If you’re searching for a dessert that will have everyone raving, look no further than this Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting. Imagine layers of moist, nutty cake slathered with a dreamy, creamy frosting that doubles down on irresistible peanut butter flavor. Whether for a family gathering or a well-deserved treat to yourself, this cake transforms simple ingredients into something absolutely special, combining nostalgic comfort with melt-in-your-mouth indulgence.

Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is wonderfully straightforward, but each ingredient is chosen to highlight that incredible peanut butter taste. Every component does its part, whether it’s building structure, sweetness, tenderness, or that signature nutty aroma.

All-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender structure to hold up a rich, moist cake.
Baking powder and baking soda: These lift the cake as it bakes, ensuring each bite is light despite the peanut butter richness.
Salt: Balances sweetness and makes the peanut butter flavor pop.
Unsalted butter (softened): Adds lusciousness and a subtly creamy backdrop in both cake and frosting.
Creamy peanut butter: The absolute star, infusing every layer with intense peanut flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and helps the cake brown just right.
Large eggs: Bind everything beautifully and contribute extra richness.
Vanilla extract: Provides a delicate warmth and depth to enhance nutty notes.
Whole milk: Keeps the crumb moist and tender from the very first slice to the last.
Powdered sugar: In the frosting, it creates that perfect, velvety smoothness you’ll want to spread thick.
Heavy cream or milk (for frosting): Lets you control the frosting’s consistency so it’s perfectly fluffy and spreadable.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pans and Preheat the Oven

Begin by setting the stage for baking success: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease and flour your baking pan or pans—choose a 9×13-inch for a fuss-free party cake or two 9-inch rounds if you’re feeling fancy and want to stack those peanut butter-laced layers. This prep step helps your cake release cleanly after baking, so don’t skimp!

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give it a few good whisks to aerate and evenly distribute the leavening agents. This extra step ensures every crumb of your Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is fluffy and evenly risen.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter

Grab a large mixing bowl and start by beating together the softened butter and creamy peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and combined. This duo is the flavor base and the secret to the cake’s tender crumb, so be sure to beat until it’s nicely creamy—don’t rush this part!

Step 4: Add the Sugar and Eggs

Next, blend in the granulated sugar until the mix becomes noticeably lighter and fluffier; this process incorporates air for a soft crumb. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before moving to the next. Finish with vanilla extract for that extra layer of warmth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the whisked dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently after each addition—this helps prevent overmixing and ensures the batter is smooth but not tough.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan(s), smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is lightly golden. The peanut butter aroma will be irresistible at this point—allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting to keep the frosting from melting.

Step 7: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting

While the cake cools, whip up your luscious Peanut Butter Frosting. In a bowl, beat the butter and peanut butter together until silky smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then the vanilla extract and a splash of cream or milk. Beat until fluffy, adjusting with extra cream if needed; you want it to be cloud-like and spreadable for smothering atop your cooled cake.

Step 8: Frost and Finish

Once the cake is completely cool, generously slather it with the frosting—don’t hold back! For extra flair, sprinkle some chopped peanuts over the top for a bit of crunch and visual appeal. Your Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

Garnishes

The finishing touches make this cake truly irresistible. Try a handful of chopped salted peanuts for crunch, or a gentle dusting of powdered sugar for snowy elegance. Even a drizzle of melted chocolate or a few mini chocolate chips sprinkled over the frosted cake can dial up the decadence for true peanut butter lovers!

Side Dishes

Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is the star of any dessert table, but certain sides can really take it over the top. A fresh berry compote offers a bright contrast to the rich peanut butter. Or, keep it classic and serve each generous slice with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting into cupcakes for easy grab-and-go treats, or slice your layers into bite-sized cubes and skewer them for a cake pop party platter. For special occasions, decorate with piped frosting rosettes and chocolate curls to give a homemade cake genuine bakery vibes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and frosted, leftover cake can be covered tightly (use plastic wrap or an airtight container) and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The rich peanut butter flavor actually deepens as it sits, making tomorrow’s slice as delightful as the first!

Freezing

Both the frosted and unfrosted Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting can be frozen. Wrap individual slices or whole layers tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil, then freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight—you’d never know it was frozen!

Reheating

If you enjoy your cake slightly warm (who doesn’t?), pop an unfrosted slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For frosted cake, let it come to room temperature or gently warm a serving in the microwave at a low power setting—just enough to soften the frosting without melting it entirely.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular creamy peanut butter?

Commercial creamy peanut butter works best here, as natural varieties can separate and make the cake or frosting a bit oily. If using natural peanut butter, make sure it’s thoroughly stirred and be prepared for a slightly different texture.

Can I make Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead can enhance the flavor, as the peanut butter essence develops even fuller notes. Just store covered at room temperature or in the fridge, and frost right before serving if possible.

Is this recipe suitable for making cupcakes?

Yes, and they’re adorable! Just fill lined cupcake pans about two-thirds full with batter and bake at the same temperature, but check for doneness around 18-20 minutes. Cool and frost as you would the whole cake.

Can I add chocolate to the recipe?

Absolutely! Swirl mini chocolate chips into the batter, or drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cake for a peanut butter-chocolate combo that dreams are made of. It’s a simple yet decadent twist that pairs perfectly with the classic Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting.

What’s the best way to get a really smooth frosting?

Make sure both your butter and peanut butter are at room temperature before beating, and add powdered sugar gradually, beating well after each addition. A splash of cream at the end helps make the frosting as fluffy and spreadable as bakery quality!

Final Thoughts

If you love the taste of peanut butter, this Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is certain to make you smile from the first bite to the last crumb. It’s the kind of treat you’ll be asked to bring again and again, and once you taste it, you’ll understand exactly why. Go ahead, preheat your oven, and enjoy sharing this crowd-pleaser with the people you love!