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
Scale
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.
