For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup boiling water

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Bacon:

• 6-8 slices of bacon
• ¼ cup maple syrup

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration:

• Crumbled bacon bits
• Chopped peanuts
• Extra maple syrup for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
• In another bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, milk, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
• Add the boiling water to the batter and mix until smooth (the batter will be thin, but that’s okay!).
• Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack.

2. Cook the Bacon:

• While the cake is baking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
• Drain on paper towels, then drizzle the bacon with maple syrup. Let cool before chopping into small bits.

3. Make the Peanut Butter Filling:

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.

4. Make the Chocolate Frosting:

• Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
• Remove from heat and stir in the dark chocolate chips and butter until smooth. Add the vanilla extract.
• Let the frosting cool and thicken for about 10-15 minutes.

5. Assemble the Cake:

• Once the cakes have cooled, slice each cake in half to create four layers.
• Spread a generous layer of peanut butter filling on the bottom layer of the first cake, then sprinkle with bacon bits.
• Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process until all layers are stacked.
• Cover the entire cake with the chocolate frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula.
• Top with more crumbled bacon bits, chopped peanuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup.

6. Serve:

• Chill the cake for 30 minutes to help it set.
• Slice and serve! It’s a crazy, sweet, salty, and indulgent treat that’s sure to surprise and delight!