Introduction
Imagine indulging in a rich, chocolatey, and peanut buttery experience that brings together two of the most iconic flavors in dessert history. The Reese’s Bundt Cake is a heavenly treat that combines the best of chocolate cake with the delightful taste of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. This cake is perfect for any celebration or simply when you want to treat yourself to something sweet and decadent. Follow this detailed recipe to make the ultimate Reese’s Bundt Cake that will have everyone coming back for more.
A Brief History of Reese’s and Bundt Cakes
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups were first introduced by Harry Burnett Reese in the 1920s, and since then, they have become one of the most beloved chocolate treats in the world. Their creamy peanut butter center, encased in smooth chocolate, has made them a favorite among dessert lovers everywhere. On the other hand, Bundt cakes originated in Europe and became popular in the United States during the mid-20th century. The Bundt pan, with its unique ring shape, allows cakes to bake evenly while adding a touch of elegance to any dessert. The combination of these two iconic elements creates a dessert that is not only visually stunning but also irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (use your favorite brand)
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup of Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips
- 1/2 cup of Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cups (chopped)
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup of creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
For the Ganache Topping:
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup of Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cups (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Bundt Pan
Before starting, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-cup Bundt pan generously with butter or non-stick spray, ensuring all the crevices are well-coated. Lightly flour the pan to prevent sticking and set it aside.
Step 2: Making the Chocolate Cake
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes or until the batter is smooth. Stir in 1 cup of Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips and the chopped Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cups. This will add an extra layer of peanut butter goodness throughout the cake.
Pour half of the chocolate cake batter into the prepared Bundt pan and set the remaining batter aside for later.
Step 3: Creating the Peanut Butter Filling
In a separate bowl, mix together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. The filling should be thick enough to hold its shape but still spreadable.
Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully add the peanut butter filling to the center of the batter in the Bundt pan. Make sure the filling stays in the middle without touching the edges to keep it neatly enclosed within the cake. Once the filling is evenly distributed, pour the remaining cake batter on top, ensuring that the peanut butter filling is completely covered.
Step 4: Baking the Cake
Bake the Bundt cake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (excluding any peanut butter filling). Once the cake is fully baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After cooling slightly, carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Preparing the Chocolate Ganache
While the cake is cooling, prepare the luscious chocolate ganache topping. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from the heat and pour it over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a separate bowl. Let the mixture sit for a minute, then stir until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
Allow the ganache to cool slightly before drizzling it over the cooled Bundt cake. The ganache should be thick but still pourable, creating a glossy coating over the cake.
Step 6: Garnishing the Cake
To give your Reese’s Bundt Cake an extra wow factor, garnish the top of the cake with chopped Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cups. The additional pieces of Reese’s will add texture and visual appeal, making your cake irresistible to anyone who sees it.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: To ensure a smooth and even batter, make sure your eggs and other ingredients are at room temperature.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining the cake batter, mix just until the ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense.
- Ganache Consistency: If your ganache becomes too thick, you can add a small amount of warm cream to thin it out until it reaches the desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This Reese’s Bundt Cake is best enjoyed when slightly warm, allowing the chocolate ganache to remain soft and the peanut butter filling to be creamy. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. It’s also perfect with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.
Storage
If you have any leftovers (though we doubt you will!), you can store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place the cake in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before serving, let the cake come to room temperature, or warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive its gooey goodness.
Conclusion
This Reese’s Bundt Cake is the perfect fusion of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, with a delightful surprise of peanut butter filling inside. The combination of flavors, textures, and the beautiful Bundt shape make this cake a showstopper at any gathering. It’s easy to make but impressive to serve, ensuring it will become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.