If you are a true peanut butter lover like me, you are going to fall head over heels for this Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe. This luscious cake is the perfect blend of rich, creamy peanut butter flavor with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Topped with a dreamy peanut butter frosting and sprinkled with mini chocolate chips for that extra bit of indulgence, this dessert is both comforting and impressive. Whether you are making it for a special occasion or just because, this recipe offers a wonderful peanut-packed treat that feels homemade and made with love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to baking a fantastic Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe. Each element plays a crucial role, from the smooth peanut butter infusing the cake with nutty richness to the brown sugar adding moisture and sweetness that perfectly balance the flavors.
- All-purpose flour: the base that provides structure and helps the cake rise beautifully.
- Light brown sugar: packed tightly for deep, caramel notes and moistness in each bite.
- Peanut butter: the star ingredient that brings creamy, nutty flavor to both cake and frosting.
- Butter (room temperature): adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Baking powder: a leavening agent that helps the cake rise evenly and become fluffy.
- Baking soda: works alongside baking powder for perfect texture and rise.
- Milk: adds moisture so the cake stays soft and tender.
- Vanilla extract: enhances all the flavors with its warm and sweet aroma.
- Large eggs: bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s structure.
- Honey: in the frosting, it brings natural sweetness with a subtle floral note.
- Powdered sugar: used in frosting for smooth, creamy sweetness.
- Mini chocolate chips: a lovely crunch and chocolate contrast on top of the frosting.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it reaches the right temperature for baking. Grease and flour a 10 x 15-inch cake pan to ensure your cake comes out cleanly every time without sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients with Peanut Butter and Butter
In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, peanut butter, and softened butter. Using an electric mixer on low speed, blend these until you get a crumbly mix. This step helps distribute the peanut butter evenly throughout the batter and starts building the rich texture.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, add the milk, vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, and eggs to your crumbly mix. Begin mixing on low to avoid splashes then raise the speed to medium and beat for about 3 minutes. This boosts the batter’s fluffiness and ensures everything is fully blended for a smooth cake texture.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This is your cue that the cake is perfectly baked—moist inside with a lightly golden crust.
Step 5: Cool the Cake
Once out of the oven, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This short rest prevents the cake from breaking apart when you handle it, and it gently sets the structure before adding the frosting.
Step 6: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
Microwave the peanut butter and honey just until softened then stir them together. Mix in vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and a few tablespoons of milk. Beat this mixture until smooth and creamy, and it’s ready to spread. This frosting is perfectly silky with the right balance of sweetness and peanut goodness.
Step 7: Frost and Garnish
Spread the frosting generously over your warm cake so it melts slightly into the surface, creating a luscious frosting layer. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top for added texture and a beautiful finishing touch. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
For a fun twist, try adding chopped roasted peanuts on top or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. These garnishes add crunch and contrast that heighten every bite while complementing the creamy peanut butter flavor wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs amazingly with simple sides like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit such as sliced bananas or strawberries. The freshness offers a light balance to the rich, dense texture of the cake and frosting.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the cake as mini squares on a dessert tray for parties or layering it between slices of chocolate cake for a decadent peanut butter layered cake. Even topping individual cupcakes with peanut butter frosting and mini chocolate chips works beautifully for a creative presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or keep it refrigerated for up to a week. The frosting stays moist and delicious, and the cake remains soft with gentle reheating.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then frost as directed for fresh, tasty results.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake warm, simply pop a slice in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This rejuvenates the moist texture and makes the peanut butter frosting extra melty and irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Yes, natural peanut butter works great but it may slightly change the texture of the cake and frosting since it is less creamy and may separate. Stir well before measuring and consider adding a touch more powdered sugar if your frosting seems too soft.
Is this cake gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly depending on the blend used.
Can I make this cake into cupcakes?
Absolutely! This batter scales down perfectly into cupcake liners and bake for about 18-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking since cupcakes cook faster than sheet cakes.
How long does the frosting last?
The peanut butter frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Stir it well before spreading as it might firm up slightly when chilled.
Can I double the recipe for a layer cake?
Yes, doubling the ingredients works well if you want to bake two 9-inch round cakes and layer them with the peanut butter frosting in between. Just adjust baking time as needed, checking doneness with a toothpick test.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that’s comforting, peanut buttery, and downright delicious, this Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe has your name on it. It’s straightforward to make yet feels special and indulgent every time. I encourage you to try it for your next gathering or a weekend treat because the joy this cake brings is truly irresistible. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This rich and moist Peanut Butter Cake is made with a delightful peanut butter-based batter and topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting, enhanced with honey and mini chocolate chips for added texture and sweetness. Perfect for peanut butter lovers, this cake offers a luscious treat that combines classic flavors in an easy-to-make recipe.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4–5 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10 x 15-inch cake pan to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients and Fats: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, packed light brown sugar, peanut butter, and room temperature butter. Use an electric mixer on low speed to mix until the texture is crumbly and well combined.
- Add Liquids and Leavening Agents: Add milk, vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, and eggs to the crumbly mixture. Start mixing on low speed, then increase to medium speed and beat the batter for 3 minutes until smooth and fully blended.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared batter into the greased and floured pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is done.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This allows it to set slightly and makes it easier to frost.
- Prepare Frosting: In a microwave-safe bowl, warm the peanut butter and honey until softened and easily stirrable. Stir in the vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and gradually add milk (4-5 tablespoons) while beating until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the frosting evenly over the warm cake. Immediately sprinkle the mini chocolate chips on top for added texture and flavor. Allow the cake to cool completely before serving to let the frosting set.
Notes
- Ensure butter and peanut butter are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- If you prefer a thicker frosting, reduce the amount of milk slightly.
- Use a toothpick or cake tester to check doneness; it should come out clean.
- You can substitute mini chocolate chips with chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for longer freshness.
