*This unusual cake has a different texture than most cakes, because of the addition of grahan cracker crumbs for part of the flour. When I make this I cheat...I simply warm a can of chocolate icing in the microwave and pour it over the hot cake. This is delicious topped with chopped up Peanut Butter Cup candy, or toffee peanuts.
Cake: 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 2 cups graham cracker crumbs Peanut butter (at least 1/2 cup; if using more, decrease shortening by an equal amount) 3/4 cup shortening 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 eggs
Frosting: 2 cups confectioners' sugar 2 tablespoons cocoa 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter 1/3 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup peanuts, salted 2 cap-fulls vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F if baking with a metal dish; 325 degrees F if using a glass dish.
Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together. Add graham cracker crumbs, peanut butter, shortening, milk, and vanilla. Beat mixture with electric mixer on low until moistened, and then beat on medium for 2 minutes. Add eggs and beat for 1 minute. Bake in greased 9-inch by 13-inch pan for 30 to 35 minutes. Do not remove from pan to cool.
For the frosting: mix all of the ingredients together. Pour into a saucepan and bring mixture to a boil. Boil for 1 minute. Cool slightly. With a wooden spoon handle, poke a few holes in the cake, and then pour the warm frosting over it.