There’s something magical about a cake that celebrates the rich, creamy essence of peanut butter. This recipe is more than just a dessert – it’s a journey through layers of pure, indulgent flavor that will transport you to moments of comfort and joy.
The Delicious Heritage
Peanut butter cake represents the heart of American home baking – a perfect blend of simplicity and decadence. Originating from traditional Southern kitchens, this cake has been warming hearts and filling homes with incredible aroma for generations.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Bake Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: One 9-inch, 2-layer cake
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Dietary Tags: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cake Layers
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Peanut Butter Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Garnish
- Chopped peanuts
- Chocolate drizzle
- Additional peanut butter chips
Kitchen Equipment
- 9-inch cake pans (2)
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula
- Cake turntable (optional)
- Piping bag (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Cake Layers
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Grease and line cake pans with parchment
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy
- Add peanut butter
- Mix in eggs one at a time
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk
- Add vanilla extract
- Mix until just combined
- Baking Process
- Divide batter between two pans
- Smooth tops with spatula
- Bake 35-40 minutes
- Test with toothpick for doneness
- Toothpick should come out clean
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes
- Remove and cool completely on rack
- Peanut Butter Frosting
- Beat butter until creamy
- Add peanut butter
- Gradually add powdered sugar
- Incorporate cream
- Add vanilla and salt
- Whip until light and fluffy
- Cake Assembly
- Place first layer on cake stand
- Spread frosting
- Add second layer
- Cover entire cake with frosting
- Smooth with offset spatula
- Optional: Pipe decorative borders
Pro Baker Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients
- Don’t overmix cake batter
- Measure flour correctly
- Rotate pans halfway through baking
- Allow cake to cool completely before frosting
Variations
- Add chocolate chips to batter
- Use crunchy peanut butter
- Create cupcake version
- Add banana for moisture
- Drizzle with caramel
Storage and Shelf Life
- Room temperature: 3-4 days
- Refrigerate: Up to 1 week
- Freeze cake layers: Up to 3 months
- Store in airtight container
- Bring to room temperature before serving
Nutritional Insights
- Calories: Approximately 450-500 per slice
- High in protein
- Significant fat content
- Good source of energy
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour
- Reduce sugar options
- Dairy-free alternatives available
- Egg substitutes possible
Troubleshooting
- Dry cake? Check oven temperature
- Sunken center? Don’t overmix
- Frosting too thin? Add more sugar
- Frosting too thick? Add cream
Sustainability Notes
- Use local, organic ingredients
- Buy fair-trade sugar
- Minimize food waste
- Compost baking scraps
Final Thoughts
This peanut butter cake is more than a dessert – it’s a celebration of flavor, a testament to the joy of baking, and a sweet embrace of comfort.
Baking is an art, and love is the main ingredient.