Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

If you’re a peanut butter lover, then this Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is the ultimate dessert for you. This cake is packed with rich, nutty flavor in every bite, making it the perfect treat for special occasions, birthdays, or just a delicious indulgence. The combination of smooth peanut butter in the cake and frosting creates a decadent, moist cake that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

The cake itself is tender, with a soft crumb and a slightly dense, yet perfectly moist texture. Topped with a creamy, velvety peanut butter frosting, this cake is a peanut butter lover’s dream. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or simply want a sweet treat to enjoy at home, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible dessert.

this RECIPE

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect for Peanut Butter Lovers

The cake and frosting are both packed with rich peanut butter flavor, making it the ideal dessert for anyone who can’t get enough of this classic spread.

2. Moist and Tender

With peanut butter, butter, and milk, the cake has a moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth. It’s dense enough to hold its shape but soft enough to feel light and airy.

3. Decadent Frosting

The peanut butter frosting is smooth, creamy, and rich, creating a perfect balance with the peanut butter cake. The frosting coats each slice perfectly for an extra indulgent bite.

4. Easy to Make

Despite being a show-stopping dessert, this cake is easy to prepare. The ingredients are simple, and the steps are straightforward, making it a great option for both beginner and experienced bakers.

5. Versatile for Any Occasion

This peanut butter cake is perfect for birthdays, holiday celebrations, or simply as a treat to enjoy any day of the week. Its rich flavor and beautiful presentation make it great for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• Peanut butter
• All-purpose flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Eggs
• Butter
• Milk

For the Frosting:

• Powdered sugar
• Peanut butter
• Butter
• Vanilla extract

Variations

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: For a delicious twist, add some cocoa powder to the cake batter for a chocolate peanut butter combination that’s even more decadent.
• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some mini chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and a sweet surprise in every bite.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl some peanut butter into the batter before baking for a more dramatic peanut butter effect throughout the cake.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter and a non-dairy milk alternative for a dairy-free version of this cake.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, butter, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the milk until smooth.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until well combined.

Step 6: Frost the Cake

Once the cakes have completely cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting on top of one of the cakes. Place the second cake on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake. Use a spatula to smooth the frosting evenly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cake is fully frosted, slice and serve! Enjoy this decadent peanut butter treat with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, peanut butter, and eggs are at room temperature before you begin. This will help the ingredients mix more evenly and create a smooth batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Stir until just combined to maintain a light and airy texture.
• Cake Testing: To test if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s done. If it’s still wet, bake a few more minutes.
• Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches the desired spreadable consistency.

How to Serve

This Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is perfect on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent dessert experience. Pair it with a glass of milk or even a cup of coffee for the ultimate treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you need to store it for longer, you can refrigerate it to help it stay fresh.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for several hours or overnight.

Reheating

If you’d like to enjoy the cake warm, microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds, or heat it in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 10-15 minutes until warm.

FAQs

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter, but the texture of the cake will be slightly different, with a bit of extra crunch. Smooth peanut butter will give you a softer, more uniform texture.

2. Can I use a different frosting for the cake?

Yes! You can use chocolate frosting or a simple vanilla buttercream if you prefer, but peanut butter frosting complements the cake best.

3. How can I make the frosting thicker?

If the frosting is too thin, you can add a little more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency.

4. Can I bake this as a single-layer cake?

Yes, you can bake this as a single-layer cake by using a 9×13-inch baking dish instead of two round cake pans. Just adjust the baking time as needed.

5. Can I add chocolate chips to the cake batter?

Absolutely! Add about 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a delicious chocolate-peanut butter combo.

6. Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, the cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, or frozen for up to 2 months.

7. Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

Yes, but note that natural peanut butter has a different texture and consistency compared to regular peanut butter, which may affect the outcome of the cake and frosting.

8. How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If there’s batter on the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes.

9. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour to make the cake gluten-free.

10. Can I make this cake without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or an egg replacer to make this recipe egg-free.

Conclusion

This Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a dream come true for peanut butter lovers. With its rich, dense texture and indulgent frosting, it’s a decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just craving something sweet, this cake will hit the spot every time. Give it a try, and enjoy a slice (or two) of peanut butter heaven!

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