Ingredients

For the Cake:

• • Eggs: 3 large
  • Salt: a pinch

• • Vanilla Sugar: 1 teaspoon
  • Granulated Sugar: 50g (1.76 oz)
  • Milk: 50 ml (1.76 oz)

• • Vegetable Oil: 30 ml (1 fl oz)
  • All-Purpose Flour: 70g (2.46 oz)
  • Cocoa Powder: 15g (0.5 oz)

For the Frosting:

• • Softened Butter: 20g (0.7 oz)
  • Powdered Sugar: 10g (0.3 oz)
  • Peanut Butter: 50g (1.76 oz)

• Whipping Cream: 100 ml (3.5 fl oz)

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• • Dark Chocolate: 120g (4.2 oz)
  • Peanuts: 10g (0.3 oz, chopped for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. 1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (356°F). Grease and flour a round cake pan (approximately 8 inches in diameter) or line it with parchment paper.
   2. Whisk the Eggs: In a mixing bowl, crack the three eggs and add a pinch of salt and the vanilla sugar. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat the eggs until they become frothy and pale in color.
   3. Add Sugar and Milk: Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue to whisk until it dissolves. Next, pour in the milk and vegetable oil, mixing until fully combined.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and cocoa powder. This ensures there are no lumps and gives the cake a lighter texture.
3. Mix the Batter: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. 1. Pour the Batter: Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

1. Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

1. 1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and powdered sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.

1. Add Peanut Butter: Mix in the peanut butter until well combined. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a splash of milk to achieve a smoother consistency.
2. Whip the Cream: In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until fully combined. This will give the frosting a light and airy texture.

Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

1. 1. Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.

1. Combine with Cream: Once melted, allow the chocolate to cool slightly before using. If desired, you can mix in a small amount of whipped cream to create a silky ganache.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

1. 1. Layer the Cake: If the cake has domed slightly, use a serrated knife to level the top. Place the cooled cake on a serving plate.
   2. Frost the Cake: Spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
2. Add Ganache: Drizzle the melted chocolate ganache over the frosted cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful presentation.
3. Garnish: Finally, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for added crunch and decoration.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

1. 1. Chill: Place the assembled cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set the frosting and ganache.

1. Slice and Serve: After chilling, slice the cake into wedges and serve. Enjoy your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee!