If you are a peanut butter lover or just someone who appreciates a rich and moist cake that hits the perfect balance of sweet and nutty, this Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cake infused with the deep, creamy taste of peanut butter, topped generously with a luscious peanut butter frosting that is smooth, sweet, and irresistibly decadent. This recipe brings together simple everyday ingredients in an easy-to-follow process, ensuring you get a cake that’s bursting with flavor and texture, perfect for any celebration or a delightful everyday indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making a truly memorable Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe. Each component not only plays a role in flavor but also contributes to the texture and overall appearance of the final cake, making every bite a harmonious experience.
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter: This is the star ingredient providing a creamy, nutty depth that defines the cake’s signature taste.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Offers structure and crumb to the cake, making it perfectly tender.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Balances the nuttiness with just the right amount of sweetness.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Ensures the cake rises beautifully, giving it a light and fluffy texture.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients and adds richness to the cake batter.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened: Adds moisture and a velvety texture while enhancing the buttery flavor.
- 1/2 cup milk: Helps create the perfect batter consistency and keeps the cake moist.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Essential for making the frosting sweet, smooth, and creamy.
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter: Boosts the peanut flavor in the frosting, making it irresistibly rich.
- 1/4 cup butter, softened: Gives the frosting its silky, spreadable texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aromatic note that balances the peanut butter’s intensity.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your cake pan. In a large bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key because it incorporates air, giving your cake a tender crumb. Next, add the 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the 1 cup smooth peanut butter until fully combined for that rich peanut flavor throughout. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agent.
Step 2: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the 1/2 cup milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture to keep the batter smooth and well mixed without overworking it. Finish by mixing everything until it’s just combined, ensuring you maintain a soft, slightly thick cake batter that’s ready to bake.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is perfectly baked with a moist, tender middle and lightly golden crust.
Step 4: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
While the cake bakes and cools, start on that dreamy frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the 1/4 cup softened butter and 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter until creamy and smooth. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing on low speed, until the frosting reaches a thick but spreadable consistency. Finally, stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to add a subtle fragrant sweetness that complements the peanut butter wonderfully.
Step 5: Frost the Cake
Make sure your cake is completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting. Using a spatula or knife, generously spread the peanut butter frosting over the top of the cake, creating a smooth, inviting surface. You can add swirls or decorative patterns with a spoon for a homemade touch that’s visually appealing.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
A great way to elevate your cake presentation is by adding some simple, thoughtful garnishes. Chopped roasted peanuts sprinkled over the frosting add delightful crunch and enhance the nutty flavor. You can also add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce to introduce complementary flavors that make each bite even more decadent and exciting.
Side Dishes
This peanut butter cake pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like sliced bananas or strawberries, which cut through the richness with their natural sweetness and bright acidity. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream beside your slice can balance the richness and provide a creamy contrast, turning your dessert into an indulgent occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your friends or family? Serve individual cake slices on a pretty plate dusted lightly with powdered sugar or cocoa powder. You could also assemble cupcakes using the same batter and frosting for convenient single servings that look adorable and offer the same outstanding flavor experience. Another idea: layer the cake with frosting in between, then cover the entire cake in frosting for a classic layered cake effect that’s sure to wow.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe, wrap any leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh and moist for up to 3-4 days. This makes it easy to enjoy a slice whenever a peanut butter craving strikes!
Freezing
If you want to keep your cake fresh much longer, freezing is a wonderful option. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. When stored correctly, your peanut butter cake can keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months without losing its moist texture or deep flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy chilled or frozen cake as if it were freshly baked, bring it to room temperature by leaving it out for about 30 minutes. If you prefer it warm, gently heat a single slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This softens the frosting and warms the cake just enough to enhance the peanut butter aroma and make it feel freshly baked again.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add lovely texture bits to both the cake and frosting. Just keep in mind the cake may have a slightly different crumb due to the peanut chunks.
Is this cake gluten-free?
The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free by default. However, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend in equal measure for a gluten-free version, but results may vary slightly.
Can I make this cake vegan?
To make it vegan, you’d need to replace eggs with flax eggs or another egg substitute, use plant-based milk, and swap butter for a vegan butter alternative. The taste will still be delicious but subtly different.
How long does the frosting last?
The peanut butter frosting keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. Give it a good stir before using if it firms up.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, doubling the ingredients is a great idea if you want a larger cake or multiple layers. Just make sure to adjust your baking pans and time accordingly to avoid over or underbaking.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the perfect Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe in your cookbook arsenal, you’re just steps away from baking a cake that will impress every peanut butter lover you know. It’s rich, comforting, and downright addictive, yet incredibly easy to make. Go ahead and try it out—you’ll find this cake is one you’ll look forward to making again and again, sharing slices of joy and peanut buttery goodness with everyone around you.
Print
Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a rich and moist dessert perfect for peanut butter lovers. The cake combines smooth peanut butter in the batter for a deep nutty flavor, while the creamy peanut butter frosting adds a luscious finishing touch. Ideal for celebrations or casual indulgence, this easy-to-make recipe yields a tender cake with a balanced sweetness and decadent frosting.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the 2 large eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next.
- Add Peanut Butter and Dry Ingredients: Stir in 1 cup smooth peanut butter and 1 tsp vanilla extract until well combined. In a separate bowl, sift together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 2 tsp baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with 1/2 cup milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, until just combined.
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch cake pan. Pour the batter evenly into the pan and smooth the top. Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Make the Frosting: In a medium mixing bowl, beat together 1/4 cup softened butter and 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add 1 cup powdered sugar, beating continuously. Add 1 tsp vanilla extract and mix until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake using a spatula or knife. Chill the cake briefly if desired to set the frosting before serving.
Notes
- Use smooth peanut butter for a silky texture; chunky peanut butter will alter the cake’s crumb.
- The cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For added texture, consider sprinkling chopped peanuts on top of the frosting.
- This cake pairs well with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee.
- You can substitute milk with a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version, but it may affect texture slightly.
