Pass The Sushi

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Baking Dessert

Chocolate Peanut Butter Birthday Cake

Chocolate peanut butter birthday cake – because everyone deserves that much goodness on their birthday.

Chocolate peanut butter layer cake. Chocolate cake layered with creamy peanut butter filling and topped with rich chocolate frosting.

It’s my party – I do what I want.

OK, not really. But it is my birthday, and I thought we could celebrate with something a little special. In my opinion, there’s not much better than a chocolate peanut butter combo, so chocolate peanut butter birthday cake is the obvious choice.

I’m not sure when my blogiversary would be, as I’ve owned Pass the Sushi for a few years but didn’t actively start ‘blogging’ until last year. So, we’re going to party down on my actual birthday. It’s Wednesday, hump day, right smack in the middle and I’m working – so why not throw a virtual b-day bash?!

I turn a quarter of a century old today. It feels as though that should be some sort of milestone but really after you can vote and drink I’m not really sure any birthday matters until you can collect social security. Then I’ll know I’m living. But at 25, I feel like I should reflect a little and look ahead.

So what have I accomplished in 25 years?

Ever since I was a little girl, I assumed I would go to college. Graduate top of my class and rock the world. I was a straight A student and it never occurred to me that not going to college was even an option. I know there is plenty of time ahead of me to rock the cap and gown, but I am rather disappointed in myself for not being there already.

However, I work a job that I love. I’m the manager of a comic book store. I got to grow up and work with the people that created stories for me in my childhood, and it’s a pretty awesome job with a great group of customers. I know that everyone probably has their ideas of what ‘comic nerds’ are like, but I’m here to tell you you’re wrong. They are some of the most genuine people you could ever want to meet. Sure, there’s a bad weed every here and there, but that’s with everything.

I have lost families and made new ones. I have learned that blood isn’t always binding, but the people who are unconditionally loving are the ones who matter most. Family is patient and strong, even in the most trying of times. I have had sisters and brothers come and go. I’ve scattered my mother’s ashes along the mountains of Shenandoah and held tight to the few happy memories we had.

My聽father and I have an inseparable bond that I wouldn’t trade for the world.

I’ve fallen in and out of love and am still learning what all of that really means. I’ve seen the magic of a couple flirt after 74 years together. I’m happy where things are and feel no need to rush anything.

I have two of the best icing stealing, frosting licking kittens in the world. My parents had better spoil them, because that’s the closest thing they are getting to grandchildren.

Best of all, things are just getting started.

Chocolate peanut butter layer cake. Chocolate cake layered with creamy peanut butter filling and topped with rich chocolate frosting.

And as for the future, I want to become more girly. I want to be able to paint my nails someday. Wear a skirt like I know how.

I know I will continue to grow in business, whether it be comics or something else, because I will never let my creative side smother.

I will have a small house surrounded by woods. It may not be in the mountains, but I will at least be able to pretend it is.

There will be聽a dog in my future life, and I already know what I’m naming it. (Don’t worry, Marble, I still love you.)

I hope I never stop singing at the top of my lungs.

I’ll always believe in Santa.

Also, since this is the closest thing to a blogiversary as we’re going to get around here, I would like to say thank you to everyone for reading. I love the comments and growing community that Pass the Sushi is becoming. You keep coming back for seconds, and I’ll keep the oven on. 馃檪

And I think its time to celebrate.

So light a candle, make a wish, and enjoy a slice of chocolate peanut butter birthday cake.

Chocolate peanut butter layer cake. Chocolate cake layered with creamy peanut butter filling and topped with rich chocolate frosting.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Birthday Cake

Chocolate cake

From Baked Explorations

Chocolate peanut butter layer cake. Chocolate cake layered with creamy peanut butter filling and topped with rich chocolate frosting.Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup dark unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2/3 cup sour cream
  • 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teas baking powder
  • 1 teas baking soda
  • 1/2 teas salt
  • 1 1/2 sticks butter, softened and cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
  • 1 1/2 cups cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 tbs pure vanilla extract

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Butter three 8-inch round cake pans, line them with parchment paper, and butter the parchment. Dust the parchment with flour and knock out the excess flour.

In a medium bowl, mix the cocoa powder and sour cream with 1 1/4 cups hot water and set aside to cool.

In a large bowl, sift the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together and set aside.

Using a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and shortening together on a medium speed until light and fluffy, about聽 minutes — the mixture will appear to string or ribbon throughout the bowl. Add the sugars and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes more. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing about 10 to 15 seconds after each addition until the egg is incorporated into the mixture. Then turn the mixer to low, add the vanilla, and beat until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix again for 30 seconds.

Beginning with the dry ingredients, add the dry mixture and the cocoa mixture to the mixer bowl in three alternating parts, ending with dry.

Divide the batter among the prepared pans. Use an offset spatula to level the batter. Bake the cakes fro 35 to 40 minutes, rotating halfway through the baking time, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Transfer the pans to a wire rack and cool for 30 to 45 minutes. Turn the cakes out onto the rack and let them cool completely. Remove from parchment.

Chocolate peanut butter layer cake. Chocolate cake layered with creamy peanut butter filling and topped with rich chocolate frosting.

Peanut Butter Filling

From Rachael Ray Magazine

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 sticks butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1 ounce cream cheese
  • 1/2 teas salt
  • 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Preparation:

Using an electric mixer, beat the butter, peanut butter, cream cheese and salt at medium speed until smooth. Mix in the confectioners’ sugar at low speed until fluffy. Mix in the chocolate chips.

Chocolate Frosting

From Rachael Ray Magazine

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups confectioner’s sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 ounces cream cheese
  • 1/8 teas salt
  • 1 tbs pure vanilla extract

Preparation:

In a large bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter, cream cheese and salt at high speed until fluffy. Mix in the cocoa-sugar mixture 1 cup at a time at low speed. Beat in the vanilla at high speed until fluffy.

Chocolate Glaze

Chocolate peanut butter layer cake. Chocolate cake layered with creamy peanut butter filling and topped with rich chocolate frosting.From Baked Explorations

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces good quality dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
  • 1 tbs light corn syrup

Preparation:

Place the chocolate, butter, and corn syrup in the top of a double boiler Using a rubber spatula, stir the mixture until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and smooth.

Remove the pan from the heat and stir the glaze to release excess heat. Drizzle glaze over the cake. Refrigerate the cake for about 15 minutes to set聽 the glaze before serving.

To Assemble the Cake:

If needed, trim the cakes using a serrated knife. Place one cake layer on a cake plate. Spread half of the peanut butter filling over the cake layer. Place the second layer and repeat process. Top with the final cake layer. Frost the top and and sides with chocolate frosting. Refrigerate 15 minutes to set. Top with glaze and peanut butter whoppers. Refrigerate to set 15 minutes before serving.

Serve at room temperature.

 

Cakes really aren’t my thing. Well, let’s be fair, I’ve only featured a few cakes on here. Cupcakes are easier, cuter, and quicker to disappear with little evidence left behind. So, you’ll have to forgive my lack of smooth frosting skills and decorating.

What I can tell you is this chocolate peanut butter cake is to die for.

Chocolate peanut butter layer cake. Chocolate cake layered with creamy peanut butter filling and topped with rich chocolate frosting.


91 Comments

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Comments

  1. How appropriate is this!? I’d just finished baking a chocolate cake for my own little cravings and just wandered off here for a second and it’s your birthday! … with a chocolate cake! HAPPY 25 YEARS YOUNG!!! (boy, I feel old). I’m gonna go feed my depression with some cake … have one with me 馃榾

    Reply

  2. Happy birthday!

    Hey, someone says on Twitter, “It’s my birthday”, ya gotta come and say happy birthday.

    Hope it’s a great day and that’s a damn delicious looking cake!

    Aaahhh, to be 25 again! BTW, I decided at 25 to get myself to college after waiting. Worked out just fine!

    Reply

  3. happy birthday girl! Even though it is the middle of the week, I am glad you found time for reflection and this tasty cake. I wish you all the best and don’t forget to celebrate “big time” this weekend.
    I have bookmarked this cake recipe-it looks stunning, a chocoholics dream!

    Reply

  5. Your cake looks lovely. As for not going to school — I earned my PhD just as the economy turned south and since we don’t truly value education in the USA, I was never able to find a job in academia. I left and focused on my writing full-time. If you are happy as a shop manager, stay with it, go back to school if you WANT to not because you feel you need to or should because it may not be worth the expense.

    Reply

  8. Happy Birthday to you! I made my cake too but it’s still in the freezer have yet to put it all together but is chocolate and peanut butter too! Us Leo’s stick together 馃檪

    Reply

  10. Happy Birthday dear Kita! What a great post, I loved reading it…quarter of a century huh? I have to say that my 25th year was one of my best and now that I am 3/4ths through my 26th year, I can say it has only gotten better.

    Your cake looks fabulous. I am such a peanut butter freak, so this is just over the top tempting for me. It looks great to me! I know you said that you are more partial to the cupcakes and all because they are easier, but I think your cake is beautiful.

    Reply

  11. What a cool job! You would think that at 26 and in graduate school getting my PhD that I would have a clue about what I want to do afterwards but I don’t. And it sucks. But I’ll make this cake and it’ll be okay :-). Happy birthday!!

    Reply

  14. HAPPY birthday! 1. I think your frosting job looks awesome! and 2. I guess great leo minds think alike. My b-day was on the 13th. I was debating b/t a chocolate peanut butter cake and a banana split cake. I went with the latter… but now I have a recipe for the former! 馃榾 Your cake looks AWESOME!

    Reply

  15. Happy birthday! I wish I was 25 again.

    This cake looks just like the one my husband bought me from my favorite bakery, which says a lot about how awesome of a job you did! Peanut butter and chocolate is my favorite combo so I’m totally lovin’ your cake.

    Have a great one!

    Reply

  19. 1. Happy Birthday! 2. Our brains must be on the same channel, b/c I just made a 3 layer choc/pb cake too! 3. Painted nails are over rated, they chip in .4 seconds anyway 馃槈

    Reply

  20. I kind of think that if all you did in 25 years is make this cake you would be pretty successful:-) Sounds like you’ve accomplished so much even if it is different from what you thought you would do!

    Happy Happy Birthday!!!!!

    Reply

  21. First off, Happy Birthday! Secondly, that cake looks AMAZING! And thirdly, there is nothing wrong with where you are in your life. I’m also currently in grad school and about a year away from getting my Ph.D. and I have been feeling so stressed lately and unsure about exactly what I want to do when I finish!

    Reply

  22. Happy birthday! I love the way your decorated the cake – it looks gorgeous. I’ve just started properly painting my nails and it’s great (my tip is to splash out and get a good one – much better colour and stays for ages – I have a great one from OPI).

    Reply

  31. Happy Birthday! Funny, I had been contemplating making myself a cake for my upcoming birthday-this looks like it may be the recipe I’ll use, thanks for posting it!

    Reply

  32. What a gorgeous cake girl! Happy birthday. 25?! I remember 25!! Those were the days! Thank you for sharing your list of accomplishments – not only is it beautiful, but it also shows what an adorable and awesome person you are. I wish you the best on your birthday!

    Reply

  36. Kita, this cake blows my mind! Saw it on FG and stumbled it immediately. Happy belated bday. When and if you are ready to go to college, you will find a way. But there isn’t necessarily a rush. Having been an academic at several large universities, I can tell you from experience that the older students who go there because they WANT to, instead of because it’s what’s expected of them, always do well.

    Reply

  38. Happy belated birthday! I hope you OD’d on this peanut butter cake. But you know, a good OD. You’ve got a great outlook on life and I’m hella envious of your job. I think you should pack up your expertise set up a kick ass comic shop in Cayman. Sand, surf, sun and Sandman. I like the sound of that.

    Good luck in the MANY years to come. Just s’so you know tho, skirts are overrated. Totally limits your ability to go ‘commando.’

    Reply

  47. I would have never known you weren’t a cake person by looking at this blog! What a lovely cake (Although I agree with you on the cupcake front- they are so much easier and easier to eat). Nicely done.

    Reply

  48. Sounds like you’re in a really good space and that’s pretty cool. I hope your birthday Rocked and that you’re ready for all the amazing things coming your way.

    Reply

  51. Hi Kita

    First of all, I’d like to wih you the warmest wishes for your Birthday, even though I’m a little late. Hope it was as fabulous as your cake looks and sounds! I read your article and found it so very touching ~ I’m sure you’ll succeed at anything you set out to do!

    Congratulations on making the Foodbuzz Top 9 ~ you deserve it 馃檪

    ~ marie

    Reply

  53. Happy Birthday Kita! You seem to have a very well adjusted head on your shoulders for one so young, puts me to shame. I didn’t go to college either, everyone still says that I should have done (I’m 38)! I think success should be measured by happpiness not qualifications or salary. I think you are really succesfull with a beautiful, honest blog, a job you love and a gorgeously lickable cake!!

    Reply

  57. WOW, this cake is GORGEOUS! Seriously. I love the way you have the glaze dripping down the sides. simply amazing. Not to mention, choco/pb is one of my all-time fave combos, so I might just have to try making this myself 馃檪

    Reply

  58. Happy birthday! I think everyone would like to get a cake as tempting as this one for his/her birthday. Lovely shots, I love the first and the last picture – simple, pure, great lighting and smooth reflections, really well done!

    Reply

  62. Looks great… but how much butter is in the cake? It calls to cream the butter and shortening but there is no butter listed. Happy Birthday!

    Reply

  67. just wanted to wish you a belated happy b-day, specially since your b-day is on the same day as my daughter. i’ve been reading your blog for a little while and enjoy your posts 馃檪 keep them coming!

    Reply

  70. I forgot to look at your cake because you caught me with your beautifull message.
    Happy birthday en thank you for sharing your thoughts.

    Reply

  72. Hi Kita! Happy Belated Birthday! Sorry I’m so late for your birthday wish, but I can’t help commenting on this beautiful chocolate peanut butter cake! And congrats on Top 9 (sorry I missed this one too). I wish I can make a cake like you for myself (!!!) or even my kids. I need to work on that one day. I enjoyed reading more about you. I wish I am 25… I’m ten years older than you~~~ Yeah I see negative image about comics here but I grew up with it and I guess I’m normal?!. =P Good luck with everything, and enjoy your life and travel as much as you can. 馃檪

    Reply

  74. Well I’m bummed I didn’t catch the virtual bday bash earlier but HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!! I love your stories & your sense of humor, and not to mention this cake looks insanely decadent & delicious 馃槈 Congrats!!

    Reply

  75. I got lucky enough to get sent a piece. I love me some sweets so love to great desserts when out. This beat everything! Wow!

    Reply

  76. This is definitely belated, but Happy Birthday! What a wonderful post – – I’m sure you will accomplish all that you plan, and so much more!

    This cake is beautiful, and looks so decadent! I will definitely try out the recipe, but have no aspirations that it will come out looking anything like yours! (When I’m trying a new recipe, I always tell my kids, it doesn’t matter what it looks like in the end, as long as it tastes good, and I’m sure it will taste delicious).

    Reply

  79. I made this for my husband and his brother’s birthday (they’re twins) and it was AMAZING! Thanks for sharing, I would definitely make this one again!

    Reply

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