Rich Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

Directions

• In a large bowl, beat the sugar, milk, coffee, oil, eggs and vanilla until well blended. Combine the flour, cocoa, coffee granules, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into sugar mixture until blended.
• Transfer to two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
• For filling, in a large bowl, beat butter and peanut butter until blended. Add confectioners' sugar; beat until smooth.
• For frosting, melt peanut butter and chocolate in a microwave; stir until smooth. Cool. In a large bowl, beat butter and chocolate mixture until fluffy. Add the marshmallow creme, confectioners’ sugar and vanilla; beat until smooth. If necessary, refrigerate until frosting reaches spreading consistency.
• Place 1 cake layer on a serving plate; spread with filling. Top with remaining cake layer. Spread frosting over top and sides of cake. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
• For optional garnish, place chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl; microwave 1-2 minutes or until melted, stirring every 20 seconds. Repeat with peanut butter chips and shortening. Line a 15x10x1 pan with waxed paper; spread the melted chocolate into a 1/4-inch layer. Drizzle melted peanut butter mixture over melted chocolate and swirl with the tip of a spoon. Tap pan on counter to smooth. Refrigerate until set; break into pieces and place on top of cake.