Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

Delicious peanut butter cake with creamy peanut butter frosting

By :

Meryem

March 7, 2026

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How to make Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a delightful treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth, especially for peanut butter lovers. This cake is moist, rich, and full of that beloved peanut butter flavor. With the creamy frosting on top, every bite is pure bliss. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious cake from scratch!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (for frosting)
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted if lumpy
1/3 cup heavy cream or milk (plus more as needed)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
1/8 teaspoon fine salt (for frosting)
1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts (for topping)

Directions:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by greasing it with nonstick spray or butter. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the melted but slightly cooled butter with creamy peanut butter and granulated sugar. Mix until the texture is smooth, thick, and slightly lighter in color.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring you mix well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and glossy.
Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: With the mixer on low speed, add about one-third of the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture. Then pour in about half of the buttermilk and mix just until combined. Repeat this step with the remaining dry ingredients and buttermilk, adding another third of the dry ingredients, then the remaining buttermilk, and finally the last third of the flour mixture. Stop mixing as soon as there are no streaks of flour visible.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until the top springs back lightly when touched and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before applying the frosting.
Prepare the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and creamy peanut butter together until very smooth and fluffy.
Add Powdered Sugar Gradually: Gradually add the powdered sugar, about ½ cup at a time, mixing on low speed to prevent a cloud of sugar from puffing out.
Incorporate Cream and Flavor: Add the heavy cream or milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Increase the mixer speed and beat until the frosting is light, creamy, and spreadable. If it’s too thick, add a splash more cream. If too thin, mix in a little more powdered sugar.
Frost the Cake: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula. Create swoops and swirls for decoration.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts evenly over the top of the frosted cake. Finally, slice into squares and serve!

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
There are so many reasons to love this cake! First, the flavor combination of rich peanut butter cake paired with creamy peanut butter frosting is just heavenly. Secondly, the texture of the cake is wonderfully moist and fluffy, contrasting nicely with the dense, smooth frosting.

Whether for a birthday celebration, a picnic, or just a sweet treat at home, this cake is sure to impress both family and friends. It’s easy to make, yet the result feels special and indulgent.

Nutriment Benefits
The Peanut Butter Cake offers several nutritional benefits. Peanut butter is a source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins such as Vitamin E, Magnesium, and Potassium. While the cake itself does contain sugar and carbs, the protein and healthy fats can help keep you feeling full longer.

Adding the nuts for topping provides extra crunch and even more protein, adding to the balance of flavors and textures in each bite!

What to Serve With Peanut Butter Cake
This cake pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. Consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess. A side of fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or bananas, can add a refreshing touch and lighten up the dessert.

For a more indulgent experience, serve it with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a glass of cold milk. Each option complements the peanut butter flavors beautifully!

How to Store Peanut Butter Cake
Store any leftover Peanut Butter Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for a longer period, transfer it to the fridge for up to a week. Just remember that refrigeration might slightly change the texture.

For longer storage, consider freezing slices. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature.

Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for better mixing and to achieve a fluffier cake.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined to prevent the cake from becoming tough.
Check Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated correctly for best baking results. Using an oven thermometer can help.
Cool Completely Prior to Frosting: Always let the cake cool completely before adding the frosting to avoid melting.

Variation
Feel free to get creative with your Peanut Butter Cake! You can add chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolate-peanut butter combo. Alternatively, you could also swap out the creamy peanut butter for crunchy peanut butter for an added texture difference. Adding different flavors like almond extract or a dash of cinnamon can also change the profile of the cake.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but ensure it is well-stirred and appropriately smooth to maintain the consistency needed for the cake and frosting.
What kind of frosting can I use if I don’t want peanut butter frosting?
You could use a classic buttercream frosting, cream cheese frosting, or even a chocolate ganache for a different flavor experience.
How can I make this cake more chocolatey?
You can add cocoa powder to the dry mixture or incorporate chocolate chips into the batter for a delicious chocolate-peanut butter twist!

This Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of comfort food. It’s a simple recipe that yields a stunning result, making it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy making it and savoring every delicious bite!