Description
This old-fashioned peanut butter cake is soft, rich, and comforting, featuring a moist peanut butter sponge and fluffy peanut butter frosting. It’s the perfect nostalgic dessert for family gatherings or casual celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups buttermilk
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (for frosting)
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 4 to 6 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Pinch of salt (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter, peanut butter, and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Add the dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool completely in pans before removing and frosting.
- To make frosting: Beat peanut butter and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla, salt, and cream or milk until desired consistency is reached.
- Place one cake layer on a plate, spread frosting over top, add second layer, and frost top and sides. Decorate if desired.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
- Rest the frosted cake at room temperature before serving for best flavor.
- To make cupcakes, bake for 18–22 minutes and reduce frosting accordingly.
- Add chopped roasted peanuts for crunch between layers or as garnish.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 44g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
