Easy Peanut Butter Cake Recipe That Melts in Your Mouth

Rich, creamy peanut butter cake has been my go-to comfort dessert since childhood.

Memories of sweet afternoons with my grandmother flooding back inspire this delightful treat.

Soft layers infused with nutty goodness promise pure indulgence for anyone seeking a decadent experience.

Her secret technique involved blending smooth peanut butter directly into the batter, creating an incredibly moist texture.

Each slice whispers nostalgic tales of warmth and love, carefully crafted with simple ingredients.

Chocolate drizzles or chopped peanuts can personalize this classic recipe to match your mood.

Grab a fork and let’s make something magical together that will delight everyone at the table.

Why Peanut Butter Cake Is So Loved

• Celebrate Peanut Butter Passion: This cake is a dream come true for peanut butter lovers, delivering rich, intense flavor in every single bite that will make taste buds dance with pure joy.
• Bake Without Stress: The recipe is super straightforward with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels – from kitchen newbies to seasoned pros.
• Quick Weekend Delight: With just about an hour of total preparation and baking time, this cake becomes an amazing last-minute dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours crafting it, ideal for spontaneous gatherings or surprise family treats.
• Customize Your Creation: The recipe offers flexibility with optional garnishes like chopped peanuts or chocolate drizzle, allowing you to personalize the cake and make it uniquely yours without complicated extra steps.

What You’ll Need For Peanut Butter Cake

• All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch: Key dry ingredients providing structure and tenderness to the cake.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents helping the cake rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Butter, Oil: Provide richness and moisture to the cake texture.
• Peanut Butter: Adds signature nutty flavor and creamy consistency.
• Buttermilk: Creates tender crumb and adds subtle tanginess.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help with cake's caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add structure to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with warm, sweet notes.

• Butter: Creates smooth, creamy base for frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve fluffy texture.
• Cream: Adds richness and helps adjust frosting consistency.
• Peanut Butter: Reinforces nutty flavor in frosting.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.

• Chopped Peanuts: Adds crunch and extra peanut flavor.
• Melted Chocolate: Provides decorative and flavor contrast.

How To Bake Peanut Butter Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Pans

Warm up the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab two 8-inch round cake pans and coat them with a light layer of butter or cooking spray. Line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Create the Cake Batter Base

• Softened butter
• Vegetable oil
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Creamy peanut butter

Beat these ingredients until they transform into a smooth, creamy mixture. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and buttermilk, stirring until the batter looks silky and uniform.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet batter. Use a soft touch to prevent overmixing, which can make the cake tough. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are just combined.

Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Slide the pans into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool the Cake Layers

Let the cakes rest in their pans for 15 minutes. Carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack and allow them to cool completely.

Step 8: Whip Up the Peanut Butter Frosting

• Softened butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Heavy cream
• Creamy peanut butter
• Pinch of salt

Start mixing on low speed, then increase to medium-high. Whip for 8-10 minutes until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Step 9: Assemble and Decorate

Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thick layer of frosting on top. Carefully position the second cake layer. Cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

• Sprinkle chopped peanuts around the edges
• Drizzle melted chocolate over the top
• Add a light dusting of powdered sugar

Enjoy your homemade peanut butter cake!

Tips For Baking Peanut Butter Cake Right

• Prevent Dry Cake: Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender and moist. Stir ingredients just until combined to maintain a soft, delicate texture.
• Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour and other dry ingredients to ensure the perfect cake consistency. Level off measuring cups with a straight edge for accuracy.
• Room Temperature Matters: Bring butter, eggs, and buttermilk to room temperature before mixing. This helps ingredients blend smoothly and creates a more uniform cake texture.
• Check Cake Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked. Avoid overbaking to prevent dryness.
• Frosting Fluffiness Tip: Beat the frosting for 8-10 minutes to achieve a light, creamy consistency. Start on low speed and gradually increase to medium-high for the best results.

How To Store Peanut Butter Cake Well

• Safeguard your delicious peanut butter cake by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Keep the cake away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain its fresh texture.
• Refrigerate the cake if you want to extend its shelf life to 5-7 days, but remember to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• When ready to serve, let the refrigerated cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to restore its soft, moist consistency and bring out the rich peanut butter flavor.

Good Matches For Peanut Butter Cake

• Pair with Bold Coffee: Enjoy a rich, dark roast coffee that complements the cake's nutty peanut butter flavor. The robust coffee cuts through the sweetness and enhances the dessert's deep, creamy profile.
• Serve with Cold Milk: A chilled glass of whole milk creates the perfect classic combination. The smooth, cool milk balances the cake's rich texture and provides a refreshing contrast to the dense peanut butter taste.
• Match with Caramel Liqueur: Drizzle a smooth caramel liqueur alongside the cake for an adult twist. The sweet, buttery notes of the liqueur intensify the cake's nutty undertones and create a luxurious dessert experience.
• Complement with Banana Smoothie: Blend a creamy banana smoothie that echoes the cake's nutty sweetness. The fruity drink adds a light, fresh dimension that cuts through the cake's richness and provides a delightful palate cleanser.

Ways To Make Peanut Butter Cake Different

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Fusion: Swirl melted dark chocolate into the cake batter for a rich, decadent flavor combination that chocolate lovers will adore.
• Nutty Crunch Celebration: Fold chopped roasted peanuts into the batter and sprinkle additional nuts between cake layers for extra texture and nutty intensity.
• Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Dream: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce between cake layers and on top, creating a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.
• Banana Peanut Butter Bliss: Mash ripe bananas into the batter for a moist, fruity version that complements the creamy peanut butter perfectly.

Peanut Butter Cake FAQs

• What makes this peanut butter cake different from other cake recipes?

This cake uses a unique combination of butter, oil, and peanut butter, which creates an incredibly moist and rich texture that keeps the cake soft and flavorful. The blend of ingredients ensures a deeper peanut butter taste throughout the entire cake.

• Do I need any special baking skills to make this cake?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly and straightforward. As long as you follow the instructions carefully and measure ingredients accurately, you’ll be able to create a delicious peanut butter cake even if you’re not an experienced baker.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have everything on hand?

Yes, you can make some substitutions. For buttermilk, you can use regular milk mixed with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice. If you’re out of cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour. Just be mindful that slight changes might affect the cake’s final texture and taste.

• How can I tell if the cake is properly baked?

The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is done. The edges should also be slightly pulling away from the pan, and the top should spring back when lightly touched.

Peanut Butter Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent peanut butter cake brings creamy comfort straight from American kitchens, promising rich layers of nutty sweetness. Chocolate drizzles and silky frosting invite you to savor each delectable slice of pure dessert bliss.

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Ingredients

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Peanut Butter Cake

Main Ingredients:

• 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup smooth peanut butter
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• ½ cup white granulated sugar
• ¾ cup brown sugar

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet and Binding Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Peanut Butter Frosting Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup smooth peanut butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cake foundation by calibrating the oven temperature to 350F (175C). Meticulously coat two 8-inch circular baking vessels with grease and parchment paper.
2. Craft the dry mixture by whisking flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until thoroughly integrated.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, cream together butter, vegetable oil, granulated and brown sugars, and peanut butter until achieving a smooth, homogeneous texture.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring complete integration after each addition. Infuse vanilla extract and blend thoroughly.
5. Gradually introduce buttermilk, mixing until the liquid harmonizes with the existing batter.
6. Delicately fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, maintaining a gentle technique to prevent overmixing.
7. Distribute the batter evenly between prepared baking pans, creating balanced layers.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges cleanly from the center.
9. Allow cakes to rest within their pans for 15 minutes, then transition to a wire cooling rack for complete temperature reduction.
10. For the frosting, whip butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, heavy cream, peanut butter, and salt in a large bowl.
11. Initiate mixing at low velocity, progressively increasing to medium-high speed for 8-10 minutes until achieving a light, airy consistency.
12. Position the initial cake layer on a serving platform, spreading a generous frosting layer.
13. Crown with the second cake layer, meticulously frosting the entire exterior.
14. Optionally embellish with chopped peanuts or a decadent chocolate drizzle.

Notes

• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
• Measure flour correctly by gently spooning into the measuring cup and leveling with a knife to avoid dense cake.
• Add a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the peanut butter flavor without making it taste like coffee.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and verify all other ingredients are gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 396
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 282 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg