There’s something truly special about old-fashioned peanut butter cake—a moist, buttery cake packed with rich peanut butter flavor and topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting. This classic, homemade cake is a staple in Southern baking, known for its soft texture, deep nutty taste, and perfectly sweet finish.
This cake brings back nostalgic flavors of childhood, when peanut butter was a kitchen essential and desserts were made from scratch with love. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this cake is easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and a crowd-pleaser.
If you’re a peanut butter lover, this is the ultimate dessert for you!
Ingredients (Measured in Grams)
For the Peanut Butter Cake:
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 200g granulated sugar
- 100g brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (5g)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (5g)
- ½ teaspoon salt (3g)
- 150g unsalted butter, softened
- 120g creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs (100g total)
- 250ml buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- 150g unsalted butter, softened
- 120g creamy peanut butter
- 300g powdered sugar
- 60ml heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (2g)
Optional Garnishes:
- 50g chopped peanuts
- 50g peanut butter chips
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 23cm x 33cm (9×13-inch) baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the softened butter and peanut butter, mixing until the batter becomes sandy in texture.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Pour in the buttermilk and mix until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat together butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, followed by heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
Step 4: Frost the Cake
- Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle with chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips for extra texture.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Slice and serve as is, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
Nutrition Information (Per Slice, Approximate)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 24g
- Sugar: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
Note: Values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Peanut Butter Cake
✅ Use Creamy Peanut Butter – Stick with regular peanut butter (not natural) for the best texture and consistency.
✅ Don’t Overmix the Batter – Mix until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
✅ Add a Chocolate Twist – Swirl in melted chocolate before baking for a peanut butter-chocolate combo.
✅ Make It Extra Moist – Replace half the butter with vegetable oil for a softer cake.
✅ Store Properly – Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake – Add 50g cocoa powder to the batter for a rich chocolate flavor.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter Cake – Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture.
- Layered Peanut Butter Cake – Bake in two 20cm (8-inch) round pans and stack with extra frosting.
- Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake – Spread a thin layer of strawberry or raspberry jam between the cake and frosting for a PB&J-inspired treat.
What to Serve with Peanut Butter Cake?
???? Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of ice cream balances the richness.
☕ Coffee or Tea – Perfect for an afternoon treat.
???? Chocolate Drizzle – Melted chocolate takes it up a notch.
???? Extra Peanuts – For an added crunch on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cake 1-2 days in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Frost the cake just before serving for the best taste.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
3. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
4. Can I use natural peanut butter?
It’s best to use regular peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) because natural peanut butter can be too oily and change the cake’s texture.
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