If you’ve got a soft spot for rich, nutty desserts and old-fashioned bakery aromas that fill the kitchen, this Peanut Butter Cake Recipe is pure magic. Every forkful delivers incredible peanut butter flavor, a perfectly tender crumb, and just the right touch of nostalgic sweetness—plus, you can crown it with a creamy, swoon-worthy peanut butter frosting! Whether you’re prepping for a get-together or simply craving a homemade treat, you’ll love how this Peanut Butter Cake Recipe brings comfort, joy, and a little decadence to any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but mighty—each one plays a crucial role in both the taste and texture of your finished cake. Grab your favorites, and let’s get baking this classic Peanut Butter Cake Recipe!
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and keeps the cake beautifully moist.
- Creamy peanut butter: Brings the unmistakable star flavor and creamy texture we all adore.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps it rise with just the right crumb.
- Brown sugar (packed): Lends a hint of caramel-like depth and extra moisture.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together for structure and tenderness.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the peanut butter with warm, bakery-like notes.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone that holds the cake together.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise nice and tall.
- Baking soda: Gives lift and ensures a light, airy crumb.
- Salt: Wakes up all the sweet and nutty flavors.
- Whole milk: Keeps things tender and helps blend everything smoothly.
- Sour cream: Makes the cake rich, soft, and ever-so-slightly tangy.
- For the peanut butter frosting (optional): Butter, creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract make this topping absolutely irresistible.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), the sweet spot for a golden, evenly baked cake. Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan, or use parchment paper for easy removal—nothing should stand between you and that first bite!
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. You want this mixture to be light and fluffy, setting the stage for a supremely tender cake. Don’t skip the creaming—it’s what makes this Peanut Butter Cake Recipe extra dreamy!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. This ensures a smooth, emulsified batter. Pour in the vanilla extract and stir—it’ll cozy up all those nutty notes.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This quick step guarantees even leavening, so your cake bakes up lofty and light.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry, Milk, and Sour Cream
Gradually add the dry mixture to your creamed ingredients, alternating with the milk and sour cream. Always start and finish with the dry mix. Stir just until combined—overmixing is a no-go if you want that tender crumb!
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour your gorgeous batter into the prepped pan and gently smooth the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick comes out clean, and the kitchen smells heavenly. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Step 7: Whip Up the Peanut Butter Frosting
In a clean bowl, beat together the softened butter and creamy peanut butter until perfectly smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, a bit of milk, and vanilla, beating until fluffy. Spread generously over your cooled cake—or, if you’re feeling fancy, give it dramatic swoops!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Top your cake with a gentle scatter of chopped peanuts or a playful drizzle of melted chocolate for a bakery-worthy finish. These simple touches give your homemade Peanut Butter Cake Recipe a professional look and an extra pop of flavor with every bite.
Side Dishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of softly whipped cream on the side makes each slice feel even more decadent. Fruits like sliced bananas or fresh berries complement the deep, nutty sweetness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this cake as cupcakes for grab-and-go fun, or layer with extra frosting and chocolate shavings for an elegant twist. Stack bite-sized squares with toothpicks for a crowd-pleasing dessert platter—there are endless ways to enjoy and personalize your Peanut Butter Cake Recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Peanut Butter Cake Recipe covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it in an airtight container to prevent the cake from drying out and the frosting from absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. If you’d like to freeze with frosting, flash-freeze first to set the topping, then wrap as above. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Individual slices can be gently warmed in the microwave for a few seconds—just enough to make the cake soft and the frosting luscious again. If serving a group, reheat covered slices in a low oven (300°F) for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make this Peanut Butter Cake Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Keep in mind, a gluten-free blend may change the texture slightly, but you’ll still get all the rich, peanuty goodness.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Go for it if you love little pops of peanut texture! The cake will have a slight crunch and extra nuttiness. Just be sure to stir the batter gently so you don’t overmix.
What type Dessert
A 9×9-inch square baking pan is ideal for even baking and a classic look, but you can double the recipe for a 9×13-inch pan or use muffin tins for cupcakes. Just watch the baking time if you change the size.
Can I frost the cake while it’s still warm?
It’s best to wait until the cake has cooled completely. If the cake is warm, the frosting might melt into a glaze instead of staying fluffy and luscious. Patience pays off here!
Is this Peanut Butter Cake Recipe suitable for making ahead?
Definitely! You can bake the cake a day or two in advance, wrap it well, and store at room temperature or in the fridge. Add the frosting just before serving for the freshest taste and best texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s easy to make but always feels like a special treat, put this Peanut Butter Cake Recipe at the top of your list. Trust me, one slice is all it takes to have everyone asking for the recipe—so go ahead and give it a try, your sweet tooth will thank you!
Print
Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, nutty flavor of this Peanut Butter Cake topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Optional Peanut Butter Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- Mix wet ingredients: Cream together butter, peanut butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla until fluffy.
- Combine dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Combine mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with milk and sour cream.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan and bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Make frosting: Beat butter, peanut butter, sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
- Frost the cake: Spread frosting over cooled cake and serve.
Notes
- You can double the recipe for a 9×13-inch pan or make cupcakes with adjusted baking time.
- Garnish with chopped peanuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra flair.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
