Name: PEANUT BUTTER CAKE WITH PEANUT BUTTER FROSTING
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup creamy peanut butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup whole milk; ½ cup creamy peanut butter (for frosting); ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting); 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting); 2-3 tablespoons milk (for frosting); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting: A Decadent, Nutty Dream Come True 🍰🥜✨

1. Introduction

Indulge in the ultimate peanut butter cake recipe that combines rich, nutty flavors with a moist, tender crumb. This peanut butter cake with peanut butter frosting is a dream come true for peanut butter lovers, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and savory notes. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a delicious dessert from our dessert collection, this peanut butter cake will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you wanting more.

Finished peanut butter cake with peanut butter frosting and peanut garnish.

2. Ingredients

To make this irresistible peanut butter cake, you’ll need simple pantry staples that create magic when combined. The ingredients list is intentionally straightforward because we believe great baking recipes shouldn’t require hard-to-find items.

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (for best results, spoon and level your flour)
1 teaspoon baking powder (make sure it’s fresh for maximum rise)
½ teaspoon baking soda (this reacts with the acidic components)
¼ teaspoon salt (enhances all the flavors)
½ cup unsalted butter, softened (room temperature is key)
½ cup creamy peanut butter (we recommend natural style for best flavor)
1 cup granulated sugar (you can reduce slightly if preferred)
2 large eggs (room temperature blends better)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure extract makes a difference)
½ cup whole milk (the fat content contributes to moisture)

For the luscious peanut butter frosting that takes this cake to the next level:

½ cup creamy peanut butter (same brand as used in the cake)
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar (sifted to prevent lumps)
2-3 tablespoons milk (adjust for perfect spreading consistency)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This crucial step ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a perfectly risen peanut butter cake. For those who love kitchen science, this is when the chemical reactions that create lift in your cake are prepared. If you’re new to baking, check out our about page for more baking tips and tricks.

Ingredients for peanut butter cake batter prepared in a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Peanut Butter

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes). Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy (another 2-3 minutes). This step is crucial for creating the perfect texture in your peanut butter cake – the sugar crystals help incorporate air into the mixture. For more recipes with similar techniques, try our quick empanadas that also start with creaming butter.

Peanut butter and butter mixture being blended for peanut butter cake.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate before adding the next (this prevents curdling). Then stir in the vanilla extract. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients (this is called the “dry-wet-dry” method). Mix just until combined after each addition to avoid overworking the peanut butter cake batter, which can lead to a tough cake. For more recipes using similar techniques, explore our chicken recipes section.

Milk and eggs being incorporated into peanut butter cake batter.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour the peanut butter cake batter into a greased 9-inch round cake pan (you can also line the bottom with parchment for extra insurance). Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay). The cake should spring back when lightly touched. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. For more baking inspiration, check out this similar peanut butter cake recipe from our friends at Cakes by MK.

Peanut butter cake batter in a pan ready for baking.

4. Peanut Butter Frosting

While the cake cools, prepare the peanut butter frosting that makes this dessert truly special. In a medium bowl, beat together the peanut butter and butter until perfectly smooth (about 2 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar (about ½ cup at a time), beating well after each addition. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency – it should be spreadable but not runny. Finally, beat in the vanilla extract. The frosting should be light and fluffy (beat for 3-4 minutes total). If you’re enjoying this recipe, consider working with me to create more delicious content!

5. Serving Suggestions

This peanut butter cake with peanut butter frosting pairs wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top of the frosting before serving. You can also drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce for added decadence. If you’re serving this as part of a larger meal, consider pairing it with our wild rice soup for a perfect sweet-savory balance.

6. Storage Tips

Store your peanut butter cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. The flavors actually develop more over time, making this peanut butter cake even more delicious the next day! For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months – just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving. If you love make-ahead recipes, you might enjoy our Tuscan chicken soup that also stores beautifully.

7. Variations

This peanut butter cake recipe is wonderfully adaptable:

Chocolate Twist: Add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients or swirl chocolate chips into the batter
Nutty Crunch: Fold in ½ cup chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips
Banana Boost: Add 1 mashed ripe banana to the batter for peanut butter banana cake
Cupcake Version: Make as cupcakes – reduce baking time to 18-20 minutes
Layered Cake: Double the recipe for a stunning two-layer cake

For more recipe variations, browse our beef recipes or soup recipes for savory inspiration.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use crunchy peanut butter? Yes, but the texture will be different. For a smooth peanut butter cake, stick with creamy peanut butter. The crunchy variety will give you small peanut pieces throughout.

Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly denser but still delicious.

How do I know when the cake is done? The edges should pull away from the pan slightly, the top should spring back when lightly touched, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I use natural peanut butter? Yes, but make sure it’s well-stirred. The oil separation in natural peanut butter can affect texture if not properly incorporated.

Why did my cake sink in the middle? This usually means it was underbaked, the oven temperature was off, or you opened the oven door too early in the baking process.

9. Conclusion

This peanut butter cake with peanut butter frosting is a showstopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. The rich, nutty flavors and moist texture make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion – from birthday parties to potlucks to simple weeknight treats. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your first peanut butter cake recipe, this delicious treat is sure to impress. The combination of tender cake and creamy frosting creates the perfect harmony of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with us!