The Perfect Peanut Butter Cake Recipe for Sweet Tooth Moments

Crafting a delectable peanut butter cake transforms ordinary dessert moments into pure bliss.

Sweet memories dance through classic comfort flavors blending creamy richness with delightful textures.

Soft layers promise indulgent satisfaction that melts smoothly across your palate.

Nutty undertones create magical connections between childhood treats and sophisticated baking skills.

Butter’s golden warmth infuses each crumb with irresistible depth and character.

Generous ingredients welcome playful creativity while honoring traditional cake-making techniques.

This recipe invites you to experience culinary magic with every delicious slice.

Peanut Butter Cake: A Nutty Delight

• Conquer Baking Challenges: Perfect for home bakers looking to elevate their skills with a delightful dessert that feels like a professional creation.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A nostalgic treat that brings family and friends together, guaranteed to spark smiles and create memorable moments around the table.
• Quick and Straightforward Preparation: Minimal ingredients and simple mixing technique make this cake accessible for bakers of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
• Versatile Dessert Option: Suitable for casual gatherings, potlucks, birthday celebrations, or as a weekend sweet treat that satisfies serious peanut butter lovers.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cake

• Flour: A key structural ingredient that provides the foundation for the cake's texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Baking Soda: Ensures the cake rises and becomes light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Water: Helps blend the ingredients and create moisture.
• Butter: Provides richness and contributes to the cake's tender texture.
• Peanut Butter: Delivers a deep, nutty flavor and creamy consistency to the cake.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cake.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a soft, moist texture.
• Vanilla: Introduces a warm, comforting flavor to the cake.

• Butter, Cream Cheese, Peanut Butter: Create a rich, creamy base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the right frosting consistency.
• Milk or Heavy Cream: Adjusts the frosting's thickness as needed.

How to Bake Peanut Butter Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven and Get Pan Ready

Heat the oven to 350F (175C). Spray or grease a 11×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter, then dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Cake Base

• Flour
• Sugar
• Baking soda
• Salt

In a saucepan, combine water and butter, heating until butter melts completely. Stir in peanut butter until the mixture becomes smooth and silky.

Let the mixture cool down for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent separation.

Step 3: Blend Ingredients Together

Pour the dry ingredients into the peanut butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined.

• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Vanilla extract

Mix until the batter looks smooth and consistent.

Step 4: Bake the Delicious Cake

Transfer the batter into the prepared pan.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Remove the cake and place on a cooling rack.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

• Butter
• Cream cheese
• Peanut butter

Gradually incorporate powdered sugar in half-cup increments.

Add vanilla extract. If frosting seems too thick, splash in milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time.

Step 6: Decorate and Serve

Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the luscious peanut butter frosting generously across the top. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Tips for Peanut Butter Cake Success

• Use fresh, creamy peanut butter without added sugars for the most authentic flavor and smoothest texture in both cake and frosting.
• Avoid overmixing the batter and check the cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time to ensure a moist, tender crumb.
• Bring butter and cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to create a silky, spreadable frosting without lumps.
• Adjust powdered sugar gradually and taste the frosting to achieve your preferred sweetness without overwhelming the rich peanut butter flavor.
• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain optimal moisture and taste.

Variations to Try with Peanut Butter Cake

• Chocolate Swirl Peanut Butter Cake: Add cocoa powder to half the batter, creating a marbled effect by swirling chocolate and peanut butter batters together before baking.
• Banana Nutty Upgrade: Mix mashed ripe bananas into the batter for extra moisture and complementary flavor that enhances the peanut butter profile.
• Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cake: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the frosted cake for a rich, decadent touch that balances sweet and salty notes.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts or pecans on top of the frosting for added texture and a crunchy element that elevates the cake's overall experience.

Pairing Suggestions for Peanut Butter Cake

• Pair Rich Chocolate Milk: Smooth, creamy chocolate milk perfectly complements the nutty, sweet peanut butter cake, balancing its richness with cool, velvety texture.
• Serve with Cold Vanilla Ice Cream: Chilled vanilla ice cream cuts through the cake's dense sweetness, creating a delightful contrast that enhances the peanut butter flavor.
• Match with Strong Coffee: Robust, hot coffee provides a bold counterpoint to the cake's sweet profile, cleansing the palate between decadent bites and highlighting the dessert's deep nutty notes.
• Accompany with Salted Caramel Latte: The combination of salt, caramel, and espresso creates a sophisticated flavor harmony that elevates the peanut butter cake's complex taste dimensions.

Storage Tips for Peanut Butter Cake

Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keeps moisture and prevents drying out.

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.

Place slices in sealed containers or wrap individually in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for quick grab-and-go treats lasting 3-4 days.

Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, warm in oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to maintain soft texture and prevent drying.

FAQs

• Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but stir it well before adding to ensure a smooth consistency and even distribution of oils.

• Is there a substitute for buttermilk?

You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Frost it just before serving for the best taste and texture.

Peanut Butter Cak Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent Peanut Butter Cake celebrates creamy richness with layers of smooth nutty goodness that dance across taste buds. Sweet comfort wraps lovers in delightful memories, inviting you to savor each memorable bite.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240 grams) flour
• 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 grams) salt
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups (480 milliliters / 16 fluid ounces) powdered sugar (for frosting)

Wet Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters / 6 fluid ounces) water
• 10 tablespoons (141 grams) butter
• 3/4 cup (180 grams) creamy peanut butter (for cake)
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters / 6 fluid ounces) buttermilk
• 1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5 milliliters) vanilla extract
• 1 stick (113 grams) butter (for frosting)
• 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) block cream cheese
• 1 1/4 cup (300 grams) creamy peanut butter (for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla (for frosting)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and ready a 11×13-inch baking pan by coating with non-stick spray or greasing with butter and dusting with flour.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, whisking flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed. In a separate saucepan, heat water and butter until butter completely melts, then incorporate peanut butter, stirring until smooth and uniform. Allow mixture to cool for 10-15 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent separation.
3. Gently fold dry ingredients into the peanut butter mixture, ensuring minimal mixing. Incorporate eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla, blending carefully to maintain a smooth consistency without overmixing.
4. Transfer batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean. Remove from oven and place on a cooling rack to reach room temperature.
5. Create frosting by whipping butter, cream cheese, and peanut butter until creamy and light. Gradually integrate powdered sugar, adding vanilla for enhanced flavor. Adjust texture by incorporating milk or heavy cream if mixture appears too dense.
6. Once cake has completely cooled, generously spread frosting across the entire surface, ensuring even coverage. Cut into desired portions and serve immediately.

Notes

• Swap buttermilk with plant-based milk and vegan egg replacer for a dairy-free and vegan-friendly version of the cake.
• Toast chopped peanuts and sprinkle on top of the frosting for extra crunch and nutty flavor enhancement.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smoother batter mixing and more even cake texture.
• Reduce sugar content by replacing half the sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a slightly healthier twist.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 392
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 201 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 57 mg