Chocolate Peanut Butter Horlicks Cake Recipe – Easy & Ultimate

Last Updated on 1 month by Neha Deshmukh

Chocolate Peanut Butter Horlicks Cake Recipe – Easy & Ultimate

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for a cake that’s just a little bit different, a little bit special. Well, stop the search! This Chocolate Peanut Butter Horlicks Cake is exactly that. It’s rich, decadent, and has a subtle, nostalgic flavour thanks to the addition of Horlicks. I first made this for my niece’s birthday, and it was an instant hit – seriously, there weren’t any leftovers! Let’s get baking, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average chocolate cake. The combination of dark chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and the malty goodness of Horlicks is truly magical. It’s moist, intensely chocolatey, and has a wonderfully comforting flavour. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even for a slightly more complex cake. It’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a cozy weekend treat.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:

• 170g Salted Butter
• 170g Black Coffee
• 42g Cocoa powder
• 85g Good quality dark chocolate
• 225g Brown sugar
• 2 tsp Vanilla essence
• 0.25 tsp Salt
• 3 Eggs
• 1 Egg yolk
• 130g All-purpose flour
• 0.5 tbsp Baking soda
• 1 cup Sugar (for buttercream)
• 4 Egg whites
• 226g Salted butter (for buttercream)
• 0.5 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
• 2 tsp Vanilla essence (for buttercream)
• 2-3 tbsp Horlicks (for buttercream)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few things will really make this cake shine:

• Coffee: Don’t skip the coffee! It doesn’t make the cake taste like coffee, but it deepens the chocolate flavour beautifully. I use strong brewed coffee, cooled down.
• Dark Chocolate: Splurge a little on good quality dark chocolate (around 70% cocoa solids is perfect). It makes a huge difference in the overall flavour. I love using Amul dark chocolate, it’s easily available and works wonderfully.
• Horlicks: This is the secret ingredient! Horlicks adds a unique malty flavour that takes this cake to another level. It’s a nostalgic flavour for many of us in India, and it pairs surprisingly well with chocolate and peanut butter. If you can’t find Horlicks, you can try malted milk powder, but it won’t be quite the same.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. First, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line an 8-inch cake tin. This prevents sticking and makes removing the cake a breeze.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter in the coffee over low heat. Once melted, transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
3. Add the chocolate, cocoa powder, brown sugar, vanilla essence, and salt to the melted butter mixture. Whisk everything together until well combined. Then, crack in the eggs and egg yolk and whisk again until smooth.
4. Now, sift in the flour and baking soda. Gently whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cake will be tough.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the tin before frosting.
6. While the cake cools, let’s make the buttercream! Create a double boiler (or use a heatproof bowl over a simmering pot of water). Whisk the egg whites and sugar together until they reach 70°C (158°F).
7. Whip the meringue to stiff, glossy peaks. Gradually add the softened butter, one tablespoon at a time, on low speed.
8. Mix in the peanut butter, vanilla essence, and Horlicks. Beat until the buttercream is light and fluffy.
9. Once the cake is completely cool, slice it into two layers. Frost the bottom layer generously with the peanut butter Horlicks buttercream.
10. Carefully stack the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving – this helps the frosting set.

Expert Tips

• Make sure your butter is softened, but not melted, for the buttercream. This will give you the best texture.
• Don’t overbake the cake! It’s better to err on the side of slightly underbaked than dry.
• For a smoother buttercream, use room temperature egg whites.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative, the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg), and ensure your chocolate is dairy-free.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Adjusting Sweetness: Reduce the brown sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet cake.
• Birthday/Celebration: Decorate with sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries for a festive touch. My kids love a generous helping of colourful sprinkles!

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot chai. It’s also lovely served with a side of fresh berries.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed slightly chilled.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this cake best served warm or cold? Chilled is best! The buttercream sets beautifully, and the flavours meld together even more.
• Can I use a different type of nut butter? Absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter would also be delicious.
• What does Horlicks add to the cake? Horlicks adds a unique malty flavour that complements the chocolate and peanut butter perfectly. It’s a subtle but noticeable difference.
• Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead and store them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Make the buttercream on the day you plan to assemble the cake.
• How can I tell if the cake is fully baked? Insert a toothpick into the centre of the cake. If it comes out clean, it’s done!
• Can I substitute brown sugar with white sugar? You can, but the brown sugar adds moisture and a caramel-like flavour. If using white sugar, you might want to add a tablespoon of molasses to mimic the flavour.

Enjoy baking (and eating!) this delightful Chocolate Peanut Butter Horlicks Cake. I hope it brings a little joy to your kitchen and your taste buds!