There’s something undeniably comforting about a peanut butter cake. As soon as the aroma wafts through the house, it transforms the kitchen into a warm embrace, pulling in family and friends, beckoning them to gather. Peanut butter is more than just a spread; it’s a nostalgic flavor that brings with it memories of childhood lunches and late-night spoonfuls. This cake is perfect for any occasion—a cozy afternoon tea, a birthday surprise, or simply a treat for yourself after a long day. Trust me when I say, a slice of this cake topped with rich peanut butter frosting will leave you smiling.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This peanut butter cake isn’t just a delightful dessert; it’s a heartfelt offering that everyone will cherish. Quick to prepare, it wraps up all the glorious flavors of peanut butter in a moist, tender cake that’s surprisingly easy to bake. Kids will rave about it, and honestly, adults often find themselves sneaking an extra slice. It’s a dish that bridges generations, perfect for bringing people together.
"This cake changed the way I think about desserts! So light yet packed with peanut buttery goodness. My kids devoured it in minutes!" — A happy home cook
Step-by-Step Overview
So, how does this lovely cake come together? The process is straightforward. First, you’ll create the rich batter, blending butter, sugar, and, of course, peanut butter to set the stage. Then, a simple mix of dry ingredients is introduced, layered gracefully with milk to keep everything moist and flavorful. Once baked and cooled, a creamy peanut butter frosting gives it the final touch. Are you ready? Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
Alright, here’s your ingredient list. Before you dive in, ensure you have the following items on hand:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, your choice!)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
For the frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
You can easily swap out ingredients, too! Prefer a healthier take? Try using whole wheat flour or a natural peanut butter without added sugar.
Directions to Follow
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and generously grease it, ensuring a light dusting of flour clings to the sides.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter with the sugar until smooth. This should be light and fluffy—trust me, you’ll want to enjoy that moment!
Add in the eggs, one at a time, allowing each to blend in nicely. Stir in the vanilla extract; it’s that little spark of flavor that brings everything together.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix this into your creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. You aim for a smooth batter, so don’t rush this step.
Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly—be sure to lick the spoon; you deserve it!
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick stuck in the center comes out clean. The smell should be heavenly by now!
Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes; then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here!
For the frosting: beat the softened butter and peanut butter together until creamy. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and adjust with milk to achieve your desired texture.
Frost the cooled cake generously, and prepare for the joy that comes with each slice!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
When it comes to serving this delightful cake, the possibilities are endless. A simple dusting of extra powdered sugar can add a touch of elegance if you’re feeling fancy. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that classic dessert duo, or even a dollop of whipped cream for a more decadent experience. Slice it into squares and stack them on a platter to share your love.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? No problem! Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for about a week. If you want to keep it longer, slice it up and freeze individual portions—perfect for those days when you need a quick sweet treat! Just remember to wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and slip them into a freezer bag.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Make sure your butter is truly softened before creaming it with the peanut butter—this will create the perfect texture.
- Don’t rush the cooling process; frosting a warm cake can cause your frosting to melt and slide off.
- If you’re a true peanut butter enthusiast, feel free to swap in chunky peanut butter for a delicious crunch!
Creative Twists
Want to mix things up a bit? Try adding a layer of chocolate ganache on top of your peanut butter frosting for a decadent layer of flavor. You could even fold in some chocolate chips into the batter for extra gooeyness. And for those looking for a lighter version, coconut oil is a great substitute for butter.
Your Questions Answered
What’s the prep time and total cooking time?
Typically, you’re looking at about 15 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes of baking time. Including cooling, you might want to set aside a couple of hours.
Can I substitute the peanut butter?
Absolutely! If you’re allergic or just not a fan, almond butter or sunflower seed butter can work well. Note that the flavor will change slightly!
Is this cake suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can definitely freeze the cake! It’s best to do so before frosting for optimal freshness—just make sure it’s well-wrapped.
Get ready to whip up a cake that highlights the beloved flavor of peanut butter. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging yourself, this recipe is bound to be a hit.
Peanut Butter Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, peanut butter, and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk for a smooth batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat softened butter and peanut butter together until creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and adjust with milk to achieve desired texture.
- Frost the cooled cake generously.