Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

The Perfect Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

Decadent and irresistible, this peanut butter cake with peanut butter frosting brings pure comfort to every sweet-toothed dessert lover.

Creamy, rich layers of nutty goodness promise an indulgent experience that melts in your mouth.

The cake combines classic baking techniques with an intense peanut butter flavor that lingers delightfully.

Each slice delivers a perfect balance of moist cake and silky smooth frosting that speaks directly to peanut butter enthusiasts.

Soft crumbs and velvety topping create a harmonious dessert that transforms an ordinary afternoon into a celebration.

Chocolate lovers might even find themselves falling head over heels for this nutty sensation.

You won’t be able to resist a second helping of this ultimate peanut butter paradise.

Peanut Butter Cake with Frosting That’s Pure Comfort

  • Create Romantic Treats: Perfect for surprising your special someone with homemade love-themed cookies that look absolutely adorable.
  • Beginner-Friendly Baking: Simple step-by-step instructions make this recipe accessible for novice bakers, ensuring success even without professional kitchen skills.
  • Customizable Celebration Dessert: Easily adapt the decoration with sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, or creative toppings to match different romantic occasions like anniversaries or date nights.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires basic pantry staples, eliminating complicated shopping trips and allowing quick preparation with standard baking ingredients.

What Makes Peanut Butter Cake So Irresistible

Cake Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Contributes moisture and a rich, deep flavor to the cake.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cake.
  • Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and tender.
  • Peanut Butter: Delivers a rich, nutty flavor throughout the cake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.
Frosting and Topping:
  • Peanut Butter, Honey: Create a smooth and sweet base for the frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
  • Milk: Adjusts the consistency of the frosting.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the frosting's flavor.
  • Mini Chocolate Chips: Offer a delightful chocolate crunch on top of the cake.

How to Bake Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

How to Bake Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

Step 1: Mix Dry Cake Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your dry ingredients. Use an electric mixer on low speed to blend until the mixture looks crumbly and well-incorporated.

Step 2: Create Cake Batter

Add wet ingredients to the dry mixture. Mix on low speed until everything is combined.

Then kick up the mixer to medium speed and beat for 3 full minutes to create a smooth, fluffy batter.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the prepared batter into a greased baking pan.

Slide the pan into a preheated oven and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This typically takes around 35-40 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Peanut Butter Frosting

Microwave peanut butter and honey together until soft and easily stirrable. Add remaining frosting ingredients:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk

Beat the mixture until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 5: Frost and Finish

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. While still warm, spread the prepared frosting generously over the top.

Sprinkle mini chocolate chips for an extra delightful touch.

Tips to Perfect Peanut Butter Cake and Frosting

  • Let butter, eggs, and milk sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smoother, more even cake texture.
  • Start mixing at low speed to prevent flour from flying out, then increase to medium for better batter consistency and fewer lumps.
  • Insert a toothpick at the cake's center; if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is perfectly baked.
  • Add milk gradually to achieve desired spreadability, stopping when the frosting reaches a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Sprinkle extra mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cake for added richness and visual appeal.

Flavor Options to Try on Peanut Butter Cake

  • Chocolate Lovers' Cake: Replace half the peanut butter with cocoa powder for a rich chocolate-peanut butter flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk and dairy-free margarine for the frosting to create a vegan-friendly option.
  • Nutty Crunch Variation: Add chopped peanuts or almonds into the cake batter and sprinkle extra nuts on top of the frosting for additional texture and crunch.

What to Pair with Peanut Butter Cake and Frosting

  • Pair Rich Chocolate Stout: Complement the cake's intense peanut butter flavor with a deep, malty chocolate stout that echoes the dessert's richness.
  • Create Salted Caramel Affogato: Drizzle vanilla ice cream with warm salted caramel sauce and serve alongside a slice of cake for a decadent flavor contrast.
  • Serve Creamy Cold Milk: Enhance the cake's nutty sweetness with a chilled glass of whole milk, providing a classic and refreshing accompaniment.
  • Blend Peanut Butter Espresso Milkshake: Mix vanilla ice cream, espresso, and a swirl of peanut butter for a creamy, indulgent drink that complements the cake's intense flavors.

Best Storage Practices for Peanut Butter Cake

  • Store covered cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent frosting from melting.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut individual slices, wrap separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
  • Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and heat in short intervals to prevent drying out.

FAQs

  • Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter works great and adds extra texture to both the cake and frosting.

  • How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done.

  • Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.

  • Is it okay to frost the cake when it's still warm?

Yes, this recipe actually recommends spreading frosting on the warm cake for better absorption and a moist texture.

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Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe


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4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent peanut butter cake with peanut butter frosting merges classic comfort with rich, creamy decadence. Smooth layers of nutty goodness promise a delightful dessert experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 1/4 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup butter (room temperature)

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups light brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Flavoring:

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Combine dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, using an electric mixer at low speed until the mixture becomes crumbly and uniform.
  2. Incorporate remaining wet ingredients, blending initially at low speed, then increase to medium speed and whip for approximately 3 minutes until the batter achieves a smooth, creamy consistency.
  3. Transfer the prepared batter into a greased baking pan, ensuring even distribution.
  4. Preheat the oven to the specified temperature and bake for 35-40 minutes, periodically checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when the cake is fully baked.
  5. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, enabling it to set and cool slightly.
  6. Microwave peanut butter and honey together until softened and easily stirrable, creating a smooth base for the frosting.
  7. Gradually fold in vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and milk, beating thoroughly until the frosting reaches a silky, spreadable texture.
  8. While the cake remains warm, generously apply the prepared frosting across the entire surface.
  9. Garnish the frosted cake with a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Swap out all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring the same delicious texture.
  • Add a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the deep, rich peanut butter flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
  • Use natural peanut butter with no added sugar to reduce overall sweetness and create a more balanced dessert profile.
  • Sprinkle crushed salted peanuts on top instead of mini chocolate chips for a crunchy, nutty alternative that complements the cake’s texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 26 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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