Description

This impressive Money Cake combines a moist, one-bowl chocolate sponge with a luscious peanut butter frosting, hiding a delightful mechanical surprise inside. It is the perfect celebratory centerpiece that offers a memorable reveal and a classic flavor profile that everyone loves.

Ingredients

2 cups granulated sugar
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk (for frosting)
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Cardboard tube, plastic treat bags, clear tape, ribbon, and a lollipop stick

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and grease three 9-inch round cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the eggs, milk, water, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the three pans and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the frosting, beat the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and milk until creamy.
Prepare the surprise by taping plastic bags together, filling them with money, rolling them up, and placing them inside a plastic-wrapped cardboard tube with a slit.
Stack the cake layers with frosting and chocolate chips, then cut a hole through the center of all layers and insert the money tube.
Secure the top of the money roll to a lollipop stick with ribbon, cover the opening with cake scraps, and frost the exterior of the cake.

Notes

For the smoothest reveal, ensure you use high-quality clear packing tape to connect the plastic bags and give the chain a gentle tug to test the strength before rolling. If you find the cake layers are too soft to cut, chill them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to make the center hole extraction much cleaner.

Prep Time: 45 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American