Kick A$@ Peanut Butter Cake with Chocolate Peanut Butter Icing

This might be one of the best dessert recipes I have ever tried. It is actually called Peanut Butter Cake with Chocolate-Peanut Butter Icing but it is Kick A$@! So I sort of changed the name. I made it for Denis's birthday celebration and it was a big hit. It is so moist and just the right sweetness with a rich peanut-buttery chocolate icing. I pretty much followed the recipe but made small additions and changes, I added some extra peanut butter, used Milk chocolate instead (because I love it), added a 1/4 cup of milk and I didn't add chopped peanuts. Below is my recipe but I've included the link for the original recipe too.

Kick A$@ Peanut Butter Cake with Chocolate Peanut Butter Icing

Bon Appetit

Serves 12

Ingredients

1 18.25-ounce package yellow cake mix

3 cups creamy peanut butter (do not use old-fashioned or freshly ground)

3/4 cup chocolate syrup

8 ounces milk chocolate, chopped

1 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup milk

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 2 9-inch-diameter cake pans with 1 3/4-inch-high sides. Prepare cake according to package directions, beating in 1 cup peanut butter. Divide between prepared pans. Bake until toothpick inserted into centers comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Cool cakes in pans on racks 10 minutes. Turn cakes out onto racks and cool completely.

Combine chocolate syrup and milk chocolate in heavy saucepan. Stir constantly over low heat until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Transfer chocolate mixture to large bowl. Stir in remaining 2 cups peanut butter, then powdered sugar, then milk. Continue stirring until smooth. Place 1 cake layer on platter. Spread top with 1 1/2 cups icing. Top with second cake layer. Spread top and sides of cake evenly with remaining icing. (Can be prepared up to 1 day ahead. Cover.) Cut into wedges and serve.

Note: To make a nice and clean presentation on the stand or platter, place 2 or 3 pieces of wax paper under the cake. Place them so they are under all edges of the cake, but close to the edge so it is easy to slide out. Once you have finished icing the cake pull out the pieces of wax paper so you have a clean platter or stand.

Chocolate Dirt Cupcakes

Again I needed a yummy dessert and I went directly to Paula Deen. Everything she makes is delish and these cupcakes were no exception! I wanted to try something new and these looked great for my friend Allison's birthday celebration. This recipe will be fun with kids too because they can decorate them with the gummy worms and oreo crumbles.

Chocolate Dirt Cupcakes

Paula Deen

Makes 36

Ingredients

Cupcake:

8 ounces sour cream

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 1/4 cups sugar

2 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup strong brewed coffee

1 cup vegetable oil

3 large eggs

Chocolate Fudge Frosting:

1 cup sugar

1 cup heavy whipping cream

5 (1-ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate

10 tablespoons butter

1 cup confectioners' sugar

Topping:

30 to 40 chocolate sandwich cookies ( I used double stuffed)

36 gummy worms

Directions

For cupcakes:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 3 cupcake pans with cupcake liners.

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Pour into cupcake liners about 2/3 full. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and let cool completely on wire racks.

For the frosting:

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and cream. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat, and simmer for 6 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; add chocolate and butter, stirring until melted and smooth. Let cool for 10 minutes. Whisk in confectioners' sugar. Let mixture cool until it reaches a spreadable consistency, then top cooled cupcakes with frosting .

For the topping:

Place the cookies into a resealable plastic bag. Crush cookies with hands to make a "dirt" consistency. Sprinkle frosting with cookie crumbs, top with gummy worm and enjoy.