If you adore the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter and crave a moist, tender cake that feels like a warm hug, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe. It’s a timeless classic that perfects the balance between sweet and savory, with a luscious frosting that melts in your mouth. This cake brings together simple, comforting ingredients to create a nostalgic dessert that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for celebrations or just because you deserve a special treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it simple with everyday pantry staples, yet each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor—moist crumb, rich peanut taste, and a frosting so creamy it feels like a cloud on your tongue.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake provides structure and crumb.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise and become light.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture, essential for that tender crumb.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that infuses the cake with its distinctive nutty flavor.
- Granulated sugar and brown sugar: Together they create depth and caramel notes in the sweetness.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and help everything bind beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a lovely aroma.
- Buttermilk: Gives the cake tenderness and a subtle tang that complements peanut butter.
- Powdered sugar: For the creamy frosting that perfectly coats the cake.
- Milk: Helps achieve the luscious frosting consistency.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing and flouring a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure your cake slides out without a hitch. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Setting this aside early makes it super easy to incorporate later and guarantees the leavening is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and full of air. This step is what gives the cake its moist crumb and that irresistible peanut butter flavor in every bite, so take your time and get it well-aerated!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
To the fluffy peanut butter mixture, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract to boost the flavor complexity and add a sweet, floral note that blends harmoniously with peanut butter.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
Now it’s time to bring it all together. Gradually add the dry ingredients in portions, alternating with the buttermilk—start and end with the dry mix. This alternating method keeps your batter silky smooth and prevents it from becoming dense, resulting in a tender, moist cake every time.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking at this perfect temperature ensures the cake cooks evenly without drying out.
Step 6: Let the Cake Cool Completely
Patience is a virtue here! Before frosting, allow the cake to cool fully in the pan, so your creamy frosting doesn’t melt and slide off. Cooling gives the cake those clean, beautiful layers you’re looking for when serving.
Step 7: Make the Creamy Frosting
In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, beating everything until the frosting is light, silky, and spreadable. This frosting is the perfect finish—rich but not heavy, sweet but not overpowering.
Step 8: Frost and Slice
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula or knife. Take your time to cover every inch and create beautiful swirls for a homemade look. Finally, slice into generous squares and get ready to enjoy that perfect moment where buttery peanut butter cake meets creamy frosting bliss.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the cake aesthetic and add texture, consider sprinkling chopped roasted peanuts or mini chocolate chips on top of the frosting. A light dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted chocolate can also make your cake look like a showstopper worthy of any occasion.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like sliced bananas or strawberries, whose natural sweetness and acidity cut through the rich peanut butter taste. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also complements the flavors perfectly, making each bite even more indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful twist, try turning this cake into layered cupcakes or even sandwiching two thin cake layers with frosting and crushed peanuts for a peanut butter cake sandwich. You can also serve small squares on elegant dessert plates with a fresh mint leaf for a pop of color and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, it stays fresh for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerating it prolongs freshness for up to four days—just allow it to come to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
Freezing
This Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It keeps well for up to three months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake slightly warm, especially when enjoying the frosting, reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as the frosting can melt excessively. Alternatively, bring the cake to room temperature and enjoy it just as is—a delectable balance of soft cake and creamy frosting.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add delightful bits of texture to the cake and frosting, giving an extra nutty crunch that some folks really enjoy. Just make sure it’s well mixed so you get a uniform batter.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk in this recipe?
You can make a simple buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for five minutes before using—this adds the acidity needed for the cake’s tender crumb and rise.
How can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?
For a vegan twist, swap the butter for a plant-based margarine and use a dairy-free milk with a bit of acid as buttermilk substitute. Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and make sure your peanut butter and powdered sugar are free from animal products.
What’s the best way to get a smooth, fluffy frosting?
Start with softened (not melted) butter and peanut butter for best results. Beat them well before gradually adding powdered sugar and liquid. Mixing at medium speed and scraping the bowl often ensures a creamy texture without lumps.
Can I make this cake in a different pan size?
Yes, you can bake it in round pans or cupcakes, just adjust baking time accordingly. Thicker batter layers need more time, while cupcakes will bake faster—start checking at around 18-20 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a heartfelt, comforting dessert with a nostalgic feel and a peanut butter punch, this Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe is just what you need. It’s simple to prepare, always a crowd-pleaser, and perfectly adaptable to any occasion. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes one of your favorite indulgences to bake and share.
Print
Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake is a rich and moist dessert featuring creamy peanut butter both in the cake and frosting. With a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors, topped with a luscious peanut butter buttercream, it’s a nostalgic treat ideal for celebrations or any peanut butter lover’s craving.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender cake.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then add the vanilla extract for flavor enhancement.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk – start with dry ingredients and end with dry. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is done.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, cream together the butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the prepared peanut butter frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula or knife.
- Serve: Slice the cake into 12 servings and enjoy this rich, old-fashioned peanut butter delight!
Notes
- Ensure the butter and peanut butter are softened at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- Use fresh baking powder and baking soda for best rise.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
