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Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 22 reviews
  • Author: Elizabeth
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
  7. Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter and softened butter until creamy and smooth.
  8. 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.
  9. Frost the Cake: Spread the prepared peanut butter frosting evenly over the cooled cake, covering the top completely.
  10. 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.