If you adore all things peanut buttery and crave a dessert that feels like a warm hug, then this Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine a moist, tender cake bursting with rich peanut flavor, topped with a luscious, creamy frosting that perfectly balances sweetness and that unmistakable nutty depth. It’s a feast for the senses and an absolute showstopper whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging a sweet tooth craving. Trust me, once you try this recipe, peanut butter desserts will never look the same to you again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is half the joy here. Each element in this Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe plays a crucial role, from creating the cake’s tender crumb to delivering that iconic peanut butter character that makes every bite unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake that provides structure and lightness.
- Light brown sugar: Adds natural molasses sweetness and keeps the cake moist.
- Peanut butter: The star ingredient in both cake and frosting, delivering deep, nutty flavor.
- Butter, room temperature: Gives richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent for a fluffy texture.
- Baking soda: Helps the cake rise and adds to crumb softness.
- Milk: Moisturizes the batter and blends flavors together smoothly.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the peanut flavors.
- Large eggs: Bind ingredients while enriching the cake’s texture.
- Honey: Sweetens the frosting naturally and adds a subtle floral hint.
- Powdered sugar: Creates the sweet and silky frosting that melts on your tongue.
- Mini chocolate chips: A delightful finishing touch that gives chocolate-peanut contrast.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start your baking adventure by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10 x 15-inch cake pan thoroughly to ensure your cake releases effortlessly after baking. This simple prep step sets the stage for a perfectly baked cake you’ll be proud of.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Peanut Butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, light brown sugar, peanut butter, and butter using an electric mixer on low speed. Mix just until the mixture turns crumbly and evenly blended. This step integrates the flavors while bringing the right texture for a moist cake.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Leaveners
Pour in the milk, vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, and eggs. Start mixing on low to avoid splatters, then crank to medium speed for about 3 minutes. This ensures the batter becomes smooth, airy, and perfectly combined, setting the foundation for that soft, fluffy cake texture.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Transfer the batter to your prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling a beautifully cooked cake inside.
Step 5: Let the Cake Cool Slightly
Allow your cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This brief cooling lets the cake set comfortably, so it won’t crumble when you add the frosting. Patience here pays off in a neat, indulgent finish.
Step 6: Whip Up the Peanut Butter Frosting
Pop peanut butter and honey into the microwave until warm and soft. Stir them together, then add vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and milk. Beat everything until you get a smooth, spreadable frosting that’s perfectly sweet and silky.
Step 7: Frost and Garnish the Cake
Spread the luscious frosting evenly over the still-warm cake, allowing it to melt in just a little. Then sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top for a fun texture contrast and that irresistible chocolate-peanut combo. Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving to lock in all the delicious flavors.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Although the mini chocolate chips add a lovely touch, consider a few extra garnishes like chopped roasted peanuts for crunch or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for an elegant finish. Fresh berries on the side can also add a splash of color and a hint of tartness that pairs perfectly with the rich peanut flavor.
Side Dishes
This cake shines as a decadent dessert after a simple meal, but it also pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or a cold glass of milk. For something more adventurous, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or creamy whipped topping for extra indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress at your next gathering, try cutting the cake into small squares and serving on a decorative tray for easy grab-and-go bites. You can also layer this cake with extra frosting between slices for a layered peanut butter cake, or use it as a base in a trifle with whipped cream and chopped peanuts layered on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover peanut butter cake in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to enjoy it within 2 days. For longer freshness, storing it in the refrigerator is best, especially since the frosting contains dairy. This keeps the cake moist and the frosting stable.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted cake or the entire frosted cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When stored properly, it stays fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw the cake overnight in the fridge before serving to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
If you like your cake slightly warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This enhances the peanut butter aroma and softens the frosting just enough for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this cake?
Absolutely! Natural peanut butter works wonderfully, but be aware it might slightly change the texture and moisture of the cake due to its oil content. Stir well before measuring to ensure even mixing.
Is this cake gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, you could experiment with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary in texture.
Can I substitute honey in the frosting?
Yes, you can swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness and consistency. Just note that each substitute brings a slightly different flavor nuance.
How long will this cake keep fresh?
Stored properly in the fridge, the cake stays fresh for up to 4 days. If you need it to last longer, freezing is your best option.
Can I double the recipe for a larger cake?
Definitely! If you want to feed a crowd, just double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two pans. Just keep an eye on baking times since thicker layers may need longer to cook through.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe is truly a treasure for anyone who loves that rich, nutty flavor balanced with sweet indulgence. It’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and easy enough to whip up anytime you’re craving something special. So go ahead and treat yourself to this delightful cake—it just might become your new favorite dessert to share with friends and family!
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Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a rich, moist dessert that combines the creamy flavors of peanut butter with a sweet, smooth frosting. Perfect for peanut butter lovers, this cake features a tender crumb and a delightful topping of mini chocolate chips for added texture and taste.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4–5 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10 x 15-inch cake pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients and fats: In a large bowl, combine the flour, light brown sugar, peanut butter, and room temperature butter. Use an electric mixer on low speed to mix until the mixture becomes crumbly, ensuring even blending of ingredients.
- Add liquids and leavening agents: Pour in the milk, vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, and eggs. Continue mixing on low speed to combine, then increase to medium speed and beat for 3 minutes to develop the batter’s texture.
- Bake the cake: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased and floured pan. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
- Cool slightly: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This helps the cake firm up slightly before adding the frosting.
- Prepare the frosting: Microwave the peanut butter and honey together just until softened, making them easier to mix. Stir in the vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and 4 to 5 tablespoons of milk. Beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- Frost and decorate: Spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the warm cake. Immediately sprinkle the mini chocolate chips on top so they stick to the frosting. Allow the cake to cool completely before serving to let the frosting set.
Notes
- Room temperature butter helps integrate fat smoothly into the batter for better texture.
- Adjust milk in the frosting to achieve the desired consistency; add milk gradually.
- Use natural peanut butter for a less sweet but more authentic peanut flavor.
- If you prefer, replace mini chocolate chips with chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
- Storing this cake covered at room temperature keeps it fresh for 2-3 days; refrigeration may extend shelf life but can firm the frosting.
