If you are craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Peanut Butter Cake Recipe is your new best friend. It perfectly balances the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with a tender, moist crumb and a luscious, creamy frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a casual treat, this cake blends simplicity with decadence, making every bite utterly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Peanut Butter Cake Recipe is delightfully straightforward because the ingredients are kitchen staples that create a harmonious dance of flavor, texture, and color. Each one plays a significant role, from the fluffy texture to the signature peanut butter taste.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and lightness for the cake’s crumb.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Essential leavening agents that give the cake its rise and fluffy texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps keep the cake moist and tender.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient delivering that deep, nutty flavor throughout the cake and frosting.
- Granulated sugar and brown sugar: A sweet duo that brings subtle molasses undertones and perfect sweetness.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s structure.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the peanut butter flavor beautifully.
- Whole milk: Keeps the cake moist and tender while creating a smooth batter.
- Sour cream: Adds tanginess and moisture, preventing dryness in every bite.
- Powdered sugar: Used in the frosting for a smooth, sweet finish.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare pans
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for a fail-safe cleanup and easy cake removal. This step ensures your cake layers come out perfectly intact.
Step 2: Combine the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This blend forms the foundation of the cake, ensuring even leavening and a pleasant crumb.
Step 3: Cream the peanut butter and butter
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter together with granulated and brown sugars. Whip them until the mixture is light, fluffy, and inviting—this step sets the base for a creamy, rich cake texture.
Step 4: Add eggs and vanilla
Incorporate the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition to keep the batter smooth and well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract for a subtle aromatic layer that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
Step 5: Alternate dry and wet ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet batter in portions, alternating with the whole milk and sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients to maintain the batter’s consistency. Mix gently until just combined to avoid a dense cake.
Step 6: Bake the cake layers
Divide your batter evenly between the pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cakes will be a lovely golden hue with a slightly springy touch.
Step 7: Cool the cakes
After baking, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before gently turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely. Cooling fully is crucial for the frosting to set properly without melting.
Step 8: Make the peanut butter frosting
While the cakes cool, whip together the peanut butter and softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat the frosting until fluffy, adjusting milk quantity to get that perfect spreading consistency.
Step 9: Frost the cake
Once the cake layers are completely cooled, generously spread frosting on top of the first layer. Place the second layer over it and proceed to frost the top and sides of the cake, creating a beautiful peanut butter masterpiece.
Step 10: Serve and enjoy
Slice into generous pieces and savor the rich peanut butter flavor melded with moist cake and creamy frosting. It’s pure comfort on a plate!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of chopped peanuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate elevates the peanut butter cake without overpowering it. These garnishes add a delightful crunch or a touch of decadence that pairs perfectly with the creamy frosting.
Side Dishes
Serve your peanut butter cake alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to cut through the rich sweetness and add freshness. A cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee also pairs wonderfully to complement every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this cake in individual mason jars layered with frosting and cake crumbs, or transform it into cupcakes topped with a peanut butter swirl frosting. These mini versions make for delightful gifts or party treats that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your peanut butter cake in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. This will keep it fresh for up to 4 days, preserving the moist cake and creamy frosting’s full flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Let them thaw completely before frosting and serving to maintain the perfect texture and taste.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy the cake slightly warm, let refrigerated slices sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or warm individual pieces in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This revives the softness without melting the frosting.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a bit of extra texture to both the cake and frosting, which some people really enjoy. Just be mindful that it might change the smoothness of the frosting slightly.
Is it necessary to use both baking powder and baking soda?
Yes, both work together to ensure the cake rises perfectly. Baking powder is a complete leavening agent, while baking soda helps neutralize the acidity from ingredients like sour cream, producing a tender crumb.
Can I substitute sour cream with yogurt?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute and will provide similar moisture and slight tanginess to keep the cake tender and flavorful.
How long does the peanut butter cake stay fresh?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to 4 days. Beyond that, the cake might start to dry out or the flavors may mellow.
What can I add to make the cake more peanut buttery?
Besides the creamy peanut butter in the batter and frosting, sprinkle crushed peanuts between the layers or add a swirl of peanut butter in the batter before baking to intensify the peanut flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Cake Recipe is such a joy to make and share, a true celebration of peanut butter’s rich, irresistible flavor wrapped in a tender cake. If you’re searching for a new favorite dessert that feels homemade and special, this recipe is ready to become part of your baking love story. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it wins hearts!
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Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This rich and creamy Peanut Butter Cake combines moist layers of peanut butter-infused cake with a luscious peanut butter frosting. Perfect for peanut butter lovers, this dessert delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and nutty flavor, suitable for celebrations or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Peanut Butter Frosting
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk (or more as needed)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to ensure the cakes won’t stick.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream butter and peanut butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together for about 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk and sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid over-mixing and to keep the cake tender.
- Bake the cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the frosting: While the cakes cool, beat together the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt if using, beating continuously until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable. Add more milk as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Frost the cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and cover the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice the cake and serve immediately to enjoy the creamy, peanut butter-flavored delight.
Notes
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Do not over-mix the batter once dry ingredients are added to prevent a dense cake.
- For easier frosting application, chill the frosting slightly if too soft.
- You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt if desired for a slight tang.
- Store any leftover cake covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
