There’s something magical about the combination of peanut butter and chocolate that makes even the strictest keto dieters weak in the knees. My journey with this Keto Peanut Butter Cake Delight began during a family gathering when I needed a dessert that wouldn’t kick anyone out of ketosis but would still impress the non-keto crowd. The moment this cake emerged from the oven, with its intriguing cracked surface revealing gooey chocolate and cream cheese beneath, I knew I had stumbled upon something special.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Peanut Butter Cake Delight
This isn’t just another low carb dessert recipe – it’s a revolutionary approach to keto baking that delivers on both taste and texture:
- Truly Keto-Friendly: With only 4g net carbs per generous slice, you can indulge without guilt
- Decadent Texture: The perfect balance between cake, fudgy brownie, and cheesecake
- Easy Preparation: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps – no professional baking skills required
- Crowd-Pleaser: Even non-keto friends will request this recipe
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy warm with keto ice cream or chilled for a more cheesecake-like experience
This peanut butter earthquake cake (as some call it) creates a dramatic presentation as it bakes, with the surface cracking to reveal pockets of melted chocolate and cream cheese. It’s a showstopper that tastes even better than it looks!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Peanut Butter Cake Base:
- 1 cup natural creamy peanut butter (no added sugar)
- ¾ cup granulated erythritol or your preferred keto sweetener
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated erythritol
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Layer:
- 4 oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- ¼ cup powdered erythritol
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Peanut Butter Cake Base
Step1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Step2: In a large mixing bowl, combine peanut butter and erythritol. Mix with an electric mixer until well incorporated and slightly fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
Step3: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until combined.
Step4: Sprinkle baking powder and salt over the mixture and fold gently until thoroughly combined. The batter will be thick but spreadable.
Step5: Transfer the peanut butter mixture to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Creating the Cream Cheese Layer
Step6: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and erythritol until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
Step7: Add the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the mixture is silky and well-combined.
Step8: Gently pour the cream cheese mixture over the peanut butter layer, but do not stir or mix the layers.
Preparing the Chocolate Layer
Step9: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chopped unsweetened chocolate and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until fully melted and smooth.
Step10: Whisk in powdered erythritol and vanilla extract until the chocolate mixture is glossy and sweetened to taste.
Step11: Allow the chocolate mixture to cool slightly (about 3-5 minutes), then drizzle it over the cream cheese layer in a decorative pattern.
Finishing and Baking
Step12: Using a butter knife or skewer, gently swirl through all three layers to create a marbled effect. Don’t overmix—you want distinct layers visible.
Step13: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
Step14: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before transferring to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.
Pro Tips for Success
Making the perfect Keto Peanut Butter Cake Delight requires attention to detail. Here are some expert tips to ensure your low carb dessert recipe turns out perfectly:
- Check your peanut butter: Use natural peanut butter with no added sugar or fillers. The ingredient list should ideally only contain peanuts and salt.
- Room temperature ingredients: Allow eggs and cream cheese to come to room temperature before mixing for a smoother batter and better texture.
- Don’t overbake: This cake is meant to have a slightly gooey center. Overbaking will result in a dry texture. When in doubt, underbake slightly.
- Let it chill: While it’s tempting to dig in right away, the flavors develop and the texture improves significantly after chilling for at least 2 hours.
- Sweetener choices: If using allulose or monk fruit blends, you may need to adjust amounts as they can taste sweeter than pure erythritol.
Nutritional Information
This Keto Peanut Butter Cake Delight is designed to fit perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle:
- Calories: 325 per slice
- Net Carbs: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
Each slice provides a satisfying dessert experience without the sugar crash of traditional cakes. The high fat content helps keep you satisfied longer, making this a perfect keto-friendly treat that won’t trigger cravings.
Storage and Leftovers
This delicious keto peanut butter cake actually improves with time as the flavors meld together:
Refrigeration: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The texture will become more fudge-like over time.
Freezing: This cake freezes beautifully! Cut into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: For a warm, gooey treat, microwave a refrigerated slice for 15-20 seconds or a frozen slice for 30-45 seconds. Alternatively, enjoy cold straight from the refrigerator for a firmer, cheesecake-like experience.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your Keto Peanut Butter Cake Delight with these complementary serving ideas:
- Top with a dollop of unsweetened whipped heavy cream
- Serve with keto vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence
- Drizzle with sugar-free chocolate sauce for extra decadence
- Pair with hot coffee or unsweetened almond milk for balance
- Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for added texture and flavor
Top 4 FAQs About Keto Peanut Butter Cake Delight
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives like those made from almond or cashew bases. For best results, ensure your dairy-free cream cheese has a similar consistency to regular cream cheese.
What can I use instead of erythritol?
You can substitute with allulose, monk fruit sweetener, or a stevia/erythritol blend. Adjust quantities to taste, as different sweeteners have varying levels of sweetness. Avoid pure stevia, as you need the bulk that granulated sweeteners provide.
Why did my cake crack too much during baking?
Some cracking is expected (it’s called an “earthquake cake” for a reason!), but excessive cracking might indicate your oven temperature is too high. Try reducing the temperature by 25°F and extending baking time slightly. Also, avoid overmixing the batter, as this can incorporate too much air.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Absolutely! Fold in ¼ cup of sugar-free chocolate chips into either the peanut butter layer or sprinkle them on top before baking. This adds extra texture and chocolatey goodness while keeping the recipe keto-friendly.
Making Ahead and Special Occasions
This delicious Keto Peanut Butter Cake Delight is perfect for making ahead for special occasions:
Make-Ahead Timeline: Prepare this cake 1-2 days before your event for the best flavor development. The textures and flavors actually improve after sitting in the refrigerator.
Holiday Adaptation: For festive touches, consider adding a sprinkle of keto-friendly colored cocoa nibs on top, or shape into a heart form for Valentine’s Day.
Birthdays: While traditional cakes are carb-heavy, this makes an excellent keto birthday cake alternative. Add a birthday candle and serve with keto ice cream for a complete celebration dessert.
Conclusion
The Keto Peanut Butter Cake Delight brings together the beloved flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a low carb dessert recipe that satisfies even the strongest sweet tooth. With its unique earthquake-like appearance and multi-layered texture, this cake transforms the keto dessert experience from merely acceptable to absolutely craveable.
Whether you’re strictly following a ketogenic lifestyle or simply looking to reduce your sugar intake, this recipe proves that you don’t have to sacrifice decadence to meet your dietary goals. The perfect balance of protein-rich peanut butter, tangy cream cheese, and deep chocolate flavors creates a dessert worthy of celebration.
Give this Keto Peanut Butter Cake Delight a try this weekend and discover your new favorite low carb dessert recipe! Don’t forget to save it to Pinterest for future reference, and let us know in the comments how yours turned out!
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Keto Peanut Butter Cake Delight | Low Carb Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
The Keto Peanut Butter Cake Delight combines the beloved flavors of peanut butter and chocolate into a low-carb dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth while keeping you on track with your dietary goals. Its earthquake-like appearance and unique texture make it a keto-friendly treat that impresses both keto and non-keto audiences.
Ingredients
- 1 cup natural creamy peanut butter (no added sugar)
- ¾ cup granulated erythritol or preferred keto sweetener
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated erythritol
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- ¼ cup powdered erythritol
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine peanut butter and erythritol. Mix with an electric mixer until well incorporated and slightly fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until combined.
- Sprinkle baking powder and salt over the mixture and fold gently until thoroughly combined. The batter will be thick but spreadable.
- Transfer the peanut butter mixture to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and erythritol until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the mixture is silky and well-combined.
- Gently pour the cream cheese mixture over the peanut butter layer, but do not stir or mix the layers.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chopped unsweetened chocolate and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until fully melted and smooth.
- Whisk in powdered erythritol and vanilla extract until the chocolate mixture is glossy and sweetened to taste.
- Allow the chocolate mixture to cool slightly (about 3-5 minutes), then drizzle it over the cream cheese layer in a decorative pattern.
- Using a butter knife or skewer, gently swirl through all three layers to create a marbled effect. Don’t overmix—you want distinct layers visible.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before transferring to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.
Notes
- Check your peanut butter: Use natural peanut butter with no added sugar or fillers.
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Don’t overbake: This cake should have a slightly gooey center.
- Let it chill: The flavors develop and improve after chilling for at least 2 hours.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: N/A
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: N/A
Keywords: keto, peanut butter, cake, low carb dessert, chocolate, cream cheese, keto baking