If you’re searching for the most irresistible dessert to delight peanut butter lovers of all ages, Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is the answer you’ve been waiting for. Each bite is a harmony of soft, nutty layers blanketed in a dreamy, cloud-like peanut butter frosting. The cake is moist yet tender, with that unmistakable peanutty taste that satisfies both a sweet tooth and a craving for something nostalgic and comforting. Whether you’re celebrating with friends, embracing a cozy weekend, or simply indulging in a well-deserved treat, this classic American dessert is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting lies in its straightforward, honest ingredients. Each item brings its own flavor and texture, working together to create a cake that’s rich, fluffy, and unbelievably delicious while keeping the ingredient list refreshingly simple.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cake for a soft but sturdy crumb that holds layers and frosting beautifully.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These help the cake rise to a light, tender texture—don’t skip either one!
- Salt: Just a touch sharpens and balances the sweetness, letting the peanut butter flavor shine.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps create a soft, moist crumb (and whips up silky-smooth frosting).
- Creamy peanut butter: The heart of this dessert—use your favorite brand for the best peanut flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly and aids in a beautifully golden crust.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness, giving the cake its satisfying texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the cake’s aroma and taste with lovely fragrant notes.
- Whole milk: Keeps the cake light and tender, ensuring every bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for a smooth, fluffy frosting that glides like silk across the cake layers.
- Heavy cream: Loosens and enriches the frosting for that ultra-creamy, spreadable consistency.
- Pinch of salt (for frosting): Balances the sweetness and enhances the nutty notes in the frosting.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans and Oven
Before you do anything else, set yourself up for success! Preheat your oven to 350°F, and grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. You can also cut circles of parchment paper to line the bottoms. This ensures your Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting comes out of the pans without any sticking or crumbling—worth every extra minute!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step evenly distributes the leaveners, so your cake bakes nice and evenly, with that beautiful, even rise and no surprises.
Step 3: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This is where the magic starts! Incorporating plenty of air here sets the stage for a moist, tender cake.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition—this creates a glossy, cohesive batter. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that unmistakable homemade aroma. You’ll notice the batter start to look rich and inviting.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, alternate adding the dry mixture and milk to your creamed mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. This gives you the ideal batter: thick, smooth, and gorgeously pale brown, ready for the oven!
Step 6: Divide and Bake
Pour the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the kitchen smells like pure happiness.
Step 7: Cool the Cakes
Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before running a knife around the edges and turning them onto a wire rack. Cool completely—this is crucial for easy frosting and that flawless finish.
Step 8: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
Time for the frosting! In a clean bowl, beat together the softened butter and peanut butter until they’re creamy and fully combined. Add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting turns light, fluffy, and utterly irresistible. If it seems too thick, drizzle in just a touch more cream.
Step 9: Frost and Decorate
Once the cakes are cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on top of one cake, nestle the second layer over it, and cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting. This is your moment to get creative! Swirls, swoops, or even chopped peanuts make the Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting look as amazing as it tastes.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
Garnishes
While this cake is fantastic on its own, it loves to dress up for special occasions. Scatter a handful of roasted, salted peanuts or mini chocolate chips on top for crunch and visual appeal. Drizzle some melted chocolate or a few spoonfuls of caramel for a touch of extra decadence—your guests will swoon!
Side Dishes
Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is wonderful alongside a refreshing glass of cold milk or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. For adults, a mug of robust coffee (or even an espresso) balances the richness beautifully, while fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or bananas adds a pop of color and contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to switch things up? Bake the batter as cupcakes for adorable, bite-sized treats, or try it in a sheet pan for easy serving at casual get-togethers. Stack the layers with sliced bananas or a layer of chocolate ganache between for a flavor surprise in every slice!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is especially warm, pop it in the fridge—just let it sit out a bit before serving so the frosting softens to creamy perfection again.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap unfrosted cake layers well in plastic wrap and then in foil. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before frosting. Frosted cake slices also freeze well; just wrap each slice and store in a freezer-safe container for a quick, homemade dessert anytime.
Reheating
Enjoying this cake at room temperature is ideal for the best texture, but if you’re craving a little warmth (especially with ice cream), microwave an individual slice for 10-15 seconds. This brings out the moistness and makes the Peanut Butter Frosting extra luscious!
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
For the best texture and stability, it’s recommended to use classic creamy peanut butter, as natural peanut butter can sometimes separate and make the cake or frosting oily. If you do use natural, make sure it’s thoroughly stirred and not too runny.
How do I keep the cake moist?
The combination of whole milk, eggs, and plenty of peanut butter in the batter ensures this Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting stays tender. Be sure not to overbake—check for doneness around 25 minutes and remove from the oven as soon as the toothpick test comes out clean.
Can I make Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting as a sheet cake or cupcakes?
Absolutely! Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan for a sheet cake and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or use lined cupcake pans (fill them two-thirds full) and bake for 18-22 minutes. Just keep an eye on them and test for doneness.
Is this recipe suitable for people with peanut allergies?
Because the key flavor comes from peanut butter, this dessert is not safe for those with peanut allergies. For a similar taste and texture without peanuts, you can try substituting sunflower seed butter, but be aware the flavor will change.
Can I add chocolate to this cake?
Yes! Peanut butter and chocolate are best friends. Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers, sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the batter, or decorate the frosted cake with a generous drizzle of melted chocolate for an indulgent twist.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been dreaming of a simple, soul-satisfying dessert, give this Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting a try. It’s destined to become a new favorite in your home—figure-friendly enough for everyday cravings, yet totally special for birthdays or get-togethers. You’ll want to make it again and again for the unbeatable mix of creamy frosting and tender peanut butter cake!
Print
Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and nutty goodness of this Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting. A moist and flavorful cake paired with a luscious peanut butter frosting, this dessert is a peanut lover’s dream come true.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For the frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream (plus more as needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
- Prepare the cake batter: Whisk together the dry ingredients. Beat butter, peanut butter, and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla, dry ingredients, and milk in alternating additions. Mix until just combined. Divide batter between pans.
- Bake the cakes: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the frosting: Beat butter and peanut butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, cream, vanilla, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy, adjusting cream for consistency.
- Frost the cake: Frost the cooled cake layers and decorate as desired.
Notes
- You can add chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips between layers for texture.
- This cake also works well as a sheet cake or cupcakes—adjust baking time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
