If you love the irresistible combination of rich, nutty flavors and moist, tender cake, then you are in for a treat with this Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe. This dessert is a celebration of peanut butter’s luscious creaminess paired with a perfectly baked cake that melts in your mouth. Every bite offers a comforting hug of buttery, peanut-rich goodness balanced by a smooth, dreamy frosting that transforms any occasion into a joyous peanut butter party. Whether it’s a special celebration or a cozy weekend treat, this Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe is sure to become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this cake lies in its deceptively simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in perfecting texture, flavor, and appearance. These essentials come together effortlessly to create a cake that’s moist and packed with peanut butter goodness, while the frosting provides that irresistible creamy finish.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cake its soft, tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that beautiful caramelized crust.
- Baking soda: Ensures the cake rises nicely, making it light and fluffy.
- Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the cake batter.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together while contributing to the cake’s structure.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the natural flavors and adds a sweet aromatic touch.
- Water: Helps dissolve and evenly distribute the peanut butter in the batter.
- Unsalted butter: Used both in the cake batter and frosting for a creamy, buttery taste that’s perfectly balanced.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient creating rich, nutty flavor with a velvety texture.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for that irresistible smooth finish.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish generously with butter and lightly dust with flour. This little step ensures the cake won’t stick and will come out looking flawless.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. This blend of dry ingredients lays the groundwork for the cake’s perfect texture.
Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Add ½ cup of milk, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to your dry mix. Beat everything on low speed until the batter is smooth and fully combined. This ensures even moisture throughout your cake.
Step 4: Heat the Peanut Butter Mixture
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, ½ cup of unsalted butter, and ¾ cup of creamy peanut butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring often, until the butter and peanut butter melt completely and the mixture is smooth. This warm peanut butter infusion adds deep, rich flavor and melts perfectly into the batter.
Step 5: Mix and Bake
Pour your warm peanut butter mixture into the cake batter and stir gently until everything is combined beautifully. Transfer the batter to your prepared baking dish and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool entirely before frosting.
Step 6: Prepare the Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting
In a separate bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of creamy peanut butter until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in 2 cups of powdered sugar, alternating with 3 tablespoons of milk, until you get a smooth, spreadable frosting that’s both luscious and easy to work with.
Step 7: Frost and Enjoy
Once the cake has cooled, evenly spread the creamy peanut butter frosting over the top. The frosting adds that perfect finishing touch — luscious, creamy, and packed with peanut butter flavor. Slice and serve this heavenly dessert with a smile.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish can elevate your Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe to the next level. Consider sprinkling some chopped roasted peanuts on top for a lovely crunch, or drizzle a little melted chocolate for an indulgent contrast. A dusting of cocoa powder or flaky sea salt can add interesting texture and flavor contrasts that highlight the peanut butter’s richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cake is the star of the show, but pairing it with the right side enhances the overall dessert experience. A scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream brings a cool creaminess that melts perfectly alongside warm cake slices. Fresh fruit, such as berries, adds a bright and tangy balance, cutting through the richness with their juicy pop.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, consider serving this cake in petite individual portions using mini ramekins or as layers in a trifle with alternating layers of cake and whipped cream. You can even create cute peanut butter cake pops or cupcakes inspired by this beloved Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe. Presentation is an exciting way to make every bite feel like a celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe will keep beautifully when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to 4 days, staying moist and flavorful so you can enjoy it without rushing.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will maintain its fresh taste and texture for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best results.
Reheating
For a warm slice reminiscent of freshly baked cake, gently reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep the frosting creamy and prevent drying out the cake. This simple step revives every bit of that peanut butter deliciousness.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy in this recipe?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add delightful bits of peanut throughout the cake and frosting, giving extra texture and an enjoyable nutty crunch.
Is this cake suitable for freezing after frosting?
It’s best to freeze the cake before frosting to preserve the texture of the frosting. After thawing, frost the cake just before serving for the freshest taste and appearance.
Can I substitute dairy milk with a plant-based milk?
Yes, plant-based milks like almond, oat, or soy milk work great. They keep the cake moist and are a fantastic option if you want a dairy-free version.
What can I do if I want a less sweet frosting?
You can reduce the powdered sugar slightly or add a pinch of salt to the frosting to balance the sweetness without compromising the creamy texture.
Can this cake be made in smaller pans or as cupcakes?
Definitely! You can divide the batter into cupcake liners for about 24 peanut butter cupcakes, adjusting baking time to 18-22 minutes. Mini pans or round cake pans work well too—just keep an eye on baking time.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe is a heartfelt celebration of one of the most beloved nutty flavors in the dessert world. The harmony between a moist, rich cake and an irresistibly smooth frosting makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to try baking this soon; once you do, it’s sure to become a cherished classic in your baking repertoire. Get ready for lots of compliments and requests for seconds!
Print
Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This rich and moist Peanut Butter Cake features a fluffy peanut butter-infused batter baked to perfection and topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting. Perfect for peanut butter lovers, it combines simple pantry ingredients into a decadent dessert that’s ideal for celebrations or any sweet craving.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
Frosting Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter and lightly dust it with flour to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and baking soda until well blended.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat the mixture on low speed until everything is fully combined and smooth.
- Heat Peanut Butter Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, unsalted butter, and creamy peanut butter. Stir frequently until all ingredients are melted together and smooth.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the warm peanut butter mixture into the cake batter and mix thoroughly until evenly incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
- Make Frosting: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar alternating with milk, mixing until a smooth, spreadable consistency is achieved.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and serve to enjoy a rich, decadent peanut butter treat.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture in both the cake and frosting.
- For added texture, consider topping with chopped peanuts or chocolate chips.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
