Ingredients
- Devil's food cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz)
- Large eggs (3)
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup)
- Water (1 cup)
- Creamy peanut butter (1 cup)
- Powdered sugar (1 1/2 cups)
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted)
- Milk (2 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water in a large bowl and mix on medium speed for about two minutes until the batter is smooth.
- Step 2: Prepare the gooey filling by combining the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, melted unsalted butter, and milk in a separate bowl, mixing thoroughly until a thick, uniform paste forms.
- Step 3: Pour approximately half of the chocolate cake batter into the prepared pan. Drop the peanut butter mixture by tablespoonfuls evenly across the surface of the batter, ensuring there is space between the scoops.
- Step 4: Carefully pour the remaining chocolate cake batter over the peanut butter mounds, gently spreading it with a spatula to cover the entire filling layer. Avoid over-mixing or pressing down on the peanut butter layer.
- Step 5: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges of the cake are set and a toothpick inserted near the side comes out clean, but the center still appears soft and moist, indicating the gooey melt filling is hot.
- Step 6: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving warm to enjoy the melted peanut butter center.
Notes
- Store leftovers tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but be aware the peanut butter filling will set up significantly firmer when chilled.
- To restore the signature gooey center, reheat individual slices briefly in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds before serving.
- For an ultimate dessert experience, serve the warm slices topped with a small scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream to contrast the rich chocolate and PB flavors.
- Chef's Tip: When preparing the filling layer, lightly oil the tablespoon before dropping the thick peanut butter mixture to ensure clean, distinct mounds that won't smear into the cake batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American