The Best Peanut Butter Cake

Why Make This Recipe

Oh, peanut butter cake—where have you been all my life? This splendid creation is like a love letter to all things creamy and nutty. It’s moist, rich, and totally worth every calorie. Whether you’re a die-hard peanut butter fan or just someone who enjoys a good dessert, this cake delivers on all fronts. Plus, who doesn’t want to impress their friends with a homemade cake that looks and tastes like it’s from a fancy bakery? 🙌

How to Make The Best Peanut Butter Cake

You might think, “Making a cake can be a hassle,” but I promise, this one is a breeze! Just gather your ingredients and follow these straightforward steps. Grab your mixing bowl, and let’s whip up something magical. You’ll want to keep your phone handy for this—trust me, you’ll want to capture the moment when this beauty comes out of the oven!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (250 grams)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil (180 ml, or canola oil works too)
  • 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar (300 grams, or mix of dark brown and granulated)
  • 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter (180 grams)
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cup milk (180 ml, room temperature)
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter (170 grams, softened, but firm)
  • 2 ounces cream cheese (56 grams, full-fat, brick style)
  • 3/4 cup peanut butter (180 grams)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 1/2 – 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar (420 – 540 grams)
  • 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (15-30 ml, if needed)

Directions:

Peanut Butter Cake

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pans.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, mix oil and brown sugar until smooth.
  4. Beat in the peanut butter, then add the eggs one at a time, following with vanilla extract.
  5. Alternate adding the milk and flour mixture until everything’s well combined.
  6. Pour into prepared pans and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Peanut Butter Frosting

  1. Beat butter and cream cheese until fluffy.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well, and add in the peanut butter, salt, and vanilla extract.
  3. If it’s too thick, add heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.

Assembling the Cake

  1. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
  2. Stack the cake layers with a generous spread of frosting in between.
  3. Cover the entire cake with more frosting, adding any artistic flair or sprinkles you desire.

How to Serve The Best Peanut Butter Cake

Cut slices and serve with a smile! This cake pairs wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You could even add some crushed peanuts on top for that extra crunch. Trust me, everyone will thank you for this tasty masterpiece.

How to Store The Best Peanut Butter Cake

Let’s be real, if there are leftovers, that’s a miracle! However, if you do end up with some cake, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it to extend its life to about a week. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving—nobody enjoys cold cake!

Tips to Make The Best Peanut Butter Cake

  • Use room temperature ingredients: This helps everything blend nicely.
  • Don’t skip the cooling step: It’s crucial for proper frosting.
  • Experiment with toppings: Feel free to sprinkle crushed nuts or chocolate chips on top—no judgments here! 😜

Variation

Want to mix things up? You can try adding chocolate chips or even swirling in some jelly or jam for a PB&J twist. You could also turn this cake into cupcakes for a fun party treat. The possibilities are endless!

FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
Sure! Just be aware that it might change the texture slightly. Natural peanut butter is often more runny, so it could make your cake a bit denser.

2. What can I use instead of eggs?
You can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) or applesauce—about 1/4 cup per egg.

3. My cake sank in the middle! What happened?
Oh no! That usually means it didn’t bake long enough or your oven temperature was off. Make sure to check your cake with a toothpick for doneness next time!

And there you have it! A delightful, decadent journey into the world of peanut butter cake. Ready to bake your own? 🍰

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Peanut Butter Cake

A decadent and moist peanut butter cake that is easy to make and perfect for impressing friends with its rich flavor and creamy frosting.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Cake, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (250 grams)
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.75 cup vegetable oil (180 ml, or canola oil works too)
  • 1.5 cups light brown sugar (300 grams, or mix of dark brown and granulated)
  • 0.75 cup smooth peanut butter (180 grams)
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1.25 cups milk (180 ml, room temperature)

For the Frosting

  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter (170 grams, softened but firm)
  • 2 ounces cream cheese (56 grams, full-fat, brick style)
  • 0.75 cup peanut butter (180 grams)
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3.5 cups powdered sugar (420 grams, adjust as needed)
  • 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (15-30 ml, if needed)

Instructions
 

Peanut Butter Cake

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pans.
  • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • In another bowl, mix oil and brown sugar until smooth.
  • Beat in the peanut butter, then add the eggs one at a time, following with vanilla extract.
  • Alternate adding the milk and flour mixture until everything's well combined.
  • Pour into prepared pans and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Peanut Butter Frosting

  • Beat butter and cream cheese until fluffy.
  • Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well, and then add in the peanut butter, salt, and vanilla extract.
  • If it’s too thick, add heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.

Assembling the Cake

  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
  • Stack the cake layers with a generous spread of frosting in between.
  • Cover the entire cake with more frosting, adding any artistic flair or sprinkles you desire.

Notes

Serve with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Consider adding crushed peanuts on top for extra crunch.
Keyword Baking, dessert, frosting, peanut butter cake, sweet treat

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