This Peanut Butter Cake is a decadent and delicious dessert that’s perfect for peanut butter lovers. With a moist and flavorful cake base and a rich peanut butter frosting, it’s a simple yet satisfying treat that’s sure to please everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Peanut Butter Paradise: This cake is bursting with peanut butter flavor, both in the cake itself and the creamy frosting.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this cake is surprisingly easy to bake, even for beginner bakers.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, a potluck, or a casual weeknight dessert, this cake is always a hit.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Peanut Butter Cake:
For the Cake:
- Flour: Provides structure and texture.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness.
- Baking soda: Helps the cake rise and become light and airy.
- Milk: Adds moisture.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth and flavor.
- Water: Helps create a moist cake.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor.
- Peanut butter: The star ingredient, adds a delicious peanut butter flavor and a creamy texture.
For the Frosting:
- Butter: Softened, for a creamy frosting.
- Peanut butter: Adds a rich peanut butter flavor to the frosting.
- Milk: Thins the frosting to the desired consistency.
- Powdered sugar: Creates a sweet and smooth frosting.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter and dust it with flour to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking soda. Add the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat the mixture on low speed until well combined.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Mixture
In a saucepan, combine the water, butter, and peanut butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is melted and smooth.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Pour the hot peanut butter mixture into the bowl with the flour mixture. Stir until the batter is well combined and no lumps remain. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out1 clean.
Step 4: Cool the Cake
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Step 5: Make the Frosting
While the cake is cooling, make the frosting. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until smooth. If the frosting becomes too thick, add a little milk to thin it out.
Step 6: Frost and Serve
Once the cake is completely cool, frost it with the peanut butter frosting. Cut into squares and serve.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use room temperature ingredients: Room temperature butter and eggs will blend more easily into the batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Cool the cake completely: Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt. Make sure the cake is completely cool before frosting.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cake
- Dessert: This Peanut Butter Cake is a delicious dessert for any occasion, from birthday parties to potlucks.
- Afternoon Snack: Enjoy a slice with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a sweet afternoon treat.
- Special Occasion: Garnish with chocolate shavings, chopped peanuts, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a more elegant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, you can use any type of milk you like, such as almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk.
Can I use a different type of nut butter?
While peanut butter is the star of this cake, you can experiment with other nut butters, such as almond butter or cashew butter.
Can I make this cake without frosting?
Yes, the cake is delicious on its own, or you can top it with a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
How can I make this cake vegan?
You can use vegan butter and egg substitutes, and plant-based milk.
There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Peanut Butter Cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
PrintPeanut Butter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Peanut Butter Cake is a delicious and decadent dessert that’s perfect for peanut butter lovers. With a moist and fluffy cake base and a creamy peanut butter frosting, it’s a simple yet satisfying treat.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking soda.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on low speed until well combined.
- Heat Peanut Butter Mixture: In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and peanut butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until melted and smooth.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the warm peanut butter mixture into the batter and mix until well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Make Frosting: In a separate bowl, cream together softened butter and peanut butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with milk, until you reach a smooth and spreadable consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Frost the cooled cake with the peanut butter frosting and serve.
Notes
- Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter for the best results.
- Make Ahead: The cake can be baked a day in advance and stored, covered, at room temperature.
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Variations:
- Add chocolate chips to the batter for a peanut butter chocolate chip cake.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting for a decorative touch.
- Use crunchy peanut butter in the frosting for added texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 550kcal
- Sugar: 50g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg