Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a dessert that peanut butter lovers can’t resist. This cake is rich, moist, and full of the nutty, creamy flavor that makes peanut butter such a beloved ingredient. The cake itself is tender and light, while the thick, creamy peanut butter frosting adds a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s a simple yet indulgent treat that brings together two of the best parts of peanut butter—its flavor in the cake and its creamy texture in the frosting. With just the right amount of sweetness and a decadent texture, this dessert is perfect for any celebration, from birthdays to holidays or casual get-togethers. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether served as a single-layer cake or stacked high with multiple layers of frosting, this Peanut Butter Cake is sure to become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Peanut Butter Lovers’ Dream

If you’re a peanut butter fan, this cake is pure bliss. It’s packed with the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter, both in the cake and in the frosting.

2. Moist and Tender Cake

The cake is wonderfully moist and soft, with a light crumb that complements the rich frosting perfectly. It’s the kind of cake that melts in your mouth with each bite.

3. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a casual get-together, this cake is versatile enough to serve at any celebration. It’s also easy to make, making it a go-to dessert for last-minute events.

4. Simple Ingredients

This cake uses simple pantry staples—peanut butter, flour, sugar, and eggs—that come together to create an irresistible dessert.

5. Customizable

Feel free to add extra mix-ins to the batter, like chopped peanuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of chocolate ganache. The frosting is also customizable if you want to add different flavors or toppings.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter (softened)
Peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Milk
Vanilla extract

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

Peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
Unsalted butter (softened)
Powdered sugar
Heavy cream (or milk)
Vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Variations

1. Add Chocolate Chips

For a chocolate-peanut butter twist, add mini chocolate chips to the batter. You could even drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting for an extra layer of flavor.

2. Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake

Spread a layer of your favorite jelly or jam (strawberry, grape, or raspberry) between the layers of cake for a peanut butter and jelly cake version.

3. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

Mix cocoa powder into the cake batter for a chocolate peanut butter flavor. You can also combine chocolate frosting with the peanut butter frosting for a delicious chocolate-peanut butter combination.

4. Vegan Version

Substitute the eggs and butter with vegan alternatives, such as plant-based butter and flax eggs, and use dairy-free milk for a vegan-friendly option.

5. Add Crushed Peanuts for Crunch

Add crushed roasted peanuts into the frosting or sprinkle on top of the cake to add a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the smoothness of the cake and frosting.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy.

Step 4: Add the Sugar and Eggs

Add the granulated sugar and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Add the Dry Ingredients and Milk

Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven 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, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and peanut butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, alternating with small splashes of heavy cream or milk, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, and beat until fully combined.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

Once the cake layers are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on the top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining peanut butter frosting.

Step 9: Decorate and Serve

Optional: Decorate the cake with crushed peanuts, mini chocolate chips, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for added texture and flavor. Slice and serve!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, peanut butter, and eggs are at room temperature for the smoothest batter and frosting.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, mix gently to avoid overworking the batter, which can result in a dense cake.
Let the Cake Cool Completely: Before frosting, allow the cake to cool completely to prevent the frosting from melting.
Consistency of Frosting: Adjust the thickness of the frosting by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or more cream to loosen it, depending on your preference.
Chill the Frosting: If the frosting becomes too soft while spreading, place it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm it up before applying.

How to Serve

This Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting can be served as a dessert at any occasion. It pairs wonderfully with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. For an extra indulgence, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. The cake is perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or a casual afternoon treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If the room is particularly warm, it’s best to refrigerate the cake to keep the frosting from melting.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cooled, unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. The cake will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. To use, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then frost before serving.

Reheating

To serve, you can gently microwave a slice of cake for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat. Alternatively, let it come to room temperature before serving if refrigerated.

FAQs

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

Yes! If you prefer a bit of crunch in your cake, feel free to use crunchy peanut butter. It will add texture to both the cake and the frosting.

2. Can I make this recipe in a single layer?

Yes, you can bake this as a single layer by using a 9-inch round cake pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

3. How can I make the frosting less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of powdered sugar to make the frosting less sweet. You could also add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake and make the frosting a day in advance. Store the cake layers and frosting separately in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the cake.

5. What if I don’t have peanut butter?

You can substitute peanut butter with other nut butters like almond butter or cashew butter for a slightly different flavor.

6. Can I use almond flour for a gluten-free version?

Yes, you can substitute almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour, but the texture and flavor may change slightly.

7. How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

To prevent sticking, grease and flour your cake pans well or line them with parchment paper.

8. Can I add chocolate to the cake?

Yes, you can add cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolatey twist, or mix in chocolate chips to the cake for extra flavor.

9. How do I get smooth frosting?

To get smooth frosting, make sure the butter and peanut butter are soft, and sift the powdered sugar before adding it to avoid lumps.

10. Can I make this recipe into cupcakes?

Yes, you can bake this recipe in cupcake tins. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is the ultimate dessert for peanut butter enthusiasts. Its rich, creamy flavor and moist texture make it a standout treat for any occasion. Easy to make and fully customizable, this cake is sure to impress your guests and leave everyone wanting more. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just indulging in a homemade treat, this peanut butter cake is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.