs: Provide structure, stability, and moisture. They’re essential in creating the signature pound cake body.

Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and enhances the flavor of the peanut butter and chocolate.

Baking Powder: A small amount helps the cake rise just enough without losing the characteristic density of pound cake.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor.

Milk or Buttermilk: Adds moisture and keeps the crumb soft.

Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips create pockets of melty sweetness throughout the cake.

Powdered Sugar (optional): For a light dusting on top to finish the cake.

Directions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk or buttermilk. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter. Fold in the chocolate chips gently.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. If desired, swirl a tablespoon of peanut butter across the top for an extra touch of flavor. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few melted chocolate streaks are fine).

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
• large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
• Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
• Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
• Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
• 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
• knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
• Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 1 standard loaf, about 8–10 slices.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 55–65 minutes
Total time: 70–80 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store the pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. It also freezes beautifully — wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.

Variations and Customizations

Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl: Add extra peanut butter and melted chocolate, swirling them into the batter for a marbled effect.

Crunchy Texture: Fold in chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips for added texture.

Dark Chocolate Twist: Use dark chocolate chips for a deeper, more intense flavor.

Gluten-Free Version: Use a high-quality gluten-free baking flour blend.

Banana Peanut Butter Loaf: Add mashed banana for extra moisture and flavor.

Cinnamon Touch: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm, cozy twist.

Frosted Pound Cake: Top with a peanut butter glaze made from powdered sugar, peanut butter, and milk.

Mocha Version: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter for a coffee-infused variation.

Healthier Swap: Use Greek yogurt in place of part of the butter for a slightly lighter crumb.

Holiday Edition: Fold in chopped pecans and top with a drizzle of chocolate ganache.

FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but make sure it’s well-stirred and not too oily for the best texture.

2. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Absolutely — it adds great texture to the cake.

3. Should I coat the chocolate chips in flour?

If you’re worried about sinking, lightly toss them in flour before adding to the batter.

4. Can I make this cake in a bundt pan?

Yes, but adjust baking time as needed and check for doneness around 45–50 minutes.

5. What type of chocolate chips work best?

Semi-sweet is classic, but milk or dark chocolate also taste great.

6. Can I reduce the sugar?

You can reduce it slightly, but this may affect the texture since sugar helps with moisture.

7. Can I use oil instead of butter?

Butter is essential for the pound cake texture, so oil isn’t recommended.

8. How do I keep the cake moist?

Avoid overbaking and store it in an airtight container once cooled.

9. Can I add mix-ins besides chocolate?

Yes — try nuts, toffee bits, or peanut butter chips.

10. How should I serve this cake?

It’s delicious on its own, but also pairs beautifully with ice cream or a warm cup of coffee.

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Pound Cake is the perfect fusion of rich pound cake, creamy peanut butter, and melty chocolate chips. Every slice is dense, moist, and bursting with comforting flavors that make it irresistible. Whether you bake it for a gathering or savor it as a personal treat, this cake delivers the ideal balance of sweetness, richness, and nostalgia. It’s a cozy, decadent dessert you’ll want to make again and again.

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