This Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake is pure nostalgic comfort baked into every bite. Imagine a moist, peanutty crumb, kissed with brown sugar sweetness and a whisper of vanilla – this cake is like a warm memory from Grandma’s kitchen. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want an easy, impressive treat, the Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake is an irresistible dessert that’s bound to win over anyone who loves classic American sweets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in the simplicity of its pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one brings something wonderful to the party: a tender crumb, nutty depth, gentle sweetness, and that signature richness that every old-fashioned favorite deserves.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of our cake, this gives just the right structure for a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cake bake up with a perfect golden hue.
- Brown sugar: Brings in a subtle molasses note, making the flavor rich and the texture moist.
- Baking powder: Gives the cake its light lift and lets it rise beautifully in the oven.
- Baking soda: Helps balance the acidity and keeps each bite tender.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the peanut-buttery flavors and balancing the sweetness.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient, infusing the cake with that unmistakable, dreamy peanut flavor.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich, velvety texture and a savory undertone that highlights the peanut butter.
- Eggs: Bind everything together for a cake that slices like a dream.
- Vanilla extract: A splash adds warmth and a homey, old-fashioned aroma.
- Whole milk: Creates a tender, moist crumb and ensures the batter blends smoothly.
- Sour cream: Secret weapon for unbeatable moisture and a slight tang that brightens every forkful.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven
The first step sets you up for baking success. Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to make sure your Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake lifts out easily. A well-greased pan makes for stress-free serving and the perfect golden edges every time.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix not only ensures every bite is evenly flavored, but breaking up any clumps makes it much easier to achieve that trademark fluffy texture in your finished cake.
Step 3: Cut in the Peanut Butter and Butter
Now for the magic! Add the creamy peanut butter and softened unsalted butter to your bowl of dry ingredients. Mix until the mixture turns crumbly – you’re aiming for a texture reminiscent of soft, nutty sand. This step ensures the peanut butter is perfectly distributed, maximizing that old-fashioned cake flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, whole milk, and sour cream until everything is gorgeous and smooth. This mix is the secret to a cake that’s tender and never dry: the eggs bind, the milk moistens, and the sour cream adds that signature richness.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually pour your sweet, creamy wet ingredients into the peanut butter mixture, beating as you go. A hand mixer works wonders here, but a sturdy wooden spoon and a little arm power will get the job done, too. Keep mixing just until no streaks remain; you want a luscious, uniformly thick batter.
Step 6: Pour and Bake
Scrape the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The best sign it’s ready? A toothpick poked in the center comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Your kitchen will start to smell absolutely incredible.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan so it sets up perfectly. This is the moment to decide if you’ll serve it plain (it’s lovely as is), or if you want to top it with a warm peanut butter glaze, classic chocolate frosting, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Either way, the Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake is irresistible!
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake
Garnishes
While this cake is delicious on its own, a handful of chopped peanuts or a drizzle of warm peanut butter glaze elevates its old-fashioned bakery style. Chocolate chips, a sprinkle of flaky salt, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also work beautifully as finishing touches.
Side Dishes
If you want to turn dessert into a true Southern celebration, serve each slice with a glass of cold milk or a mug of coffee. For a crowd, offer fresh fruit—think sliced bananas or berries—to complement the cake’s richness and add a pop of color to your spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, transform the Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake into a layer cake by baking in two rounds and stacking with frosting in between. Alternatively, cut the cake into small squares for a charming tea-party treat or lunchbox surprise. Individual parfaits with layered cake cubes, whipped cream, and a swirl of jam are guaranteed crowd-pleasers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cake keeps beautifully! Cover the cooled Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake with foil or plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. It stays moist and flavorful, so you can enjoy a slice with your coffee all week long.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Cut cooled slices, wrap them individually in plastic, and freeze in an airtight bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for a ready-made treat whenever the craving hits—perfect for unexpected guests or midnight snacks!
Reheating
If you like your cake warm, just pop an individual slice in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. If you’re reheating a larger portion, a covered baking dish in a low oven does the trick. The flavors get even more delicious as they mingle and meld.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a fun, nutty texture throughout the cake, making it even more nostalgic for some folks. Just be sure to stick to the same quantity to keep the batter balanced.
What kind of frosting goes well with Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake?
This cake is a blank canvas for all sorts of toppings. Classic chocolate frosting is always a hit, but a simple peanut butter glaze or even a dusting of powdered sugar also tastes amazing. For extra indulgence, try a cream cheese frosting with a little maple syrup mixed in.
Can I make this Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake gluten-free?
You sure can! Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss a beat on flavor or texture.
Why do you add sour cream to the batter?
Sour cream is the baker’s secret for ultimate moisture and a lovely tender crumb. It adds a subtle tang that brings out the peanut butter flavor even more, making each bite feel decadent but not too heavy.
Is this recipe suitable for making ahead for parties?
Definitely! Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake holds up well when made a day or two in advance, and its flavors actually deepen as it rests. Just store it tightly covered and frost before serving for the freshest presentation.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a simple yet unforgettable dessert, this Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake is about to become your new favorite. Whether you share it at a backyard barbecue or keep it all to yourself (no judgment!), every bite feels like a warm, delicious piece of home. Go ahead—give it a try and enjoy every nostalgic, peanut buttery bite!
Print
Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, nostalgic flavors of this Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake. With a moist crumb and a nutty peanut butter taste, this classic dessert is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add peanut butter and butter, mix until crumbly.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and sour cream until smooth.
- Combine and bake: Gradually add wet ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, beat until combined. Pour batter into pan, bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan before frosting or serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, top the cake with a warm peanut butter glaze or chocolate frosting.
- Add chopped peanuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
