Peanut Butter Cak Recipe
Peanut Butter Cak is everything a peanut butter lover dreams of: moist, decadent, and absolutely loaded with flavor. This irresistible treat pairs fluffy, slightly salty-sweet cake with a luscious peanut butter frosting, making every bite pure comfort. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family get-together, or simply treating yourself at home, Peanut Butter Cak is bound to steal the show—plus, it comes together with pantry-friendly ingredients you probably have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how simple but essential the ingredients for Peanut Butter Cak are. Each one brings something special—creamy richness, tender crumb, or that signature peanutty punch—so don’t skip a thing!
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for a soft, tender cake crumb—don’t substitute for anything too heavy.
- White sugar: Provides perfect sweetness and helps keep the cake moist from edge to center.
- Baking soda: A must for a perfectly risen cake with a light, airy texture.
- Salt: Rounds out the flavors and deepens the peanut butter’s nutty notes.
- Butter: Brings richness and an unbeatable melt-in-your-mouth feel to both the cake and frosting.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient! It infuses every bite with rich, nutty goodness—use your favorite brand.
- Water: Keeps the cake light and ensures everything blends smoothly.
- Buttermilk: Adds tang and tenderness, making the cake delicately soft.
- Large eggs: Bind the batter and add structure for the perfect sliceable cake.
- Vanilla extract: Lends warm, inviting aroma to the whole cak and frosting.
- Confectioners’ sugar: The secret to a creamy-smooth, dreamy frosting.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cak
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
First things first: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, making sure to get into the corners. This helps Peanut Butter Cak glide out easily and keeps the crust tender—not tough.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, white sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly gives you an even base and prevents any salty or leavening surprises.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Mixture
Set a medium saucepan on medium heat, and stir together the butter, creamy peanut butter, and water. Continue stirring until everything melts and bubbles gently. The aroma alone will make waiting worth it! Once it reaches a boil, take it off the heat promptly.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry
Pour that hot, silky peanut butter mixture straight into your dry ingredients. Stir until the batter is smooth and glossy—scraping the sides for no dry pockets. This is where the magic begins for Peanut Butter Cak.
Step 5: Add Buttermilk, Eggs, and Vanilla
Stir in the buttermilk, then crack in the eggs and add the vanilla extract. Blend just until everything is combined, making sure not to overmix. You’ll end up with a satiny, peanutty batter ready for baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepped pan. Slide it into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack—this holds onto all that lovely moisture.
Step 7: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
While your Peanut Butter Cak cools, wipe out your saucepan and add the butter, peanut butter, and buttermilk for the frosting. Bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat. Stir in confectioners’ sugar and vanilla until you get a smooth, rich frosting. Don’t skimp on stirring—lumps be gone!
Step 8: Frost and Finish
When the cake is fully cooled, pour and spread the frosting evenly over the top. It glides on like silk and sets up to a crave-worthy finish. Peanut Butter Cak is officially ready for its moment in the spotlight.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cak
Garnishes
Dress up each slice with a scattering of chopped peanuts for crunch, a drizzle of warm chocolate for drama, or even a pinch of flaky salt. These little touches make Peanut Butter Cak look bakery-fancy with almost zero effort.
Side Dishes
As decadent as Peanut Butter Cak is, it shines even brighter with simple sides. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a tall glass of cold milk, or some fresh berries to add a little tartness and balance the sweet and nutty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to serve Peanut Butter Cak at a gathering, try cutting it into mini squares for bite-sized treats. You could also layer it parfait-style in jars for a picnic or topping each piece with a dollop of whipped cream for extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Peanut Butter Cak keeps beautifully for several days. Just cover the pan tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or extend freshness by popping it in the fridge for a week.
Freezing
Freezing Peanut Butter Cak is a lifesaver when you want a quick treat later! Cut cooled cake into portions, wrap each one securely in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
Want that freshly-baked softness again? Gently warm your slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. If you’ve stored it in the fridge, let it stand at room temp for a half hour before warming, so that dreamy frosting softens perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter for this cak?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add delightful little bits of peanut throughout your Peanut Butter Cak, giving it an extra boost of texture.
What can I sub for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1 1/2 teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar—let it sit for a few minutes before adding to your recipe.
Is this recipe easy for beginner bakers?
Yes! Peanut Butter Cak is very straightforward and forgiving, making it perfect if you’re just starting your baking journey. No special techniques required, just basic mixing and baking.
Do I need a stand mixer?
Nope! A sturdy spoon or whisk is more than enough to tackle this recipe, from batter to frosting. Less clean-up, too!
Can I make this recipe as cupcakes?
Yes, you can transform your Peanut Butter Cak into cupcakes—just divide the batter among lined cupcake tins and bake for about 18-22 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cake that’s both nostalgic and unforgettable, give Peanut Butter Cak a try. The rich warmth of peanut butter in both the cak and the frosting is absolutely irresistible, and it’s sure to become a go-to favorite with everyone who gets a taste.
