Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
There is something truly magical about a classic dessert that brings together the rich, creamy comfort of peanut butter in both the cake and the frosting. This Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe captures that essence perfectly, delivering a moist, flavorful cake layered with luscious, silky frosting that’s sweet, slightly salty, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or craving a cozy, satisfying treat, this recipe is a guaranteed showstopper that will have everyone smiling for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe is delightfully simple because the ingredients are straightforward yet powerful contributors to the final masterpiece. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes this cake so exceptional.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, providing structure and that perfect crumb.
- Light brown sugar: Adds natural sweetness and a hint of molasses for depth.
- Peanut butter: The star ingredient, offering rich, nutty flavor and moisture.
- Butter, room temperature: Enhances tenderness and adds creamy richness.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise for a light and fluffy texture.
- Baking soda: Works with acidic ingredients to give the cake an even, airy crumb.
- Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and creates a moist final product.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and enhances all the other flavors.
- Large eggs: Bind ingredients together while adding richness and structure.
- Honey: A natural sweetener for the frosting that balances peanut butter’s savoriness.
- Powdered sugar: Creates that silky, sweet frosting texture.
- Mini chocolate chips: A delightful finishing touch, adding texture and chocolatey bursts.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease and flour a 10 x 15-inch cake pan to prevent the cake from sticking and ensure a smooth release. This is a simple but critical step that sets the stage for baking success.
Step 2: Mix the Dry and Fatty Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, light brown sugar, peanut butter, and softened butter. Use an electric mixer on low speed to blend these ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly. This step helps combine the peanut butter and butter evenly throughout the batter, laying the groundwork for that rich flavor and tender crumb.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Leaveners
Next, add in the milk, vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, and eggs. Start mixing on low speed to incorporate everything, and then increase to medium speed to beat the batter for three minutes. This thorough mixing ensures the leavening agents activate properly, while the eggs add moisture and structure for a cake that’s fluffy yet rich.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour your smooth batter into the prepared cake pan, leveling it out gently with a spatula. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking the cake to perfection creates that irresistible crumb and deep peanut butter flavor we’re after.
Step 5: Cool Before Frosting
Once baked, allow your cake to cool right in the pan for about 10 minutes. This brief rest makes it easier to handle and prepares the surface for the frosting step, which is where this peanut butter creation really comes alive.
Step 6: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
For the frosting, microwave the peanut butter and honey just until softened enough to stir smoothly. Next, mix in the vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and milk, beating the mixture until it’s creamy and spreadable. This frosting is sweet, silky, and packed with peanut butter goodness, perfectly complementing the cake’s texture and flavors.
Step 7: Frost and Garnish
Spread the luscious frosting evenly over the warm cake. While it’s still tacky, sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top for a pop of texture and chocolate-charm. Let the cake cool completely so the frosting sets into a silky finish that’s both eye-catching and delicious.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your serve by adding a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or even a drizzle of melted chocolate over the frosting. Whipped cream or a dusting of cocoa powder also pairs beautifully with this cake, adding visual appeal and complementary tastes.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. If you want to keep things cozy, a warm cup of coffee or creamy hot chocolate provides an indulgent balance to the nutty sweetness of the cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider cutting the cake into small squares for an elegant dessert tray or serve it layered with fresh banana slices for a twist on the classic peanut butter and banana combo. For celebrations, decorate with colorful sprinkles or edible flowers for a festive flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, cover your cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping it covered prevents the cake from drying out and helps maintain the fresh flavor of the peanut butter frosting.
Freezing
This Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to three months; thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This melts the frosting slightly, releasing that nutty aroma and making every bite even more comforting.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Yes, natural peanut butter works well, but because it’s thinner and less sweet than processed versions, you might want to slightly adjust the sugar levels or add a bit more peanut butter to balance the flavor and moisture.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just be mindful to check the leavening agents and peanut butter ingredients for any hidden gluten.
How long does the frosting take to set?
The frosting sets best after the cake cools completely, which usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour at room temperature. You can speed this up by chilling the cake briefly in the refrigerator.
Can I add chocolate chips inside the cake batter?
Yes, adding chocolate chips to the batter is a wonderful idea for extra bursts of chocolate in every bite. Fold in about 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips just before pouring the batter into the pan.
What makes this Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe so special?
It’s the perfect harmony of textures and flavors — the moist, tender cake infused with peanut butter, paired with a creamy, slightly sweet frosting sharing the same nutty goodness, all topped with chocolate chips for that final touch. It’s comforting, decadent, and utterly memorable.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about baking and sharing this Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe. It’s more than just dessert—it’s a celebration of peanut butter in the most delicious way possible. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and make a cake that will warm hearts and delight taste buds. Trust me, this one’s going to be a favorite for years to come!
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Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 15 servings 1x
Description
This Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a rich and moist dessert combining the creamy, nutty flavors of peanut butter with a sweet, smooth frosting. Topped with mini chocolate chips, this cake is perfect for peanut butter lovers looking for a delicious and easy-to-make treat.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4–5 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10 x 15-inch cake pan to prevent sticking during baking.
- Mix dry and fat ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, light brown sugar, peanut butter, and softened butter. Use an electric mixer on low speed to mix these ingredients until the texture becomes crumbly, ensuring even distribution.
- Add wet ingredients and leavening agents: Add the milk, vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, and eggs to the crumbly mixture. First mix on low speed to incorporate, then beat on medium speed for 3 minutes to create a smooth batter with a good rise.
- Bake the cake: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased cake pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is cooked through.
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, which helps it set and makes it easier to frost.
- Prepare the frosting: Microwave the peanut butter and honey together until the mixture is softened and easily stirrable. Stir in vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and 4-5 tablespoons of milk, beating the mixture until it becomes smooth and spreadable.
- Frost and decorate: Spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the warm cake. Immediately sprinkle the mini chocolate chips on top as the frosting sets. Allow the cake to cool completely before serving to let the frosting firm up.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils.
- If mini chocolate chips are not available, chopped peanuts or chocolate shavings can be used as a topping.
- Adjust the amount of milk in the frosting to achieve your desired consistency; less milk will make it thicker.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- This cake freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months, thaw before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
