Gluten Free Bliss

Check out some great dinner ideas at the Gluten Free Homemaker's, What's for dinner? Wednesday. When you're ready for dessert, I've got you covered. I know, I know, you're all still reeling from Easter. You say you've had your fair share of treats lately; chocolate bunnies, chocolate eggs, PEEPS, and jelly beans. I say that's great for the kiddos, but where are the adult treats? Where's the dessert that will have us bouncing off the ceiling like a 3 year old on Easter morning? Look no further, I've found it for you. If there is one thing I lack, besides a sense of fashion, is the ability to control myself when presented with a combination of chocolate and peanut butter. It calls to me. So I present you with:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

Inspired by the Smitten Kitchen and modified to be gluten free
Cake:
2 cups gluten free flour mix
2-1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp xanthan gum
1 cup oil (vegetable or canola)
1 cup sour cream
1-1/2 cups water
2 Tbs apple cider vinegar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
Peanut Butter Frosting:
10 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
1 stick unsalted butter (room temperature)
4-5 cups powder sugar (sifted)
2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
Chocolate Peanut Butter Glaze:
8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
3 Tbs creamy peanut butter
2 Tbs light corn syrup
1/2 cup half & half
Makes a three layer eight inch cake
Bake cakes at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes

For the cake: Whisk together all the dry ingredients in a large bowl or stand mixer bowl. Stir in oil and sour cream. Gradually beat in the water. Mix in vinegar and vanilla. Finally, whisk in the eggs and beat until thoroughly mixed. I mixed the batter by hand. In retrospect, I would have used my stand mixer for less of a work out.

Grease three 8 inch cake pans with butter. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper. Divide the batter equally between the three pans. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Mine baked for a full 35 minutes.

While the cake is in the oven, it's a good time to make the frosting. Beat the butter and cream cheese together. Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time and mix slowly at first to avoid sending sugar all throughout your house. Taste the frosting for sweetness after about the third cup of sugar. I used about 4-1/2 cups in mine. Sweeten to your liking. Finally, mix in the peanut butter until thoroughly combined.

When the cake is done baking, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. Invert the cakes onto a wire rack or a large cookie sheet. I would suggest lining the wire rack or cookie sheet with parchment prior to inverting the cakes to avoid the cake sticking to the rack or pan.

Once the cakes have cooled completely, the frosting can begin. I would recommend checking out the smitten kitchen for some great tips and techniques for frosting the cake. Begin with one layer, use about 2/3 cup frosting to frost the layer. Add the next layer and repeat. Add the third layer and (you guessed it) repeat. Frost the sides of the cake. You may have some frosting left over. Place the cake in the freezer for about 15 minutes which will allow the glaze to solidify as it is poured over the top.

To make the chocolate glaze, combine chocolate, peanut butter, and corn syrup in a double boiler. Whisk frequently until melted and combined. Remove from heat and whisk in half and half until smooth. Pour the chocolate glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to run down the sides.

Slice it up and enjoy!!!

Now, I know some of you out there are thinking; "Wow this looks great, I wish I had Celiac Disease so I can enjoy this wonderful cake." Not to worry, simply substitute all purpose flour instead of gluten free flour and omit the xanthan gum.

Please check out the Smitten Kitchen for great photos of their cake and some very helpful tips to make this come together.