Irresistible Peanut Butter Cake Recipe: Fluffy Nutty Goodness

Baking a decadent peanut butter cake with unparalleled moisture sends dessert lovers into pure bliss.

Creamy, rich flavors dance across your palate with every single bite.

The perfect balance of sweetness and nutty undertones creates a stunning dessert experience.

Soft, tender crumbs melt effortlessly on your tongue.

Each layer promises a luxurious texture that surpasses ordinary cake recipes.

Simple ingredients come together to craft an extraordinary treat.

This crowd-pleasing dessert will become your new go-to recipe for celebrations and sweet cravings.

Helpful Gear For Peanut Butter Cake

• Electric mixer: Essential for beating butter, sugar, and creating smooth, creamy frosting.
• Large mixing bowls: Two are needed for cake batter and frosting preparation.
• 8-inch round cake pans: Specific size for creating perfect cake layers.
• Whisk: Used for combining dry ingredients smoothly.
• Spatula: Helps fold ingredients and spread frosting evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cakes to cool completely without getting soggy.
• Toothpick: Checks cake doneness by testing for clean insertion.

Steps To Bake Peanut Butter Cake

• Prep The Oven

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350F and get your cake pans ready with a quick spray or butter coating.

• Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until perfectly blended.

• Cream The Base

Beat butter, oil, sugars, and peanut butter until super smooth and creamy, creating a rich foundation for your cake.

• Add Liquid Magic

Gently incorporate eggs one by one, stirring in vanilla and buttermilk until everything looks beautifully combined.

• Combine And Bake

Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture carefully, then pour batter into prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

• Cool Down

Let cakes rest in pans for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

• Whip Up Frosting

Blend butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, cream, peanut butter, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy, about 8-10 minutes.

• Create Your Masterpiece

Place first cake layer on stand, spread frosting generously. Add second layer and cover entire cake with remaining frosting. Optional: Sprinkle chopped peanuts or drizzle chocolate on top.

Baking Tips For Peanut Butter Cake

• Texture Triumph: For an ultra-moist cake, replace some of the buttermilk with sour cream or Greek yogurt to add extra richness and tenderness.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Nutty Alternatives: Experiment with different nut butters like almond or cashew butter for a unique twist on the classic peanut butter flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Bake the cake layers in advance and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They'll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 weeks, perfect for stress-free entertaining.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use dairy-free butter alternatives and plant-based milk to create a completely dairy-free version of this delectable cake.

Serving Tips For Peanut Butter Cake

• Cozy Comfort Presentation: Slice this warm, nutty cake alongside a cold glass of milk for the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Decadent Dessert Pairing: Elevate the cake by serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement its rich peanut butter flavor.
• Elegant Entertaining Twist: Garnish individual slices with a sprinkle of sea salt, crushed roasted peanuts, or a light chocolate drizzle to impress guests with a gourmet touch.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Create a charming dessert plate by cutting smaller squares and arranging them with fresh berries and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a sophisticated tea-time treat.

Storage Guide For Peanut Butter Cake

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store the peanut butter cake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the cake covered to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Room Temperature Freshness Tip: For the best texture and flavor, remove the cake from the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before serving. This allows the cake to soften and reach optimal taste.
• Freezing Magic Method: Wrap individual cake slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying, ensuring the cake maintains its delicious moisture and texture.
• Smart Separation Technique: Place parchment paper between cake layers when storing to prevent sticking. This helps maintain the cake's beautiful appearance and makes serving easier when you're ready to indulge in a slice.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 366 kcal

Servings: 13

Get Ingredients For Peanut Butter Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates sturdy cake structure with perfect tender crumb.
• Cornstarch: Lightens texture and ensures soft, delicate cake layers.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Crucial leavening agents that help cake rise beautifully.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy base with deep golden flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures incredibly moist cake texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize cake edges.
• Peanut Butter: Delivers intense nutty flavor throughout cake.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds structural support.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out complex flavor profile.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes cake and adds subtle tangy dimension.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates smooth, luxurious frosting base.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides silky sweetness and perfect spreading consistency.
• Cream: Adds richness and helps achieve fluffy texture.
• Peanut Butter: Intensifies nutty frosting flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall taste complexity.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies peanut butter notes.

Moist Peanut Butter Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Chocolate-drizzled peanut butter cake delivers rich, nostalgic comfort with creamy layers of sweet indulgence. Home bakers can elevate classic desserts through simple techniques and premium ingredients.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ⅔ cup smooth peanut butter
• 1 cup smooth peanut butter (frosting)
• 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• ½ cup white granulated sugar
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature (frosting)
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 3 tbsps cornstarch
• 2 tsps baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 ½ tsps vanilla extract
• 2 tsps vanilla extract (frosting)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp salt (frosting)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Configure the oven to 350°F (175°C) and meticulously line two 8-inch circular baking pans with parchment paper, ensuring complete surface coverage.
2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Amalgamate flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, whisking until uniformly combined.
3. Wet Mixture Transformation: In a capacious mixing bowl, cream butter, vegetable oil, granulated and brown sugars, and peanut butter until achieving a silky, homogeneous consistency.
4. Egg and Flavor Integration: Methodically incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring thorough blending after each addition, then infuse vanilla extract and mix comprehensively.
5. Liquid Harmonization: Gradually introduce buttermilk, stirring until the liquid seamlessly melds with the existing batter.
6. Batter Composition: Delicately fold dry ingredients into wet mixture using a gentle technique, preventing overmixing while maintaining a smooth texture.
7. Baking Execution: Distribute batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, verifying doneness with a clean toothpick inserted into the center.
8. Cooling Protocol: Allow cakes to rest in pans for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete temperature reduction.
9. Frosting Creation: Whip butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, heavy cream, peanut butter, and salt in a large bowl, initiating at low speed and progressing to medium-high for 8-10 minutes until achieving a light, ethereal texture.
10. Assembly and Decoration: Position first cake layer on a serving platform, spread a generous frosting layer, top with second layer, and meticulously frost the entire exterior, optionally embellishing with chopped peanuts or a decadent chocolate drizzle.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture to maintain cake’s tender, light texture and avoid tough, dense results.
• Temperature Precision: Allow ingredients like eggs and butter to reach room temperature before mixing, ensuring smoother batter and more even baking.
• Moisture Control: Check cake’s doneness with toothpick test – inserted pick should come out clean with minimal crumbs for perfect moisture balance.
• Frosting Technique: Whip frosting at medium-high speed for 8-10 minutes to create light, fluffy consistency that spreads smoothly and holds cake layers together.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 366
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 54 mg