Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cake
If you’re a fan of rich, nutty flavors that bring comfort to your kitchen, this peanut butter cake is sure to become a favorite. It’s easy to whip up with simple steps and everyday items, making it ideal for anyone from busy parents to baking enthusiasts. You’ll enjoy the moist texture and satisfying taste that sets this treat apart from ordinary desserts.
One key reason is the straightforward preparation that doesn’t require advanced skills or special tools. The recipe uses basic ingredients like peanut butter to deliver a cake that’s packed with protein and healthy fats, offering benefits such as steady energy throughout the day. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to various dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can savor a slice.
Beyond its ease, the cake stands out for its nutritional perks and adaptability. For instance, it supports wellness with less refined sugar compared to many sweets, making it a smarter choice for diet-conscious individuals. Whether you’re a student looking for a quick snack or a senior wanting something familiar yet exciting, this peanut butter cake delivers memorable flavors that encourage joyful cooking.
Health and Versatility Highlights
This recipe shines with options like gluten-free swaps or vegan alternatives, fitting seamlessly into different lifestyles. The nutty profile from smooth peanut butter combines beautifully with subtle spices, creating a unique taste that appeals to food enthusiasts and travelers alike. For those interested in more peanut butter delights, check out our peanut butter squares for another easy treat.
Jump To
- 1. Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cake
- 2. Essential Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cake
- 3. How to Prepare the Perfect Peanut Butter Cake: Step-by-Step Guide
- 4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Peanut Butter Cake
- 5. Mastering Peanut Butter Cake: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store Peanut Butter Cake: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Cake
- 8. Peanut Butter Cake
Essential Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cake
Gathering the right ingredients is crucial for a successful peanut butter cake. This section outlines everything you need, ensuring your baking experience is smooth and accurate. By using precise measurements, you’ll achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite.
Cake Ingredients
- 1⅔ cups (210 g) all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons (24 g) cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter)
- ⅓ cup (80 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ⅓ cup (75 g) unflavored vegetable oil (e.g., canola)
- ½ cup (100 g) white granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (150 g) light soft brown sugar
- ⅔ cup (150 g) smooth unsweetened creamy peanut butter
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (225 g) buttermilk, room temperature
Peanut Butter Frosting Ingredients
- 1½ cups (340 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 cups (375 g) powdered sugar (icing/confectioners’ sugar)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120 g) whipping or heavy cream, room temperature
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (250 g) smooth unsweetened creamy peanut butter
These ingredients form the foundation of a delicious peanut butter cake. For special options, you can make substitutions to suit dietary needs, like gluten-free flour or plant-based alternatives, while keeping the core recipe intact.
How to Prepare the Perfect Peanut Butter Cake: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this peanut butter cake is a rewarding process that starts with simple preparation steps. Begin by preheating your oven, as this ensures even baking and a moist result. Follow the detailed directions below to make a cake that’s full of rich flavor and texture.
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). For fan or convection ovens, reduce the temperature to 160°C (320°F). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, vegetable oil, white granulated sugar, light soft brown sugar, and smooth unsweetened creamy peanut butter on medium speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time on low speed, mixing well after each addition. Then, incorporate the vanilla extract and buttermilk, blending on medium speed until fully combined.
- Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients such as all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into the wet mixture using a spatula. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter airy.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and tap them lightly to remove air bubbles. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 15-20 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before adding the frosting.
- For the frosting, combine all frosting ingredients in a large bowl or stand mixer. Mix on low speed until blended, then beat on medium-high for 10 minutes, scraping the sides halfway through. If the frosting is too firm, warm it briefly and re-whip for smoothness.
- To assemble, level the cake tops if needed, place one layer on a stand, spread frosting on top, add the second layer, and frost the top and sides evenly. Smooth with a scraper and spatula, then decorate as desired.
This method takes about 15 minutes to prep, 35 minutes to cook, and 1 hour to cool, totaling around 1 hour and 50 minutes. It yields 12 slices, perfect for sharing with family and friends. For more frosting ideas, explore our peanut butter frosting recipe on the site.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Peanut Butter Cake
Adapting this peanut butter cake to fit different dietary needs is simple and fun. You can swap ingredients to make it vegan, gluten-free, or even higher in protein without losing the delicious taste. These changes allow busy professionals and newlyweds to enjoy a personalized treat.
For protein boosts, replace peanut butter with chickpea flour or pea protein isolate. If you’re dealing with allergies, almond or cashew butter can stand in for peanut butter while keeping the cake moist and flavorful. Adding mashed bananas or applesauce introduces natural sweetness and extra moisture, enhancing the overall texture.
Seasoning tweaks like cinnamon or nutmeg can create new flavor profiles that appeal to travelers seeking global tastes. Use maple syrup or agave nectar to adjust sweetness, making it suitable for diet-conscious individuals. These options ensure the cake remains versatile and enjoyable for all.
Mastering Peanut Butter Cake: Advanced Tips and Variations
Taking your peanut butter cake to the next level involves a few expert techniques. Always use room temperature ingredients to help the batter mix smoothly and rise properly. When folding in flour, do so gently to prevent gluten development and maintain that light, airy texture.
Flavor and Presentation Ideas
Experiment with additions like chocolate chips or a jelly swirl for exciting variations. You can also sprinkle sea salt on top for a contrast that highlights the nutty flavors. For presentation, garnish with chopped nuts or dust with powdered sugar to make it visually appealing for baking enthusiasts.
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Chocolate Addition | Fold in chocolate chips or drizzle with ganache for a classic pairing. |
| Make-Ahead Option | Prepare batter in advance and refrigerate, or freeze baked layers for later. |
Weigh ingredients, especially peanut butter, for accuracy, and adjust oven settings for fan mode. If your frosting is too firm, warm and re-whip it. This cake pairs well with chocolate or cream cheese, adding endless possibilities to your baking routine.
How to Store Peanut Butter Cake: Best Practices
Proper storage keeps your peanut butter cake fresh and tasty for days. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain moisture and flavor. For longer-term options, wrap slices tightly and freeze them for up to 3 months.
Thaw frozen cake at room temperature and warm it briefly in a low oven to restore its softness. If you’re meal prepping, portion it into single servings for easy access. These steps help seniors and working professionals enjoy the cake without hassle.
This simple storage method ensures your homemade treat stays delicious and safe to eat.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Cake
How should I store peanut butter cake to keep it fresh?
Peanut butter cake with cream-based frosting should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator after one day to maintain freshness and prevent the frosting from spoiling. While it can sit at room temperature overnight, refrigeration helps extend its shelf life and keeps the texture moist. Before serving, you can let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes for a softer texture.
What flavors pair best with peanut butter cake?
Chocolate pairs exceptionally well with peanut butter cake, whether as a ganache drizzle, chocolate chips folded into the batter, or chocolate decorations. Cream cheese frosting is also a popular choice, adding a tangy contrast to the sweetness of peanut butter. Other complementary flavors include caramel, banana, and even a touch of cinnamon for a warm, subtle spice.
Can I make peanut butter cake gluten-free or vegan?
Yes, peanut butter cake can be adapted to gluten-free or vegan diets by substituting all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends and replacing eggs and dairy with plant-based alternatives like flax eggs, almond milk, or coconut yogurt. Be sure to use vegan peanut butter and adjust baking times accordingly, as texture and moisture content may vary.
How long does peanut butter cake last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, peanut butter cake can last up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator. Because of the cream in the frosting, keeping it chilled helps prevent spoilage while preserving flavor and moisture. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months and thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
Is peanut butter cake suitable for people with peanut allergies?
Peanut butter cake is not safe for individuals with peanut allergies since peanuts are its main ingredient. If you need a similar flavor without peanuts, consider using alternatives like almond butter or sunflower seed butter, but always check for cross-contamination risks and clearly label the cake to avoid any allergic reactions.
Peanut Butter Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
Description
🥜 Moist Peanut Butter Cake combines simple ingredients to create a rich, flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion.
🍰 Its tender crumb and creamy peanut butter frosting make it a delightful treat for peanut butter lovers.
Ingredients
1⅔ cups (210 g) all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons (24 g) cornstarch
½ teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter)
⅓ cup (80 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
⅓ cup (75 g) unflavored vegetable oil (e.g., canola)
½ cup (100 g) white granulated sugar
¾ cup (150 g) light soft brown sugar
⅔ cup (150 g) smooth unsweetened creamy peanut butter
3 large eggs, room temperature
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup (225 g) buttermilk, room temperature
1½ cups (340 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
3 cups (375 g) powdered sugar (icing/confectioners’ sugar)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup (120 g) whipping or heavy cream, room temperature
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (250 g) smooth unsweetened creamy peanut butter
Instructions
1-Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). For fan or convection ovens, reduce the temperature to 160°C (320°F). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans to prevent sticking.
2-In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, vegetable oil, white granulated sugar, light soft brown sugar, and smooth unsweetened creamy peanut butter on medium speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light and creamy.
3-Add the eggs one at a time on low speed, mixing well after each addition. Then, incorporate the vanilla extract and buttermilk, blending on medium speed until fully combined.
4-Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients such as all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into the wet mixture using a spatula. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter airy.
5-Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and tap them lightly to remove air bubbles. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
6-Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 15-20 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before adding the frosting.
7-For the frosting, combine all frosting ingredients in a large bowl or stand mixer. Mix on low speed until blended, then beat on medium-high for 10 minutes, scraping the sides halfway through. If the frosting is too firm, warm it briefly and re-whip for smoothness.
8-To assemble, level the cake tops if needed, place one layer on a stand, spread frosting on top, add the second layer, and frost the top and sides evenly. Smooth with a scraper and spatula, then decorate as desired.
Notes
🥄 Use creamy unsweetened peanut butter without oil separation for best results.
📏 Weigh ingredients, especially peanut butter, for accuracy.
🌡️ Warm and re-whip frosting if too firm or bubbly to achieve perfect texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooling time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 903
- Sugar: 59 grams
- Sodium: 529 mg
- Fat: 61 grams
- Saturated Fat: 27 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 30 grams
- Trans Fat: 1 gram
- Carbohydrates: 81 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 13 grams
- Cholesterol: 139 mg
Keywords: Peanut butter cake, Moist cake, Simple ingredients, Rich flavor