If you’re ready to indulge your sweet tooth with a treat that’s as nostalgic as it is decadent, this Peanut Butter Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine a soft, moist crumb infused with the rich, nutty essence of peanut butter, balanced perfectly with just the right touch of sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a family celebration or just craving a cozy homemade dessert, this cake is pure comfort in every bite. Let’s dive in and whip up a slice of happiness!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Peanut Butter Cake Recipe is all thanks to a handful of simple, classic ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from building the cake’s tender structure to layering in unbeatable flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a single thing:
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cake, flour gives it structure and ensures every slice holds together perfectly.
- Baking powder: This helps the cake rise, creating a light, fluffy texture that’s never dense.
- Baking soda: Adds a bit more lift and tenderness, especially when combined with the acid in the batter.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the peanut butter flavor and balances out the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture while letting you control the salt level.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star of the show! It infuses the cake with that unmistakable nutty taste and silky texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with browning for a lovely golden color.
- Large eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients and add structure, keeping your cake beautifully moist.
- Vanilla extract: A splash rounds out the flavors and gives the cake a warm, bakery-style aroma.
- Whole milk: Keeps the crumb tender and soft, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square or round cake pan. This crucial step ensures your Peanut Butter Cake Recipe comes out easily and bakes evenly, so don’t skip it!
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients beforehand ensures they’re evenly distributed in your batter, giving your cake a beautiful texture every time.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and creamy peanut butter together until smooth and creamy. This is where the magic begins! Creaming these together creates a luscious base that guarantees a moist, flavorful crumb.
Step 4: Add Sugar and Eggs
Add the granulated sugar to your butter mixture and continue beating until it’s light and fluffy. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. This step builds structure and adds that irresistible homemade taste.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender—overmixing can make it tough.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The kitchen will smell absolutely amazing as the Peanut Butter Cake Recipe bakes up golden and fluffy!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures the cake sets perfectly and is easy to slice.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Peanut Butter Cake Recipe by topping it with a generous layer of creamy peanut butter frosting, rich chocolate ganache, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar. For some extra crunch, sprinkle chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips over the top just before serving. Each garnish adds a unique flair and makes your cake feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair your cake with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a strong cup of coffee to balance the sweetness. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream also make fantastic companions, brightening up each bite with a pop of freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Peanut Butter Cake Recipe as cupcakes for parties or slice it into small squares for a dessert platter. You can even layer pieces with ice cream and hot fudge for a showstopping trifle! Get creative—this cake loves to be the star of the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Peanut Butter Cake Recipe fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is especially warm, you can refrigerate the cake to keep it moist and delicious.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake (without frosting) tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw the cake overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
If you prefer your Peanut Butter Cake Recipe slightly warm, just pop a slice in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven softness and releases the rich peanut butter aroma.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful texture with bits of peanuts throughout the cake. It’s a fun twist if you love a little extra crunch with every bite.
What kind of frosting pairs best with this cake?
A silky peanut butter frosting is a classic choice, but chocolate ganache or even a fluffy cream cheese frosting work beautifully. Each option brings out different notes in the Peanut Butter Cake Recipe, so feel free to experiment!
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just make sure your other ingredients are gluten-free as well for a safe and tasty result.
How do I know when the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. The top should be lightly golden and spring back when gently pressed.
Can I add mix-ins to the batter?
Definitely! Stir in up to ½ cup of chopped peanuts or chocolate chips before baking for extra texture and bursts of flavor. It’s a great way to customize the Peanut Butter Cake Recipe to your liking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably joyful about baking and sharing a homemade Peanut Butter Cake Recipe with the people you love. Whether you keep it simple or dress it up with all your favorite toppings, this cake is sure to bring smiles all around. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicious Peanut Butter Cake Recipe is a moist and nutty dessert that’s perfect for peanut butter lovers. Featuring a creamy peanut butter base combined with classic cake ingredients, it’s easy to make and pairs wonderfully with frosting or toppings like chocolate ganache or powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square or round cake pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- 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, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add Sugar and Eggs: Gradually add the granulated sugar to the butter mixture and beat until light and fluffy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate each before adding the next.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract to the mixture for added flavor depth.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the whole milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Transfer Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 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 about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before serving or frosting.
Notes
- Top with peanut butter frosting, chocolate ganache, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added flavor and elegance.
- For extra texture and crunch, stir in 1/2 cup chopped peanuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
- This cake keeps well and can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
