Shelly's Recipe

CHOCOLATE PEANUT CAKE

Category: Cakes

Cake
2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup water
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 eggs
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup mini real semi-sweet chocolate chips

Frosting
2/3 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup peanut butter
4 cups confectioners sugar
4 to 5 tbsp half & half or milk
1 cup mini real semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped salted peanuts

Heat oven to 350. Combine all cake except chocolate chips in large bowl. Beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until moistened. Beat at high speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed. Stir in 1 cup chocolate chips by hand. Pour into greased and floured 13x9 inch baking pan. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely.

Combine 2/3 cup butter and peanut butter in medium bowl. Beat at high speed, scraping bowl often, until light and creamy. Reduce speed to low; add confectioners sugar. Beat, gradually adding enough half & half for desired spreading consistency and scraping bowl often, until smooth. Frost cooled cake; sprinkle with 1 cup chocolate chips and peanuts.