Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
Hey there, peanut butter fanatics! Are you ready for the most intensely delicious, ridiculously easy peanut butter cake you’ll ever make? I’m talking layers of moist, fluffy peanut butter cake, sandwiched together and generously frosted with a creamy, dreamy peanut butter frosting that’s practically begging to be devoured. This isn’t your average peanut butter cake; this is a taste bud explosion, a symphony of nutty sweetness that will transport you straight to peanut butter heaven.
What makes this recipe so special? First, the flavor is unparalleled. We’re not skimping on the peanut butter here; it’s front and center in both the cake and the frosting, delivering a rich, intense peanut butter experience with every bite. The texture is equally impressive – the cake is delightfully moist and tender, while the frosting is smooth and incredibly spreadable. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Beyond the taste and texture, this recipe is remarkably quick and easy to make. It’s perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. No complicated techniques or obscure ingredients are required – just simple, pantry-friendly staples that you probably already have on hand. This recipe is so friendly, even your baking-averse friends will want a slice (or two!). Imagine sharing this incredible cake with loved ones, the happy chatter and satisfied sighs filling the room. This cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience, a mood booster, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, get ready to unleash your inner baker and create some serious peanut butter magic!
What You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple ingredients you probably already have! Let’s get started:
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for our delightful cake.
- Granulated sugar: The sweetness that balances the peanut butter perfectly.
- Baking powder: Gives the cake that lovely lift and airy texture.
- Baking soda: A little extra help for a beautifully risen cake.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors. Don’t skip this!
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Creates a tender crumb and adds moisture.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star of the show! Look for a high-quality brand.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting note.
- Powdered sugar: The base of our incredibly smooth frosting.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Creates a creamy and delicious frosting.
- Creamy peanut butter: More peanut butter goodness for the frosting!
- Milk: Helps achieve the perfect consistency for spreading.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s bake this incredible peanut butter cake! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined to ensure even baking.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until light and fluffy. This is where a stand mixer comes in handy, but a hand mixer works perfectly fine too. Gradually add the sugar, beating until well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and a little bit of the dry ingredients. This helps prevent lumps in your batter. Add this mixture alternately with the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don’t overmix!
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Don’t rush this step; completely cooled cakes are key for easy frosting!
Peanut Butter Frosting: While the cakes are cooling, make the frosting! In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Stir in the creamy peanut butter and milk until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. Adjust the milk to reach your desired consistency; you want it spreadable but not runny.
Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of frosting. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake. Get creative with your frosting; a simple swirl, a crumb coat, or even a fancy piping job will do wonders!
Tips for Success
To ensure your peanut butter cake turns out perfectly, here are a few tips: Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted; this ensures proper creaming and a fluffy texture. Let your cakes cool completely before frosting; this prevents the frosting from melting. If your frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
Room temperature ingredients are your friend! This helps them blend better and achieve the perfect texture. And lastly, have fun! Baking should be enjoyable, so relax, put on some music, and let your creativity flow. Your taste buds will thank you.
Variations to Try
Want to put your own spin on this classic? Here are a few ideas: For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. Add chocolate chips to the batter for a delicious peanut butter chocolate swirl cake. To make a vegan version, use vegan butter, eggs, and milk alternatives. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced twist. The possibilities are endless!
Storing and Reheating
Store your peanut butter cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, remove the cake from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat. Avoid reheating the entire cake, as this can affect its texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of peanut butter? A: While creamy peanut butter works best, you can experiment with crunchy peanut butter, but be aware that the texture of both the cake and frosting might be slightly altered. Crunchy peanut butter will add a nice textural contrast.
Q: How long does the cake last? A: Stored properly at room temperature, the cake lasts for up to 3 days. Frozen, it lasts for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Absolutely! The cake and frosting can be made a day or two in advance, making this perfect for parties and gatherings. Just store them separately until ready to assemble.
Q: What if my cake is dry? A: Ensure your oven temperature is accurate and don’t overbake. Adding a little more milk to the batter can also help prevent dryness.
Q: Can I use a different type of frosting? A: While the peanut butter frosting is the perfect complement, feel free to experiment! A chocolate frosting or even a cream cheese frosting could be delicious alternatives.
The Final Word
This ultimate decadent peanut butter cake with peanut butter frosting is more than just a recipe; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone wanting more. The combination of rich, nutty flavors and wonderfully moist textures is simply irresistible. Its ease of preparation makes it perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dessert to a special celebration. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to bake up some serious happiness! Try this recipe today and let me know what you think in the comments below. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your baking adventures!
PEANUT BUTTER CAKE WITH PEANUT BUTTER FROSTING
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan Or similar sized pan
- Mixer Handheld or stand mixer
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup Peanut butter Creamy
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 1 tsp Salt
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup Peanut butter Creamy
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
- 0.5 cup Butter Softened
- 0.25 cup Milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and peanut butter (ing_3).
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt (ing_1, ing_4, ing_5).
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat together the peanut butter (ing_6), powdered sugar (ing_7), butter (ing_8), and milk (ing_9) until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the cooled cake and enjoy!