Quicker Blue-Ribbon Peanut Butter Torte

Total Time

Prep: 25 min. + chilling Bake: 20 min. + cooling

Makes

16 servings

Updated: Oct. 15, 2022
No one will guess that this tall, tiered cake isn't completely homemade. Chunky peanut butter is stirred into both the cake batter and the decadent chocolate ganache, giving each layer a rich, from-scratch taste. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Quicker Blue-Ribbon Peanut Butter Torte Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 package yellow cake mix (regular size)
  • 1-1/4 cups water
  • 1 cup chunky peanut butter, divided
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 package (10 ounces) 60% cacao bittersweet chocolate baking chips
  • 2-1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 cans (16 ounces each) cream cheese frosting
  • 2 Butterfinger candy bars (2.1 ounces each), coarsely chopped
  • 1/3 cup chopped honey-roasted peanuts

Directions

  1. Grease and flour three 9-in. round baking pans; set aside. Combine the cake mix, water, 1/2 cup peanut butter, eggs, oil and vanilla in a large bowl; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Pour batter into prepared pans (pans will have a shallow fill).
  2. Bake at 350° for 17-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.
  3. Place chocolate chips in a large bowl. Bring cream and brown sugar to a boil in a small heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat; simmer for 1-2 minutes or until sugar is dissolved.
  4. Pour cream mixture over chocolate; whisk until smooth. Stir in remaining peanut butter until blended. Chill until mixture reaches a spreading consistency. Spread between layers.
  5. Frost top and sides of cake. Garnish with chopped candy bars and peanuts. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 798 calories, 46g fat (17g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 456mg sodium, 94g carbohydrate (71g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.