There’s a certain enchantment that fills the kitchen when the warm scent of peanut butter cake wafts through the air, isn’t there? As fall settles in and the days grow a bit chillier, I often find myself craving sweet indulgences that bring comfort and joy. This Ultimate Peanut Butter Cake feels like a warm hug on a plate, with its moist texture and creamy, dreamy frosting that melts in your mouth.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a delightful treat to share with family and friends, this cake is your go-to solution. It’s surprisingly simple to whip up, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and those just starting their culinary journey. Plus, the delightful variations like Peanut Butter Pound Cake offer endless possibilities for creativity. So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s dive into making a dessert that’s sure to become a beloved favorite!
Why Is Peanut Butter Cake a Must-Try?
Indulgent Delight: This Peanut Butter Cake combines rich flavors with a moist texture, making it a showstopper for any dessert table.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create a masterpiece that wows.
Versatile Variations: Enjoy chocolate twists or creative toppings for a personal touch!
Ultimate Comfort Food: This cake brings a warm, fuzzy feeling with every bite—perfect for cozy gatherings.
Crowd-Pleasing: Share it at parties and watch everyone come back for seconds! Treat yourself today with this delectable dessert.
Peanut Butter Cake Ingredients
For the Cake
- Cooking Spray – Prevents sticking; substitute with parchment paper for easy removal.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; gluten-free flour can be substituted for a GF version.
- Baking Powder – A leavening agent that ensures the cake rises perfectly.
- Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor; regular salt can be used if kosher isn’t available.
- Butter (3/4 cup) – Adds richness and moisture; use unsalted for better control of salt levels.
- Brown Sugar – Contributes moisture and depth of flavor, enhancing the cake’s sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to your delightful cake!
- Peanut Butter – Provides the signature flavor and moisture; use creamy or crunchy based on preference.
- Sour Cream – Adds moisture and a hint of tang; Greek yogurt can be substituted.
- Vanilla Extract – Infuses aromatic flavor into the cake.
- Eggs (3 large) – Bind the ingredients and provide essential structure.
- Milk – Adds lightness and moisture; swap for almond milk for a dairy-free version.
For the Frosting
- Cream Cheese (8 oz.) – Offers a rich, creamy texture for the frosting.
- Additional Butter (4 Tbsp) – Incorporates richness into the frosting.
- Peanut Butter (1 1/4 cups) – The main component of the frosting that enhances its creaminess and flavor.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens frosting; key for a smooth finish.
- Heavy Cream – Provides a silky-smooth frosting; can substitute with milk for a lighter version.
For the Toppings
- Chopped Reese’s – Adds a chocolatey crunch to your cake; feel free to use other chocolate candies!
- Mini Chocolate Chips – Optional for extra sweetness and delightful texture!
Dive into creating this delectable Peanut Butter Cake and enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings to your kitchen!
How to Make Peanut Butter Cake
Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully.
Prepare the pans: Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Alternatively, line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent.
Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the soft butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add peanut butter: Mix in the peanut butter, sour cream, and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should be creamy and smooth.
Incorporate eggs and milk: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Next, add the milk and mix until your batter is smooth and uniform.
Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
Bake the cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center.
Cool the cakes: Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the frosting: For the frosting, beat the cream cheese, additional butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Frost the cooled cakes: Generously frost the top of one cake layer, then place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides. Drizzle with melted peanut butter and sprinkle with chopped Reese’s and mini chocolate chips.
Optional: Garnish with extra chopped peanuts for an added crunch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Peanut Butter Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter for your Peanut Butter Cake.
- Avoid Overmixing: Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are combined to maintain the cake’s soft, fluffy texture.
- Cool Completely: Let your cakes cool entirely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a beautiful finish.
- Rotate During Baking: Halfway through baking, rotate the cakes in the oven for even rising and browning.
- Customize Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Alternate chocolate candies or add nuts for a personal twist on your Peanut Butter Cake.
Peanut Butter Cake Variations
Feel free to explore personal twists on this delightful treat and customize it to your taste buds.
Chocolate Delight: Add 1/3 cup cocoa powder to the batter for a rich, chocolatey flavor that pairs beautifully with peanut butter.
Nutty Alternative: Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter to add a unique nutty taste and change up the texture.
Crunchy Add-Ins: Toss in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chunks for added texture and an exciting bite in every slice.
Flavor Infusion: Stir in cinnamon or espresso powder for a warm spice kick that elevates the overall taste of the cake.
Healthier Frosting: Replace the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter version that still packs a creamy punch.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream in the frosting, and substitute almond milk to make the entire cake dairy-free.
Fruit Twist: Fold in mashed bananas or applesauce into the batter for natural sweetness and added moisture, crafting a fruitier version.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the frosting for a surprising and delightful heat that complements the peanut butter.
Storage Tips for Peanut Butter Cake
- Room Temperature: Keep the Peanut Butter Cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will maintain its moist texture and delightful flavor.
- Fridge: You can store the cake in the refrigerator for up to one week, ensuring it’s well-wrapped to prevent drying out or absorbing odors.
- Freezer: For longer preservation, freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn.
- Reheating: When ready to enjoy, allow frozen portions to thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm, indulgent treat.
Make Ahead Options
These delicious Peanut Butter Cakes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cake layers up to 24 hours in advance. Simply bake the cakes, let them cool completely, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. The frosting can be made and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; just give it a quick stir before using. When you’re ready to serve, assemble the cake by frosting the layers and adding your delightful toppings. This method ensures that your cake remains just as moist and flavorful as when freshly baked—allowing you to enjoy a homemade dessert with minimal last-minute effort!
What to Serve with Peanut Butter Cake?
Elevate your Peanut Butter Cake experience with perfect pairings that will delight your palate and create a complete dessert spread.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, smooth texture of vanilla ice cream perfectly balances the rich flavors of the cake, providing a refreshing contrast.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy touch that enhances every bite of your indulgent dessert.
- Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries bring a burst of freshness, cutting through the richness while adding a pop of color. Try drizzling them with a bit of honey for extra sweetness!
- Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce not only adds a luscious layer of flavor but also gives a visual treat, making your cake a true showstopper.
- Peanut Butter Drizzle: For true peanut butter lovers, an extra drizzle of melted peanut butter over the top adds both visual appeal and enhances the cake’s nutty goodness.
- Coffee: A steaming cup of coffee pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cake, balancing flavors and providing a comforting finish to your meal.
- Almond Milk: For a dairy-free option, a chilled glass of almond milk refreshes the palate between bites while complementing the nuttiness of the cake.
- Caramel Sauce: A rich caramel sauce drizzled over your slice offers a delightful contrast to the peanut butter, providing a sweet, sticky appeal that’s hard to resist.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Serving chocolate chip cookies alongside your cake creates a fun dessert spread, offering varied textures and flavors everyone will enjoy!
These delightful options will transform your Peanut Butter Cake into a feast for the senses!
Peanut Butter Cake Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right peanut butter for the cake?
Absolutely! The choice between creamy and crunchy peanut butter can make a subtle difference in your cake’s texture and taste. I often recommend using creamy peanut butter for a smoother cake, while crunchy can add a delightful texture if you want little surprises in every bite! Just ensure it’s a good quality brand without additives.
How should I store the Peanut Butter Cake after baking?
To keep your Peanut Butter Cake fresh, store it tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, which is perfect for maintaining that lovely moist texture. If you need it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to a week, but make sure it’s wrapped well to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any odors.
Can I freeze my Peanut Butter Cake?
Yes, indeed! Freezing your Peanut Butter Cake is a great way to enjoy it later. Here’s how: First, allow the cake to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm slice of heaven!
What should I do if my cake is too dense?
If your Peanut Butter Cake turns out denser than expected, it could be due to overmixing your batter, which is a common misconception. To avoid this, mix until just combined! Another tip is to ensure your baking powder is fresh—expired leavening agents can keep your cake from rising correctly. If your batter feels heavy, consider adding an extra egg for moisture.
Are there any allergens I should be aware of?
Absolutely! Since this cake contains peanut butter, eggs, and dairy, it’s important to consider those with allergies. Always check with your guests if they have any dietary restrictions. For a nut-free version, you can substitute the peanut butter with sunbutter or other non-nut alternatives, and for dairy-free needs, using almond or oat milk along with a dairy-free margarine can work wonders. Happy baking!
Decadent Peanut Butter Cake That Will Make You Swoon
Equipment
- - Mixing bowl
- - Electric mixer
- 9-inch round cake pans
- Whisk
- - Wire rack
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 can Cooking Spray Prevents sticking; substitute with parchment paper for easy removal.
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Provides structure; gluten-free flour can be substituted.
- 1 Tbsp Baking Powder A leavening agent that ensures the cake rises.
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt Enhances flavor; regular salt can be used.
- 3/4 cup Butter Use unsalted for better control of salt levels.
- 1 cup Brown Sugar Contributes moisture and depth of flavor.
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar Adds a touch of sweetness.
- 1 cup Peanut Butter Use creamy or crunchy based on preference.
- 1 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt can be substituted.
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract Infuses aromatic flavor into the cake.
- 3 large Eggs Bind the ingredients and provide essential structure.
- 1 cup Milk Swap for almond milk for a dairy-free version.
For the Frosting
- 8 oz Cream Cheese Offers a rich, creamy texture.
- 4 Tbsp Additional Butter Incorporates richness into the frosting.
- 1 1/4 cups Peanut Butter Enhances creaminess and flavor.
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar Key for a smooth finish.
- 1/4 cup Heavy Cream Provides a silky-smooth frosting.
For the Toppings
- 1 cup Chopped Reese's Adds a chocolatey crunch.
- 1/2 cup Mini Chocolate Chips Optional for extra sweetness.
Instructions
How to Make Peanut Butter Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in the peanut butter, sour cream, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the milk and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese, additional butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Frost the top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides.
- Drizzle with melted peanut butter and sprinkle with chopped Reese's and mini chocolate chips.