If you’re a peanut butter lover looking for a truly indulgent treat, this Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe is going to steal your heart. Imagine a moist, tender cake infused with rich peanut butter flavor, topped with a luscious, creamy peanut butter frosting that’s just sweet enough and studded with mini chocolate chips for that extra pop of delight. This cake feels like a warm hug made edible, perfect for celebrations or whenever you crave something comforting and peanut buttery.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to nailing this peanut butter cake. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s lending moisture, balancing sweetness, or bringing out that unmistakable peanut flavor and texture.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a subtle caramel note for depth.
- Peanut butter: The star ingredient that infuses both cake and frosting with rich, nutty flavor.
- Butter: Brings creaminess and helps keep the cake moist.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Essential leaveners that ensure the cake rises just right.
- Milk: Adds moisture and tenderness to every bite.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm aromatic notes.
- Eggs: Help bind ingredients together while giving the cake structure and richness.
- Honey (for frosting): Adds a natural sweetness and smooth texture to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar: The key to achieving that silky, spreadable frosting consistency.
- Mini chocolate chips: A playful finish, adding bursts of chocolate that perfectly complement the peanut butter.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10 x 15-inch cake pan. This ensures your cake releases smoothly and bakes evenly, setting the stage for a perfect texture.
Step 2: Combine the Dry and Butter Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, peanut butter, and room temperature butter using an electric mixer on low speed. Keep mixing until the mixture becomes crumbly. This step helps distribute the peanut butter evenly throughout the batter and creates a lovely base for the cake.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Leaveners
Next, add the milk, vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, and eggs to the crumbly mixture. Begin mixing on low speed to avoid splashing, then crank it to medium speed and beat for about 3 minutes. This process gives the batter a light and airy consistency, ensuring your cake will be moist and fluffy.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour your perfectly blended batter into the prepared pan. Place it immediately in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. This step is crucial for that ideal moist center without any rawness.
Step 5: Cool the Cake Slightly
Allow your cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This lets it set and makes it easier to frost later. Cooling the cake slightly before frosting is key to avoid melting your beautifully creamy frosting.
Step 6: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
In a small microwave-safe bowl, soften the peanut butter and honey by microwaving them briefly. Stir in the vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and milk, then beat everything together until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. This frosting is rich and perfectly sweet without overpowering the peanut taste.
Step 7: Frost and Finish the Cake
Spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the warm cake. While the frosting is still soft, sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top for a fun texture and an extra layer of flavor. Let the cake cool completely to allow the frosting to set before serving.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Take this cake to the next level by adding chopped roasted peanuts or a light dusting of cocoa powder on top. These garnishes add a crunchy contrast and a hint of bitterness that balances the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair your peanut butter cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add creaminess and contrast to the cake’s dense texture. Fresh berries also bring a bright, fruity counterpoint that’s refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the cake into smaller squares and serve it as petite finger desserts on a party platter. You could also layer it into a trifle with whipped cream and chopped nuts for an eye-catching presentation that’s as delicious as it looks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This peanut butter cake keeps beautifully covered at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh and moist for about 4 to 5 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving. The frosting itself freezes well in an airtight container for up to a month.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake slightly warm, gently microwave individual slices for 10 to 15 seconds. This makes the peanut butter frosting melt slightly and releases that wonderful peanut aroma, enhancing every bite.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter in this Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture with little bits of peanuts throughout the cake and frosting, making each bite extra interesting.
Is this cake very sweet?
It has a balanced sweetness, thanks to the light brown sugar and honey. If you prefer less sweet desserts, you can reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting slightly without sacrificing too much flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend designed for cakes. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum for structure, or add it separately to prevent crumbling.
What’s the best way to decorate this cake for a party?
Besides the mini chocolate chips, you can pipe extra frosting around the edges and sprinkle with crushed peanuts or drizzle melted chocolate for a fancy touch that’s sure to wow your guests.
Can I make cupcakes instead of a sheet cake with this recipe?
Definitely! Just divide the batter evenly into cupcake liners and bake for about 18 to 22 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick. The frosting works perfectly on cupcakes too.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe is a comforting, decadent dessert that feels like a special celebration every time you take a bite. From the tender, peanutty crumb to the creamy, dreamy frosting dotted with chocolate chips, it’s a treat you’re going to want to make again and again. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your go-to for birthdays, gatherings, or whenever you need a little sweet indulgence. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you.
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Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and moist Peanut Butter Cake featuring a luscious peanut butter frosting topped with mini chocolate chips. This delicious dessert combines creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and a hint of vanilla in the cake batter, baked to perfection and finished with a smooth, sweet frosting that perfectly complements the nutty flavor.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4–5 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10 x 15-inch cake pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake after baking.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, peanut butter, and room temperature butter. Use an electric mixer on low speed to mix until the ingredients become crumbly in texture.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Gradually add the milk, vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, and eggs into the crumbly mixture. Start mixing on low speed to combine, then increase to medium speed and beat for 3 minutes to create a smooth batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set before adding the frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: Microwave the peanut butter and honey briefly until softened and easy to mix. Stir in vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and milk. Beat the mixture until smooth and creamy, adjusting milk quantity to reach the desired consistency.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the prepared peanut butter frosting evenly over the warm cake. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top for added texture and flavor. Allow the cake to cool completely before serving to let the frosting set.
Notes
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Test cake doneness with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
- Adjust milk in frosting to achieve preferred frosting thickness.
- The mini chocolate chips add a nice crunch but can be omitted if preferred.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
