How To Make A Peanut Butter Cake

Peanut butter cake is a delightful dessert that combines peanut butter’s rich, nutty flavor with moist, tender cake layers. It is one of the creamiest, softest cakes I have ever had.

Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or simply looking for a new dessert, this cake will surely impress. Here is the simplest recipe for peanut butter cake.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup milk (whole milk or buttermilk)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-4 tablespoons milk, as needed

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed.

Add Peanut Butter and Eggs: Mix in the peanut butter until smooth and well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Divide and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool Completely: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.

Prepare Peanut Butter Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the creamy peanut butter and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Frost the Cake: Place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand once the cakes have cooled completely. Spread a layer of peanut butter frosting evenly over the top. Place the second cake layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.

Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake and serve immediately, or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Tips And Tricks

Use Creamy Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter rather than chunky for a smooth texture throughout the cake batter and frosting.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before starting the recipe. This helps them blend together more easily and creates a smoother batter.

Cream Butter and Sugar Well: Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy to make a lighter and fluffier cake.

Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough cake.

Grease Cake Pans: To prevent the cake from sticking to the pans, grease, and flour the cake pans or use parchment paper rounds.

Level Cakes: After baking, use a cake leveler or a serrated knife to level the tops of the cakes if they have domed.

Chill Frosting if Necessary: If the peanut butter frosting becomes too soft to spread, refrigerate it for some time to firm it up slightly before frosting the cake.

Decorate Creatively: For added texture and flavor, add chopped peanuts, chocolate chips, or drizzles of melted chocolate on top of the frosted cake.

Storage: The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for a longer shelf life, but bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Variations for Peanut Butter Cake

1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: Combine cocoa powder with the cake batter for a chocolatey twist. You can also add chocolate chips for extra richness. For an indulgent treat, top the cake with chocolate ganache or chocolate buttercream frosting.
2. Peanut Butter Cup Cake: Chop peanut butter cups and fold them into the cake batter before baking. You can also use whole peanut butter cups to decorate the top of the cake. Serve with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra decadence.
3. Banana Peanut Butter Cake: For a moist and flavorful twist, add mashed ripe bananas to the cake batter. Consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
4. Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake: Swirl raspberry or strawberry jam into the cake batter before baking for a nostalgic peanut butter and jelly flavor. Use a peanut butter frosting and drizzle additional jam on top for a fun and colorful presentation.
5. Peanut Butter Layer Cake: Bake the cake batter in three or four 8-inch round cake pans to create layers. Stack the cake layers with peanut butter frosting between each layer for a stunning presentation. Finish with a smooth layer of frosting on the top and sides of the cake.
6. Peanut Butter Sheet Cake: Bake the cake batter in a large sheet pan for a crowd-pleasing dessert. Top with a simple peanut butter glaze made with powdered sugar, peanut butter, and milk.
7. Peanut Butter Crumb Cake: Add a crumb topping made with flour, brown sugar, butter, and chopped peanuts to the cake batter before baking for a crunchy and sweet contrast to the soft cake.

Conclusion

Baking a peanut butter cake is a delightful experience, that offers a rich and flavorful treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. By following the tips and tricks, you can create a moist, tender cake with a perfect balance of peanut butter flavor.

Whether baking for a special occasion or simply craving a delicious dessert, a peanut butter cake is a delicious treat to enjoy with friends and family.