Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting: 5 Reasons to Indulge

Name: Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting: 5 Reasons to Indulge
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 cup smooth peanut butter; 1 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt

July 28, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite cake—this scrumptious peanut butter cake with peanut butter frosting! It’s a family tradition in our house, and every time we make it, the whole kitchen just fills with that warm, nutty aroma that makes your heart sing. I remember my grandma used to whip this up for birthdays and special occasions, and now I do the same for my friends and family. It’s just so rich and delicious, with that creamy frosting that takes it over the top! Trust me, whether you’re celebrating a big event or just want to treat yourself, this cake is always a hit. You won’t believe how easy it is to make, yet it feels like a special occasion every time you slice into it!

peanut butter cake with peanut butter frosting - detail 1

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delightful peanut butter cake! Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup smooth peanut butter (creamy works best, but go with crunchy if that’s your jam!)
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Make sure to measure everything accurately for the best results. Trust me, those little details make a big difference in how your cake turns out!

How to Prepare Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making this heavenly peanut butter cake! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious cake in no time.

Preheat and Prepare Pans

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a properly heated oven helps your cake rise perfectly! While that’s warming up, grab your two 9-inch round cake pans. Grease them generously with some butter or vegetable oil, then lightly flour them. This little trick will help your cakes come out easily without sticking. Trust me, you don’t want to lose any of that precious cake to the pan!

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. I like to whisk them together until it’s all well mixed. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents, which is key for getting that perfect rise and fluffy texture in your cake. It only takes a minute, and it makes a world of difference!

Combine Wet Ingredients

Now, in another bowl, it’s time to get creamy! Beat together the smooth peanut butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until it’s all smooth and well combined. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this—it will make your life so much easier! Then, add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Next, pour in the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, and mix until everything is well blended. The smell is already incredible!

Blend the Mixtures

Carefully add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, a little at a time. I like to do this gradually to avoid any flour explosions! Mix just until everything is combined—don’t overdo it. A few lumps are totally okay! You want a nice, thick batter that’s going to bake up beautifully.

Bake the Cake

Now, it’s time to pour that luscious batter evenly into your prepared pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops if needed. Pop them in your preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Oh, and the aroma wafting through your kitchen? Pure bliss!

Cool and Frost

Once your cakes are baked to perfection, let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. This helps them set up nicely. After that, carefully turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely. It’s important to let them cool fully before frosting—otherwise, the frosting will melt right off! Once cooled, slather on that creamy peanut butter frosting, and get ready to enjoy a slice of heaven!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s super easy to make, even for beginner bakers!
The rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter shines through in every bite.
The creamy peanut butter frosting adds a decadent touch that’s irresistible.
This cake is perfect for gatherings, birthdays, or just a cozy night in.
It’s a crowd-pleaser—who doesn’t love peanut butter?
You can customize it with chocolate chips or different toppings for a twist!
Leftovers (if there are any!) stay delicious for days.

Tips for Success

Let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure your peanut butter cake with peanut butter frosting turns out absolutely fabulous! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend more easily into the batter, giving you a smoother texture.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Just mix until everything is combined—some lumps are perfectly fine!
Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your cake around the 30-minute mark. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the center. If it comes out with wet batter, give it a few more minutes.
Cool Completely: Resist the urge to frost while the cake is still warm. Cooling completely on a wire rack ensures that your frosting doesn’t melt and slide off. Patience pays off here!
Experiment with Frosting: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a bit of melted chocolate to your peanut butter frosting for a chocolate-peanut butter combo that’s to die for!
Storage Matters: Store your cake in an airtight container to keep it moist. If you’re not eating it all in one sitting (which is hard, I know!), it can last several days!
Use Quality Ingredients: Since peanut butter is a star in this recipe, opt for a high-quality brand. It really enhances the flavor and makes your cake sing!

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating a peanut butter cake that’s not just good, but absolutely unforgettable!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now, let’s talk about how to keep that delicious peanut butter cake with peanut butter frosting fresh and tasty! If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (and trust me, it’s a challenge!), here’s what you need to do:

Storing Leftovers: Once your cake has cooled completely, cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This will help keep it moist and prevent it from drying out. It can last in the fridge for up to 5 days—if it lasts that long!
Freezing: You can also freeze your cake for longer storage. Just wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll be good for about 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Reheating: If you prefer your cake warm, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat it, as that can make it dry! You can also warm it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes—this method helps keep the frosting intact.

With these tips, you can savor your peanut butter cake and enjoy it for days to come! How amazing is that?

Nutritional Information

Alright, let’s chat about the nutritional side of this delightful peanut butter cake with peanut butter frosting! Now, keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But here’s a general breakdown per slice:

Calories: 350
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 200mg
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 22g
Protein: 8g

This cake is a delightful treat, so it’s perfect for indulging every now and then! Just remember, moderation is key! Enjoy every rich, creamy bite without any guilt—you’re totally worth it!

FAQ Section

Got questions? No worries! I’ve got answers to some of the most common ones about my peanut butter cake with peanut butter frosting. Let’s dive in!

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Absolutely! If you love that extra texture, crunchy peanut butter works great in this recipe. Just keep in mind it will change the cake’s texture slightly, but it’s delicious either way!

What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute! Just mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Use it just like you would regular buttermilk!

Can I make this gluten-free?
You can! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute, and you’re good to go! The flavor will still shine through.

What are some variations I can try?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can add chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolate-peanut butter twist, or swirl in some jelly for a peanut butter and jelly vibe. You could even top it with chopped peanuts for a little crunch!

How can I make this cake more decadent?
Want to take it up a notch? Try drizzling melted chocolate over the peanut butter frosting or adding a layer of chocolate ganache in between the cake layers. Trust me; it’ll be a hit!

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Definitely! You can bake the cake a day ahead and store it in the fridge, covered. Just frost it on the day you plan to serve it for the freshest taste!

What’s the best way to serve this cake?
Serve it with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat! It’s so good, you might just want to keep it all to yourself!

There you have it! I hope this helps you make the most of your peanut butter cake experience. Happy baking!

For more information on the health benefits of peanut butter, check out this Healthline article.

If you’re looking for more delicious dessert recipes, visit our dessert section!

For tips on baking, check out this BBC Good Food guide.

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.