If you adore the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter, you are about to fall head over heels for this Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe. Imagine a moist, tender cake infused with creamy peanut butter, topped with irresistibly smooth and sweet peanut butter frosting that melts in your mouth. This dessert is a true celebration of peanut butter’s versatility and depth, delivering a perfect balance of sweetness and a touch of savory richness. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a moment when you crave a comforting treat, this cake will quickly become your go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a vital role. Every element is chosen carefully to build layers of flavor, achieve the ideal texture, and create that golden, decadent look you want in a homemade cake.
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter: Forms the heart of both the cake and frosting, offering creamy richness and that unmistakable peanut flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cake, helping it hold together while staying soft and tender.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and works with butter to create a light, fluffy texture.
- 2 tsp baking powder: The rising agent that ensures your cake is beautifully airy, not dense.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture, contributing to the cake’s melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened: Enhances flavor and provides richness, making the cake wonderfully moist.
- 1/2 cup milk: Balances the batter, keeping it smooth and tender.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Essential for the frosting’s silky sweetness and fluffy texture.
- 1/4 cup butter, softened (for frosting): Works with peanut butter to create a creamy, spreadable frosting.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a warm undertone to the frosting, elevating the overall flavor.
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 and flouring a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy—this is the foundation of your cake’s luscious texture.
Step 2: Incorporate Eggs and Milk
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time until each is fully incorporated. This step is crucial because properly mixed eggs give your cake structure and moisture. Then, pour in the milk and stir until everything is evenly combined, ensuring your batter is smooth and ready for the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing carefully until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep the cake tender and light.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake the cake for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely—this cooling period is essential before adding your luscious frosting.
Step 5: Make the Frosting
While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and spreadable. This frosting is the perfect companion to the cake’s moist crumb—rich, sweet, and packed with peanut buttery goodness.
Step 6: Frost and Serve
Finally, once the cake is completely cool, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top. Slice into generous pieces and watch as everyone’s eyes light up at the first bite of this peanut butter paradise.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance this cake’s appeal with simple garnishes like chopped roasted peanuts for extra crunch or a drizzle of melted chocolate to add a luscious contrast to the peanut butter flavor. A sprinkle of sea salt also brings out the depth of peanut butter’s natural savoriness and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to offset its richness with light creaminess. For beverages, a glass of cold milk or a cup of freshly brewed coffee complements the intense peanut flavor beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, consider serving individual slices with a side of caramel sauce or layered in a trifle with bananas and whipped cream. You can also turn it into mini cupcakes topped with frosting for a fun twist that’s perfect for sharing and portion control.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe stays fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake where it will keep for about a week without drying out.
Freezing
This cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to protect it, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices by placing them in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to bring back that freshly-baked warmth. Avoid overheating to keep the cake moist and the frosting intact.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to the cake and frosting, offering a satisfying little crunch with every bite. Just keep in mind it may affect the smoothness of your frosting.
Is this cake gluten-free?
This particular recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking for a tasty gluten-free version.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the butter and milk for dairy-free alternatives like vegan margarine and almond or oat milk. The flavor might be slightly different but will still be delicious.
How should I adjust the baking time for cupcakes?
If you choose to make cupcakes instead, bake them at 350°F for about 15 to 18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Keep an eye on them as they bake faster than a whole cake.
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins to the batter?
Definitely! Stirring in chocolate chips or chopped nuts adds extra texture and flavor. Just fold them gently into the batter before baking to distribute evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe is truly a celebration of peanut butter in its most decadent form. It’s easy enough for a weeknight baking adventure yet impressive for guests and family alike. Trust me, once you take that first bite, the nutty richness and melt-in-your-mouth frosting will have you coming back for more. Go on, bake one today and share this delightful treat with those you love!
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Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a rich, moist dessert perfect for peanut butter lovers. The cake combines smooth peanut butter in both the batter and the luscious creamy frosting, creating a harmonious and indulgent treat ideal for any occasion.
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
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking and ensure an even bake.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup smooth peanut butter, 1/2 cup softened butter, and 1 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, which will give the cake a light texture.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next to create an even batter.
- Mix in Milk: Add 1/2 cup milk to the batter and mix until just combined, adding moisture and richness to the cake.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 2 tsp baking powder. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and maintain cake tenderness.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter, 1/4 cup softened butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, evenly spread the peanut butter frosting over the top using a spatula for a smooth finish.
- Serve: Slice the cake into 8 servings and enjoy this rich peanut butter delight.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and smoother batter.
- Ensure the cake is completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For added texture, consider adding chopped peanuts into the frosting or sprinkling on top.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature before serving for optimal taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
