Description
This Peanut Butter Cake is soft, rich, and packed with creamy peanut butter flavor in every bite. It is an easy recipe that works beautifully for birthday dessert tables, weekend baking, holiday treats, and sweet food ideas when you want a simple homemade cake that feels extra special. Whether you need easy dessert ideas, a crowd-pleasing cake recipe, or a comforting make-ahead treat, this peanut butter cake is always a delicious choice.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened for frosting
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter for frosting
3 cups powdered sugar
4 to 6 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
1/4 cup chopped peanuts or peanut butter candies for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease two 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then blend in the vanilla extract.
5. Add the dry ingredients in batches, alternating with the milk, and mix just until combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
7. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. For the frosting, beat the butter and peanut butter together until smooth.
10. Add the powdered sugar gradually, then mix in the heavy cream and vanilla until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
11. Frost the cooled cake layers, then decorate with chopped peanuts or peanut butter candies if desired.
12. Slice and serve.
Notes
Do not overmix the batter once the flour goes in, or the cake can turn out dense instead of soft and tender.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: peanut butter cake, easy dessert, homemade cake, birthday cake, peanut butter frosting, dessert ideas, easy recipe, food ideas