If you have a deep love for classic desserts that bring comfort and nostalgia in every bite, you are absolutely going to adore this Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe. Imagine a moist, tender cake bursting with rich peanut butter flavor balanced perfectly by a luscious, dreamy frosting that’s smooth as silk. This timeless treat makes any occasion feel extra special, whether it’s a casual family gathering or a festive celebration. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become one of your all-time favorites, guaranteed to evoke warm smiles and happy memories.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe are simple pantry staples, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of flavor and texture. From fluffy cake layers to velvety frosting, these essentials come together to craft a homemade delight that’s both timeless and irresistible.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and tenderness for the cake’s lovely crumb.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise to a fluffy, airy perfection.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for the ideal lift and crumb.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for cake): Adds richness and moisture for a tender crumb.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (for cake): Infuses the cake with that unmistakable nutty flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while supporting the fluffy texture.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds warmth and a hint of molasses flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor and complements the peanut butter beautifully.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Makes the cake incredibly moist and tender with a slight tang.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Creates a creamy base for the frosting.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter (for frosting): Delivers that unmistakable creamy peanut butter frosting we all crave.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
- ¼ cup milk: Helps achieve a smooth, spreadable frosting texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aromatic touch to the frosting.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing and flouring it. This step ensures your cake won’t stick and will come out perfectly shaped for frosting and serving.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This blend of dry ingredients is crucial for giving your cake its rise and lovely texture. Set this bowl aside while you prepare the wet mixture.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration helps the cake develop a tender crumb and rich flavor.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This adds moisture and binds everything together beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk—start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything comes together; overmixing can make the cake tough, so keep it gentle!
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool completely before moving on to frosting.
Step 7: Make the Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting
In a clean bowl, cream together softened butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth and well combined. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable—exactly what this recipe calls for!
Step 8: Frost the Cake
Spread the creamy peanut butter frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Be generous and smooth it out for a luscious finish that looks just as amazing as it tastes. Then slice and get ready to enjoy every delightful bite!
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your cake even more, sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts or drizzle a little melted chocolate on top. These simple garnishes complement the peanut butter flavor and add a fun, textural twist.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cool creaminess balances the richness and makes every bite a heavenly experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into bite-sized squares and presenting them on a platter with mini peanut butter cups or fresh berries for a festive dessert buffet. You could also layer the cake with sliced bananas or jelly for a playful peanut butter and jelly twist that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover peanut butter cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just make sure it’s covered well to keep the frosting creamy and the cake moist.
Freezing
This Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
If you want to warm up a slice, let it come to room temperature first and then microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring out the peanut butter aroma and soften the frosting just enough for a comforting treat.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter can be used if you prefer a bit of texture in your cake and frosting. It adds a delightful crunch, but keep in mind the frosting won’t be as smooth.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. The texture might differ slightly, but the flavor will still be amazing.
How can I make the cake more moist?
Using fresh buttermilk and not overmixing the batter are key to ensuring your cake stays wonderfully moist. Also, don’t overbake—check the cake at the 30-minute mark.
Can I use peanut butter powder instead of regular peanut butter?
Peanut butter powder won’t provide the same creamy texture and richness as regular peanut butter, so for this recipe, sticking to creamy peanut butter is best for that authentic taste.
How long does the frosting take to set?
Once spread, the creamy peanut butter frosting sets best after about 30 minutes at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 15 minutes, making it easier to slice and serve.
Final Thoughts
This Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe truly is a celebration of peanut butter’s rich, comforting flavor in every bite. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying something new, this recipe’s straightforward steps and delicious results will make you feel like a kitchen superstar. I hope you find as much joy making and sharing this cake as I do – it’s a wonderfully nostalgic treat that never goes out of style!
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Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter 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 moist and flavorful dessert featuring a rich peanut butter-infused batter topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting. Perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla and a tender crumb, this classic cake is ideal for any occasion and sure to satisfy peanut butter lovers.
Ingredients
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
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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prepare it for the batter.
- 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, beat the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring good incorporation of air.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract to combine evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined without overmixing to maintain cake tenderness.
- Pour Batter: Pour the smooth batter into the prepared baking pan and use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before applying the frosting to prevent melting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Remaining Frosting Ingredients: Gradually beat in powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the cooled cake surface using a spatula or knife.
- Serve: Slice the cake into servings and enjoy this rich peanut butter delight.
Notes
- For best results, make sure the butter and peanut butter are softened to room temperature before mixing.
- Alternating the dry ingredients with buttermilk helps to keep the cake moist and tender.
- Ensure the cake is fully cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- You can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and lemon juice or vinegar if needed (use 1 cup milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes).
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
