If you are anything like me and adore rich, nutty flavors mingling with soft, moist cake, then this Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe is destined to become one of your go-to treats. This delightful sheet cake offers the perfect balance between tender crumb and decadent frosting, making every bite a comforting celebration of peanut butter goodness. Whether for a family gathering or a sweet personal indulgence, this recipe combines simple pantry staples into a heavenly dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these everyday but essential ingredients is the first step to creating a stunning peanut butter cake that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and just the right hint of sweetness. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s lending moisture, fluffiness, or that classic peanut butter note we all crave.
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for a tender yet sturdy cake crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cake’s golden color.
- ½ cup packed brown sugar: Introduces a hint of molasses for depth and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Leavens the cake to make it light and airy.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder to ensure even rise and texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances peanut butter’s richness.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient bringing robust, nutty flavor.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and tenderness to the cake layers.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together while creating a light texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Offers a fragrant, sweet undertone that elevates all flavors.
- ¾ cup whole milk: Moisturizes the batter and supports a soft crumb.
- ¼ cup sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and extra moisture for a lush texture.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s perfectly heated to bake the cake evenly. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper – this guarantees your cake comes out cleanly without a fuss, ready to be crowned with frosting.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This essential combination forms the foundation of your cake’s texture and sweetness, setting the stage for peanut butter magic.
Step 3: Combine Peanut Butter and Butter
Add the creamy peanut butter and softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture becomes crumbly. This step infuses richness and that unmistakable peanut butter flavor right into the cake’s base.
Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Now beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, whole milk, and sour cream until the batter is smooth. This creates the perfect consistency – creamy yet pourable, promising a moist, tender cake once baked.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and gently smooth out the surface. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Letting it cool completely before frosting ensures the frosting stays luscious and doesn’t melt away.
Step 6: Prepare the Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting
Beat together the peanut butter and butter until creamy and smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Continue beating until the frosting is fluffy and perfectly spreadable – the ideal topping to complement the cake’s nutty base.
Step 7: Frost and Serve
Spread the creamy peanut butter frosting generously over the cooled cake and admire your handiwork. This luscious finish makes every slice a moment of pure joy.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Consider adding a simple sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts or a few mini chocolate chips to your frosted cake for a delightful contrast of textures and an extra pop of flavor. These small touches really elevate the humble sheet cake to something special.
Side Dishes
This peanut butter cake pairs incredibly well with a cold glass of milk, reinforcing that classic comfort food vibe. For a grown-up treat, a mild cup of coffee or a delicate black tea complements the subtle sweetness and nutty undertones.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing your Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe into charming bite-sized squares for a party platter, or serve a generous wedge with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for a gorgeous contrast of flavor and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cake keeps beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, retaining its softness and rich flavor. If your kitchen is warm, storing the cake in the refrigerator is a safe bet to keep the frosting fresh without hardening the cake.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake once it’s frosted by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When frozen, it lasts up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake slightly warm, slice a piece and microwave it for 10 to 15 seconds. This warms the cake perfectly while keeping the frosting creamy, creating a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a lovely texture and little bursts of peanut flavor throughout the cake, but be aware it might change the batter consistency slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely. This cake contains no meat products and uses ingredients suitable for a vegetarian diet, making it a delicious treat for many dietary preferences.
Can I substitute the sour cream with yogurt?
Yes, plain full-fat yogurt works as a great substitute, adding similar moisture and tang while maintaining the cake’s tenderness and flavor.
How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?
The best test is inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean without batter, the cake is done. Also, the edges will start to pull away from the pan slightly.
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
With a trusted gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour, you can adapt this recipe for gluten-free needs. Just be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe feels like passing along a little piece of happiness. It’s reliable, rich with nutty flavors, and wonderfully moist – everything you want in a comforting dessert. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your kitchen as it has in mine!
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Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Peanut Butter Cake Recipe features a moist and rich peanut butter-flavored cake topped with a creamy homemade peanut butter frosting. Perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness and a tender crumb, this easy-to-make sheet cake is ideal for dessert lovers and pairs wonderfully with milk or coffee.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup sour cream
Peanut Butter Frosting Ingredients
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt ensuring they are evenly mixed.
- Mix in Peanut Butter and Butter: Add the creamy peanut butter and softened unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Use a mixer or spoon to combine until the mixture has a crumbly texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract, whole milk, and sour cream. Mix until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the prepared batter into the greased pan and spread it evenly, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter and softened butter until creamy and smooth.
- Add Remaining Frosting Ingredients: Gradually beat in powdered sugar, then add 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk and vanilla extract. Continue beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the prepared peanut butter frosting evenly over the cooled cake, covering the top completely.
- Serve: Slice into 12 servings and enjoy with a glass of cold milk or coffee if desired.
Notes
- For added texture and flavor, fold in ½ cup of chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips into the cake batter before baking.
- This cake pairs excellently with a cold glass of milk or a cup of fresh coffee.
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
