Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

If you’re a peanut butter lover, get ready to fall head over heels for this cake. Picture this: a rich, moist peanut butter cake, topped with a velvety peanut butter frosting that’s smooth, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet. Every bite is a dreamy combination of peanut butter goodness that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds). Trust me, once you’ve tasted this, you won’t want to share! Whether you’re serving it at a party or treating yourself to a little indulgence, this cake is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

Let me tell you, this recipe is more than just a cake—it’s a peanut butter dream come true! Here’s why you’re going to love it:

• Versatile: Whether you’re making it for a birthday, a potluck, or just to treat yourself, this cake fits any occasion. Imagine serving it at a gathering where everyone’s raving about how delicious and unique it is.
• Budget-Friendly: You don’t need fancy or hard-to-find ingredients for this one! Most of these ingredients you likely have in your pantry already, making it a sweet treat that won’t break the bank.
• Quick and Easy: The steps are super simple and beginner-friendly, so even if you’re a newbie in the kitchen, you’ll have no trouble pulling this off. Plus, you don’t have to worry about complicated decorating or techniques—it’s all about that rich, peanut butter flavor.
• Customizable: Want to add a little twist? You could throw in some chocolate chips, swirl in some jam, or even add a sprinkle of chopped peanuts on top for a fun crunch!
• Crowd-Pleasing: Let’s be honest—peanut butter is loved by everyone. This cake has something for both the peanut butter fanatics and those who just want a sweet, comforting slice. It’s a universal favorite.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic behind this peanut butter cake—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but together they create a perfect balance of richness and sweetness. Let’s break it down:

• Peanut Butter: The heart of this cake. Smooth peanut butter gives the cake its dense, moist texture and that irresistible peanut flavor that everyone loves.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps hold everything together and gives the cake its soft, tender crumb.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake just enough, complementing the peanut butter without overpowering it.
• Baking Powder: A little lift for the cake so it comes out soft and airy on the inside while still holding that rich peanut butter flavor.
• Eggs: They provide structure to the cake, giving it the perfect texture that’s moist but not too dense.
• Butter: Adds richness to the cake and helps it bake up beautifully, giving it a lovely golden color.
• Milk: Keeps the cake moist and adds just the right amount of creaminess to balance the peanut butter flavor.

For the frosting:

• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it that smooth, creamy consistency that coats each slice perfectly.
• Peanut Butter: Of course, we need more peanut butter for the frosting—it takes it from good to great!
• Butter: Adds richness and helps the frosting come together with the perfect creamy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A little splash of vanilla adds depth and makes the peanut butter flavor pop.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get baking! Here’s how to make this peanut butter cake from scratch:

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures your cake will bake evenly and come out golden brown.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk them together until everything is evenly distributed. This step helps ensure that your cake rises perfectly without any clumps.

Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter

In another bowl, cream the butter and peanut butter together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat until smooth and fluffy. The peanut butter will add a little extra density, but this step ensures it’s well-combined and soft.

Add the Sugar and Eggs

Next, beat in the sugar until everything is smooth and well combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. This helps create a smooth batter and gives the cake its structure.

Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Milk

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the peanut butter mixture. Start with a little of the dry mix, followed by some milk, and continue until everything is fully combined. Be sure not to overmix—just stir until the batter is smooth.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch round cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

While the cake cools, make the frosting. Beat together the peanut butter, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little milk to reach your desired consistency.

Frost the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting generously over the top. You can also add extra chopped peanuts or drizzle more peanut butter for a fun topping.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice, serve, and watch everyone swoon over that peanut butter goodness. Enjoy every bite of this soft, creamy, peanut butter-packed cake!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling time)

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

This cake is perfect for any occasion, but here are a few ideas to elevate your serving experience:

• With a Cup of Coffee: Pair a slice with your morning coffee or an afternoon pick-me-up. The peanut butter flavor is the perfect balance to the richness of the coffee.
• As a Party Dessert: Serve it at a gathering, and be prepared to have everyone ask for the recipe! Slice it into smaller pieces for bite-sized treats.
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: For extra decadence, top it with vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The cold creaminess complements the rich cake perfectly.
• On its Own: Sometimes, all you need is a simple slice of cake. Enjoy it as-is for a treat that’s comforting and satisfying.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Prep Ahead: You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it wrapped in plastic wrap. Frost it just before serving to keep it fresh.
• For Extra Crunch: Add some chopped peanuts to the frosting or sprinkle them on top of the cake for a bit of texture.
• Make it Chocolatey: Swirl in some melted chocolate to the batter for a delicious peanut butter-chocolate combo.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
A1: Yes! Crunchy peanut butter will add an extra texture to both the cake and the frosting. It’s a fun twist, so go ahead and make it your own!

Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Bake the cake a day or two ahead and frost it right before serving. It keeps wonderfully and actually tastes even better after it rests for a bit!

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. It’ll stay soft and delicious!

Q4: Can I freeze this cake?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the cake (either whole or in slices). Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.

Q5: Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
A5: You sure can! Almond butter will work as a substitute, but the flavor will be a bit different. It’s still delicious, so give it a try if you want something new!

Q6: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A6: Yes, you can! Just swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and you’re good to go.

Q7: How can I make this cake more decadent?
A7: Drizzle a little melted chocolate on top of the frosting, or add a layer of chocolate ganache for a truly indulgent treat.

Q8: Can I make this in a different size pan?
A8: Absolutely! If you want to make this cake in a larger or smaller pan, just adjust the baking time. Keep an eye on it as it bakes to make sure it cooks evenly.

Q9: What if the frosting is too thick?
A9: If the frosting is too thick, just add a splash of milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Q10: Can I skip the frosting?
A10: If you prefer a lighter option, you can skip the frosting or use a dusting of powdered sugar instead. The cake itself is delicious, with or without the frosting!

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a showstopper of a dessert that combines the rich, comforting flavors of peanut butter into every single bite. It’s perfect for any occasion, easy to make, and loved by all. Whether you’re serving it at a celebration or enjoying a quiet moment with a slice for yourself, this cake will always bring a smile. So go ahead, treat yourself—you deserve it!

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