If you’re searching for a dessert that’s pure comfort and nostalgia in every bite, this Peanut Butter Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine a tender, moist cake bursting with rich peanut butter flavor and topped with a luscious, creamy peanut butter frosting—each bite is like a warm hug, perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving at home. Whether you’re a die-hard peanut butter fan or just love a good homemade cake, this recipe brings together everything you adore about classic American baking, all in one simple, crowd-pleasing sheet cake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Peanut Butter Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table, from the creamy richness of peanut butter to the lift from baking powder, ensuring your cake bakes up soft, flavorful, and utterly irresistible.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the cake structure and a tender crumb perfect for soaking up that peanutty goodness.
- Baking powder: Provides lift so your cake is fluffy, not dense.
- Baking soda: Works with the baking powder for the perfect rise and golden color.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and ensures a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, infusing every bite with deep, nutty flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps it bake up light.
- Brown sugar: Brings a hint of molasses flavor and keeps the cake moist.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and help the cake rise.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the peanut butter flavor.
- Whole milk: Keeps the crumb supple and the cake pleasantly rich.
- Powdered sugar (for frosting): Creates a smooth, luscious frosting with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Milk (for frosting): Helps you achieve that dreamy, spreadable consistency for the frosting.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish—this simple step guarantees your cake releases easily and bakes up with those charming golden edges.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This not only combines everything evenly but also aerates the flour for a lighter cake texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for a soft, tender crumb, so take your time (about 2-3 minutes with a mixer).
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, which enhances all the peanutty notes in the batter.
Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk
With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined—overmixing can make your cake tough, and we want it perfectly tender!
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma will be irresistible! Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
Step 7: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
In a clean bowl, beat together the softened butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla and milk (start with 2 tablespoons and add more as needed) until the frosting is creamy and spreadable. Smooth it over the cooled cake and get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Dress up your Peanut Butter Cake Recipe with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for crunch, a drizzle of melted chocolate for a decadent touch, or even a few mini chocolate chips scattered on top. For a fun twist, swirl a little extra peanut butter into the frosting before serving!
Side Dishes
This cake is wonderful on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a tall glass of cold milk. For a party, serve it alongside fresh berries or a fruit salad for a pop of color and brightness that complements the richness of the cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into neat bars for easy sharing at potlucks, or use a round cookie cutter for cute individual servings. If you’re feeling fancy, layer cubes of cake in a trifle dish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a show-stopping dessert everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Peanut Butter Cake Recipe fresh, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will stay delicious at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can refrigerate it for a couple of extra days of enjoyment.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole (unfrosted or frosted) cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If you love a warm slice, pop it in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. The frosting gets a little gooey, and the cake tastes just-baked—trust me, it’s worth it!
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular creamy peanut butter?
Natural peanut butter can work, but since it tends to be runnier and less sweet, you might notice a slightly different texture and flavor. For best results, stick with classic creamy peanut butter for this Peanut Butter Cake Recipe.
Is it okay to use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
Absolutely! A hand mixer works perfectly for both the batter and the frosting. Just be sure to cream the butter and sugars until very light and fluffy for that ideal cake texture.
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
Yes! Feel free to stir in up to 1 cup of chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even swirls of Nutella into the batter before baking for an extra-special twist on the Peanut Butter Cake Recipe.
How do I make this cake gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure your other ingredients are gluten-free as well, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version to enjoy.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in two 9×13-inch pans. It’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or anytime you need a big batch of this beloved Peanut Butter Cake Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a homemade Peanut Butter Cake Recipe—it brings people together and never fails to put a smile on everyone’s face. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and make it your own. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Peanut Butter Cake Recipe is a rich and moist sheet cake perfect for peanut butter lovers. The cake combines creamy peanut butter in the batter with a luscious peanut butter frosting on top, creating a deliciously indulgent dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For the peanut butter frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt throughout the flour.
- Cream wet ingredients and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help create a tender cake texture.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix gently just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Pour and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan to room temperature before frosting, preventing the frosting from melting.
- Make the frosting: In a bowl, beat together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar. Mix in the vanilla extract and 2–3 tablespoons of milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired frosting consistency.
- Frost the cake: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake and slice into servings.
Notes
- Add chopped peanuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Refrigerate for longer freshness, and bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
