
Moist Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Frosting: A Dessert to Impress
Looking for a dessert that’s rich, flavorful, and guaranteed to please? This moist peanut butter cake with its creamy frosting is the perfect treat for any occasion. Packed with peanut butter goodness and topped with a luscious, smooth frosting, this cake is as easy to make as it is delicious. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons (45-60ml) milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 8-inch round pans with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the peanut butter and continue mixing until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Gradually add the buttermilk, mixing until fully combined.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, mixing on low speed. Stop as soon as everything is combined to avoid overmixing.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s). Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes (or 25-30 minutes for round pans), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
How to Make the Frosting
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter
In a medium bowl, beat the butter and peanut butter together until smooth.
Step 2: Add the Sugar and Milk
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Add the milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
Step 3: Frost the Cake
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top. For a decorative touch, swirl the frosting with a spatula or knife.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cake
- Use Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds extra moisture and richness to the cake. If you don’t have any, mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Chill the Cake Before Frosting: A cool cake is easier to frost and prevents the frosting from melting.
- Double the Frosting for Layered Cakes: If you’re making a layered cake, consider doubling the frosting recipe for extra coverage.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Peanut Butter Flavor: Every bite is bursting with peanut butter goodness.
- Perfectly Moist Texture: The cake is soft, tender, and melts in your mouth.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dessert is ideal for birthdays, parties, or a special family treat.
Bake It Today!
Treat your loved ones to this decadent peanut butter cake with creamy frosting. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to become your new go-to dessert. Don’t forget to share your baking experience in the comments below. Happy baking!