If you are looking for a rich, comforting, and utterly delicious treat, then this Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need in your baking repertoire. This cake brings together the deep, nutty flavor of peanut butter in both the moist cake and the luscious frosting, creating a harmonious dessert that’s perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a special indulgence. It’s a wonderful balance of creamy, sweet, and slightly savory that will captivate peanut butter lovers and cake enthusiasts alike. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a favorite go-to dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe plays a crucial role in delivering its irresistible texture and flavor. From the creamy peanut butter that infuses the cake with nuttiness to the fluffy powdered sugar that creates that perfect frosting consistency, each component is both simple and essential.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour: The base for the cake’s tender crumb and structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Adds lift and helps balance the cake’s texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially the peanut butter.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and keeps the cake moist.
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, delivering that beloved nutty flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while promoting a tender texture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- ¾ cup whole milk: Moisturizes the batter for softness and richness.
- For the frosting: ½ cup unsalted butter, 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, ¼ cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, pinch of salt—all blending into a dreamy, creamy topping that perfectly complements the cake.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and flour or parchment paper. This ensures your cake releases perfectly without sticking and bakes evenly.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step blends the dry ingredients thoroughly so they can mix seamlessly into the wet batter, creating a consistent texture throughout the cake.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Peanut Butter
Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter and creamy peanut butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This process lightens the fats and creates a textured base that makes the cake tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Add Sugar and Eggs
Next, add the granulated sugar and beat for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture becomes fluffy—this adds air for a lighter crumb. Then, incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure everything is fully combined and smooth.
Step 5: Stir in Vanilla and Alternate Dry Ingredients with Milk
Add the vanilla extract for a fragrant touch. Then gradually mix in your dry ingredients alternated with the milk, starting and ending with the dry mix. This alternating method helps maintain a tender and moist batter without overmixing.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and spread it out gently. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, let the cake cool in its pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is vital for the frosting to set beautifully.
Step 7: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
To prepare the frosting, beat the unsalted butter and peanut butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until you achieve a thick consistency. Then add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, continuing to beat until the frosting becomes light, fluffy, and perfectly spreadable.
Step 8: Assemble and Frost
Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the peanut butter frosting generously over the top. For a little extra flair, feel free to garnish with chopped peanuts or drizzle melted chocolate for delightful contrast.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish like chopped roasted peanuts adds a nice crunch and intensifies the nutty experience. You can also use a light drizzle of melted dark or milk chocolate for an elegant look and taste.
Side Dishes
Serve your peanut butter cake slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness. A fresh berry salad also complements the cake’s hearty flavor with a burst of tangy freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try turning this recipe into a layered cake by doubling the ingredients – just split the batter and frosting into two rounds for more height and drama. Or cut the cake into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter for a lovely dessert buffet display at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover peanut butter cake should be stored covered at room temperature if you plan to enjoy it within 2 days. For longer freshness, keep it chilled in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, tightly wrapped to prevent drying out.
Freezing
This cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap leftover portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy the cake slightly warmed, let it come to room temperature and then warm a slice gently in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This brings out the peanut butter aroma and softens the frosting just enough.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Definitely! Using natural peanut butter can give your cake a deeper, more authentic flavor. Just be sure to stir it well before measuring as the oils can separate.
What if I don’t have heavy cream for the frosting?
You can substitute heavy cream with milk, though the frosting will be slightly less rich and may need a bit less added to maintain the right thickness.
Is this cake suitable for freezing after frosting?
Yes, but for best results, freeze the cake once it’s frosted and chilled so the frosting sets first. When thawing, keep it in the refrigerator to maintain the texture of the frosting.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend made for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or similar binding agents for the best texture.
How long does the cake take to bake?
It typically takes between 30 and 35 minutes, but start checking at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe is a celebration of one of the most beloved flavors out there. It’s not just a cake—it’s a joyful experience of creamy, nutty goodness baked and frosted to perfection. Give it a try and watch your friends and family light up with every bite. You’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients come together to create something truly special, so don’t hesitate to make this your new favorite dessert!
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Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and moist Peanut Butter Cake topped with creamy peanut butter frosting, perfect for peanut lovers seeking a homemade, nutty dessert with classic American flavors.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup whole milk
Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy release after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside for later.
- Cream butter and peanut butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a fluffy base for your cake batter.
- Add sugar and eggs: Add granulated sugar to the butter and peanut butter mixture, beating for about 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them into the batter.
- Incorporate vanilla and combine wet and dry: Stir in the vanilla extract. Alternately add the dry ingredients and whole milk into the batter, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing and ensure a tender cake.
- Pour and bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- Prepare the frosting: In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter and creamy peanut butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until thick and well combined.
- Add cream and flavorings: Mix in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and ready to spread.
- Frost the cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top. Optionally, garnish with chopped peanuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a deeper peanut flavor, use natural peanut butter instead of creamy processed varieties.
- You can double the recipe to bake a layered cake, adjusting bake time slightly.
- Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
