Description
This dreamy peanut butter cake recipe combines fluffy peanut butter cake layers with smooth peanut butter frosting for a decadent dessert that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour (250 g)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup vegetable oil (180 ml)
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar (300 g) or 3/4 cup dark brown sugar + 3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup smooth peanut butter (180 g)
3 large eggs (room temperature)
2 teaspoons alcohol-free vanilla flavor (Simply Organic or Watkins Clear Vanilla Flavor)
1 1/4 cup milk (180 ml, room temperature)
Peanut Butter Frosting:
3/4 cup unsalted butter (170 g), softened
2 ounces cream cheese (56 g), full-fat brick style
3/4 cup smooth peanut butter (180 g)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla flavor
3 1/2 – 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar (420 – 540 g)
1–2 tablespoons heavy cream (15–30 ml, if needed)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350F (180C or 160C fan).
2. Line and grease two 8-inch round pans.
3. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. In a large bowl, beat oil, sugar, and peanut butter until smooth.
5. Mix in eggs and vanilla until combined.
6. Whisk in milk until smooth.
7. Fold in flour mixture gently until just combined.
8. Divide batter into pans and bake 28–33 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool cakes fully before frosting.
10. For frosting, beat butter until smooth.
11. Mix in cream cheese, then peanut butter.
12. Add powdered sugar gradually with salt and vanilla.
13. Adjust texture with cream if needed.
14. Trim cake layers flat if domed.
15. Place one layer on serving plate and spread frosting.
16. Top with second layer, add crumb coat, chill 20–30 minutes.
17. Frost cake fully, decorate with swirls, peanut butter drizzle, or chopped peanuts
Notes
Storage: Keep covered at room temperature for 3 days, or refrigerate up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Make Ahead: Bake cake layers one day before and wrap tightly. Frost on serving day.
Variations: Add sliced bananas or strawberries between layers, swirl chocolate ganache, or top with peanut butter cups.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American