When you’re craving something sweet, soft, and packed with a bold flavor, a Peanut Butter Cake hits the spot. This rich dessert is perfect for casual family dinners, birthdays, or any gathering where comfort food is welcome. Unlike chocolate cakes or vanilla staples, this one brings something warm and nostalgic with every bite: the creamy, nutty taste of peanut butter. Whether you’re already a peanut butter fan or simply love homemade baked treats, this cake will give you something familiar yet delightfully unique.
Why We Love This Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
There’s a reason this peanut butter cake wins hearts. It’s moist, full of deep roasted peanut flavor, and topped with a creamy frosting that melts in your mouth. The batter comes together quickly without any complicated steps, making it approachable even if you’re not an experienced baker. It’s ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or just to satisfy your own sweet tooth. With ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, you can bake it anytime.
Ingredients about Peanut Butter Cake
To create this delicious cake, you don’t need anything fancy. The ingredients are simple and common, but the final result is anything but ordinary.
CAKE:
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3/4 cup peanut butter
FROSTING:
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
How to Make Peanut Butter Cake Directions
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. While the oven heats, prepare a 9×13 baking dish. Grease it with butter and dust it lightly with flour. This prevents sticking and ensures your cake comes out smoothly.
Next, grab a large mixing bowl. In it, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking soda until they’re evenly mixed. Then add in the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a mixer on low speed to combine everything just until it’s smooth. Set the bowl aside for a moment.
Now, take a medium saucepan and add water, butter, and peanut butter. Place it over medium heat. Stir the mixture often to keep it from burning. After about 5 minutes, the ingredients should melt together into a smooth and creamy blend.
Carefully pour the warm peanut butter mixture into the bowl with your flour batter. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly until you see no streaks of flour left. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth it out evenly.
Place the dish into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. To test if it’s ready, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is done. Take it out and let it cool fully before adding frosting.
To make the frosting, cream the softened butter with the peanut butter in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing as you go. If the mixture gets too thick, add a small splash of milk. Keep mixing until the frosting reaches a spreadable, fluffy texture.
Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Smooth it out with a spatula or back of a spoon.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cake
You can serve this peanut butter cake on its own, and it’ll be amazing. Each square is rich and flavorful, which makes it perfect with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or even unsweetened tea to balance the sweetness. Cut it into equal-sized squares for easy serving at parties or dinners.
For a more decadent experience, top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Some people enjoy a light sprinkle of chopped peanuts on top of the frosting for extra crunch. However you serve it, this cake delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite.
Expert Tips: Peanut Butter Cake
- Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture. Natural peanut butter can separate and make the cake greasy.
- Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature. This helps the batter mix more evenly.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the hot peanut butter mixture. Stir just until everything is combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Check the cake at the 35-minute mark to avoid overbaking. Dry cake won’t give the same moist, soft texture.
- Let the cake cool fully before frosting. A warm cake will melt your frosting and ruin the finish.
How to Store Peanut Butter Cake
To keep your peanut butter cake fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can sit at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, it’s better to refrigerate it to prevent the frosting from getting too soft.
If you want to make it ahead or store leftovers longer, freeze individual slices wrapped in foil or plastic, then place them in a sealed bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw at room temperature for a few hours or microwave it gently until soft.
Variation of Peanut Butter Cake
There are many ways to change up this peanut butter cake to suit your preferences. You can stir mini chocolate chips into the batter for a peanut butter-chocolate combo. Or swirl some jelly into the batter before baking for a peanut butter and jelly flavor twist.
If you enjoy crunch, add crushed peanuts or chopped roasted almonds into the batter. You could also try using a chocolate frosting instead of peanut butter to create a layered flavor.
For a lighter version, reduce the sugar slightly or swap the regular milk with almond or oat milk. However, keep in mind that altering the ingredients may affect the texture.
This recipe is flexible enough to adapt without losing its delicious character.
FAQ
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe? It’s better to use commercial creamy peanut butter. Natural kinds often separate and don’t mix as smoothly into the batter.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked? Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready.
Can I make this cake in advance? Yes, this peanut butter cake keeps well. Store it covered at room temperature or in the fridge for a few days. You can also freeze it.
What frosting pairs best with this cake? The peanut butter frosting in this recipe complements the cake perfectly. But cream cheese or chocolate frosting also works if you prefer variety.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners? Absolutely. The steps are simple and don’t require any advanced baking skills. Just follow the directions, and you’ll have great results.
How can I make the cake more moist? Don’t overbake it, and make sure you add the peanut butter mixture while it’s warm. Both help keep the texture soft and rich.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter? Yes, if you want a bit of texture in your cake. Just know the overall cake will have a slight crunch in each bite.
Peanut Butter Cake
Equipment
- 9×13 Baking Dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium Saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup softened butter for frosting
- 1 cup peanut butter for frosting
- 3 tablespoons milk for frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar for frosting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter and dust lightly with flour.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking soda. Add milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and peanut butter over medium heat. Stir until melted and smooth, about 5 minutes.
- Pour the warm peanut butter mixture into the flour batter and stir until combined. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
- For the frosting, cream softened butter and peanut butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well. If too thick, add a splash of milk.
- Once the cake is cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
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