Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

If you have a soft spot for all things peanut butter, then you are going to absolutely adore this Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe. It’s a moist, tender cake layered with rich, dreamy frosting that tastes like peanut butter heaven in every bite. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and nutty, making it a standout dessert that’s both comforting and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this cake promises to become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a vital role in creating that irresistible flavor and texture for the Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe. From the creamy peanut butter to the combination of sugars, these essentials come together to form a luscious cake that’s hard to resist.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and crumb for a tender yet firm cake.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Act as leavening agents to give the cake its perfect rise.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness and peanut butter flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture, plus helps achieve a fluffy texture.
• Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient, infusing the cake and frosting with that irresistible nutty taste.
• Granulated and brown sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel note, while granulated sugar sweetens and aerates the batter.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s structure and softness.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a warm, fragrant note.
• Whole milk and sour cream: They create a tender crumb and add slight tanginess that balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Powdered sugar: Essential for making the frosting smooth, sweet, and fluffy.
• Pinch of salt (optional): Just a touch to intensify the frosting’s flavors.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pans

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to ensure your cake layers come out perfectly without sticking. This small prep step saves a lot of heartache later!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents so your cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully. Set this aside for now.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This takes around 3 to 4 minutes and is crucial because it incorporates air, giving the cake that delicate texture while amplifying peanut buttery richness.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed in before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract. This step helps keep the batter smooth and well combined so your cake bakes evenly with a lovely flavor backdrop.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients with Milk and Sour Cream

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the milk and sour cream—starting and ending with the dry mix. This technique prevents over-mixing which could make the cake tough, while ensuring everything is thoroughly combined for a tender crumb.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. When baking, avoid opening the oven door too often to keep the temperature steady and the cake rising perfectly.

Step 7: Cool the Cakes

Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them carefully to wire racks to cool completely. Cooling fully is key before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off.

Step 8: Make the Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting

While your cakes cool, whip together the frosting ingredients. Beat peanut butter and butter until smooth and creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy and light, adjusting the milk to achieve the perfect spreading consistency.

Step 9: Frost the Cake

Place the first cake layer on your serving plate, then spread a generous layer of frosting over it. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire outside of the cake, smoothing or swirling the frosting as you like for a visually appealing finish.

Step 10: Enjoy!

Slicing into this Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe reveals the moist layers and luscious frosting that make every bite a joy. Serve it up and get ready for compliments!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts or crushed peanut brittle on top for extra crunch and a stunning presentation. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or add a few whole peanuts as a simple yet elegant finish.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. Fresh berries add a pop of color and a hint of tartness that cuts through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices with a drizzle of caramel sauce or place mini peanut butter cookie crumbles around the cake’s base for a fun texture contrast. You might also try layering it as mini cupcakes for a party-friendly twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or keep it covered in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Store it in the refrigerator to keep the frosting firm and the cake moist for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze both the cake layers before frosting or the whole frosted cake. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warm, microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds. Avoid heating too long, especially with the frosting, to prevent melting and losing that delightful texture.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a bit more texture and nutty bites to the cake and frosting, which can be quite delightful if you enjoy a little extra crunch.

Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use almond milk or another plant-based milk instead of whole milk. The sour cream can be replaced with a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

By swapping out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free, you can enjoy this Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe without worrying about gluten.

How long does the frosting keep well after making?

The frosting is best used fresh but can be refrigerated for up to a week in an airtight container. Give it a quick stir before frosting your cake if it has been refrigerated.

Can I double this recipe for a larger cake?

Yes! Just double all the ingredients and bake in larger pans or multiple pans. Keep an eye on baking times as they might vary slightly depending on the pan size and depth of the batter.

Final Thoughts

Making this Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe is like giving yourself a big, warm hug with every bite. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe that delivers spectacular results, and I hope you find as much joy baking and sharing it as I do enjoying it. Seriously, once you try it, it’s a keeper for all your celebrations and comforting moments alike!

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