The Best Peanut Butter Cake

If you’re looking for a cake that truly celebrates the rich and creamy goodness of peanut butter, then you’ve come to the right place! The Best Peanut Butter Cake is my go-to recipe when I want to impress friends and family. It’s incredibly moist, fluffy, and loaded with that unmistakable peanut butter flavor. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or just a little treat after dinner on a busy weeknight.

What makes this cake even more special is its delightful peanut butter frosting, which adds an extra layer of creaminess without being overly sweet. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a favorite in your kitchen too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple steps that anyone can follow, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore the rich peanut butter flavor, ensuring everyone at the table will be asking for seconds!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual dessert night, this cake shines as the star of the show.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare this cake ahead of time. It stays delicious for days in the fridge—if it lasts that long!
• Customizable: With easy variations, you can make this cake your own while keeping all that delicious peanut butter goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this delightful peanut butter cake, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up The Best Peanut Butter Cake:

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (250 grams)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil (180 ml) (canola oil works too)
• 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar (300 grams)
• (or 3/4 cup dark brown sugar and 3/4 cup granulated sugar)
• 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter (180 grams)
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cup milk (180 ml) (room temperature)

For the Frosting

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (170 grams) (softened but still slightly firm to the touch)
• 2 ounces cream cheese (56 grams) (full-fat, brick style)
• 3/4 cup peanut butter (180 grams)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 – 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar (420 – 540 grams)
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (15-30 ml) (if needed)

Variations

The beauty of The Best Peanut Butter Cake is its flexibility! Here are some fun ways to customize your cake:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for a delicious chocolate-peanut butter combo.
• Try Different Frosting: Experiment with different frostings such as chocolate ganache or a simple vanilla buttercream if you want something different.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs.
• Layer It Up: Bake multiple layers and stack them up with frosting in between for an impressive layered cake look.

How to Make The Best Peanut Butter Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Having everything ready makes baking so much smoother! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and flouring two round cake pans will ensure your cakes release easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial because it helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, combine the vegetable oil and light brown sugar until well mixed. Add in the smooth peanut butter and mix again until fully combined. Then stir in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract and milk. Mixing these wet ingredients well ensures your cake will be moist!

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix! This will keep your cake tender.

Step 5: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for about ten minutes before transferring them onto wire racks.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together softened unsalted butter and cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add in peanut butter and mix well. Slowly incorporate powdered sugar along with salt and vanilla extract until smooth. If needed, add heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Assemble Your Cake

Once your cakes have completely cooled, spread frosting between layers first before covering the entire cake with more frosting. Don’t worry about perfection— rustic looks are totally charming!

Now all that’s left is to slice into this amazing creation and enjoy every bite of The Best Peanut Butter Cake!

Pro Tips for Making The Best Peanut Butter Cake

Baking is always a joy, and with these tips, you’ll ensure your peanut butter cake turns out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Having eggs, milk, and butter at room temperature helps the ingredients blend more smoothly, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cake.
• Measure flour correctly: To avoid a dense cake, spoon the flour into your measuring cup then level it off with a knife. This prevents packing too much flour into the cup, which can affect the texture of your cake.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake because it develops gluten in the flour.
• Cool completely before frosting: Allow your cake layers to cool fully before adding frosting. If they’re warm, the frosting can melt and become runny instead of creating a nice thick layer.
• Use quality peanut butter: Opt for a smooth peanut butter that doesn’t contain added sugars or oils. This ensures a rich peanut flavor that shines through in both the cake and frosting.

How to Serve The Best Peanut Butter Cake

Serving this delightful peanut butter cake can be as creative as you want! With its rich flavor and moist texture, it’s perfect for any occasion.

Garnishes

• Chopped peanuts: Sprinkle some chopped roasted peanuts on top of your frosted cake for added crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate drizzle: A simple chocolate drizzle adds an elegant touch; just melt some dairy-free chocolate and drizzle it over the top for a delicious contrast.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad complements the richness of the cake perfectly. Try mixing berries, sliced bananas, and apples for a vibrant dish.
• Ice cream: Serve slices of this peanut butter cake with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream. The creaminess pairs wonderfully with the nutty flavors.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea makes an excellent pairing with dessert. The warmth balances out the sweetness of the cake.
• Chocolate mousse: For an indulgent experience, serve alongside a light chocolate mousse made with aquafaba for fluffiness without any animal products.

With these serving suggestions, your peanut butter cake will be an unforgettable treat for family and friends! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This peanut butter cake is not only a treat for your taste buds but also fantastic for meal prep! You can easily make it in advance and store it, so you always have a delicious dessert ready to share—or to enjoy all by yourself!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices of the cooled cake in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

• If desired, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds on medium power.
• For a warm slice with a crispy edge, you can also heat it in an oven set at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come up while making The Best Peanut Butter Cake:

Can I use natural peanut butter for The Best Peanut Butter Cake?

Yes! You can use natural peanut butter, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly. Ensure it’s well-stirred and smooth before incorporating it into your batter.

How do I make The Best Peanut Butter Cake less sweet?

To reduce sweetness, you can decrease the amount of brown sugar or opt for dark brown sugar mixed with granulated sugar as mentioned. Additionally, consider using less frosting if you prefer a lighter touch.

Can I make The Best Peanut Butter Cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. This will help maintain the cake’s structure and texture.

How long does The Best Peanut Butter Cake last?

When stored properly at room temperature, this cake lasts about 3 days. In the refrigerator, it can last up to one week, while frozen slices can be enjoyed for up to 3 months!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about baking The Best Peanut Butter Cake! It’s such a delightful recipe that brings warmth and joy with every slice. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or looking for a comforting treat, this cake has got you covered. Enjoy making it and savoring those rich peanut butter flavors—happy baking!