The Best Peanut Butter Cake
This recipe for The Best Peanut Butter Cake is a dream come true for peanut butter enthusiasts! With its rich layers of moist cake and creamy frosting, it’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply indulging on a cozy evening. What sets this cake apart is its balanced sweetness, allowing the deep flavor of peanut butter to shine through without being overly sugary.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unforgettable Flavor: The combination of smooth peanut butter and brown sugar creates a rich taste that peanut butter lovers will adore.
- Easy to Make: Despite its impressive appearance, this cake is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
- Versatile Occasion Fit: Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual gathering, this cake fits perfectly into any event.
- Moist Texture: Infused with peanut butter, the layers are not only tender but also keep well, making leftovers just as delicious.
- Customizable Frosting: The creamy frosting can be adjusted in sweetness and texture to suit your preference.
Tools and Preparation
To create The Best Peanut Butter Cake, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make your baking process smoother and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cake pans (9-inch)
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Makes whipping cream cheese and butter seamless, ensuring a light and fluffy frosting.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess; having multiple sizes helps streamline the process.
- Cake pans: Proper size ensures even baking for those perfect layers you want in your peanut butter cake.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (250 grams)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil (180 ml) (canola oil works too)
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar (300 grams) (or 3/4 cup dark brown sugar and 3/4 cup granulated sugar)
- 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter (180 grams)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cup milk (180 ml) (room temperature)
For the Frosting
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (170 grams) (softened but still slightly firm to the touch)
- 2 ounces cream cheese (56 grams) (full-fat, brick style)
- 3/4 cup peanut butter (180 grams)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 – 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar (420 – 540 grams)
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (15-30 ml) (if needed)
How to Make The Best Peanut Butter Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your cake pans with cooking spray or butter will help prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients:
Mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in one bowl.
In another bowl:
Beat together the vegetable oil, brown sugar, and smooth peanut butter until well blended.
Add in eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture:
Alternate adding milk with dry ingredients until everything is mixed well. Make sure there are no lumps.
Step 4: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans:
Smooth the tops with a spatula.
Place them in your preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool Down
Remove from oven and let cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting them.
Step 6: Prepare Frosting
In a mixing bowl:
Beat softened unsalted butter and cream cheese together until creamy.
Gradually mix in peanut butter followed by salt and vanilla extract.
Add powdered sugar one cup at a time until desired consistency is achieved. Add heavy cream if needed for smoothness.
Step 7: Assemble Your Cake
Once cooled:
Place one layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting over it generously before placing the second layer on top.
Frost the top and sides of the cake for that beautiful finish!
Enjoy every bite of The Best Peanut Butter Cake, designed to satisfy your cravings!
How to Serve The Best Peanut Butter Cake
Serving The Best Peanut Butter Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are a few delightful serving suggestions to complement this rich and flavorful cake.
Pair with Coffee
- Espresso: The strong flavor of espresso contrasts beautifully with the sweet peanut butter.
- Cappuccino: A creamy cappuccino adds a frothy texture that pairs nicely with the cake.
Add Fresh Fruits
- Sliced Bananas: Fresh bananas enhance the cake’s peanut butter flavor, offering a natural sweetness.
- Berries: Strawberries or raspberries provide a tartness that balances the richness of the cake.
Ice Cream Delight
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic vanilla ice cream is a perfect match, providing a cool and creamy counterpart.
- Chocolate Ice Cream: For chocolate lovers, pairing the cake with chocolate ice cream creates an indulgent treat.
Whipped Cream Topping
- Sweetened Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top of each slice adds lightness and makes for an attractive presentation.
How to Perfect The Best Peanut Butter Cake
To ensure you bake The Best Peanut Butter Cake, here are some useful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs, milk, and butter to reach room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping to avoid packing it down and getting too much flour.
- Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix until just combined to keep your cake tender and fluffy.
- Check for Doneness Early: Start checking your cake a few minutes before the suggested bake time to prevent dryness.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Let the cake cool completely before adding frosting to prevent melting and sliding off.
Best Side Dishes for The Best Peanut Butter Cake
Pairing side dishes with The Best Peanut Butter Cake can enhance its flavors. Here are some great options to consider.
- Roasted Nuts: Crunchy roasted peanuts or mixed nuts add a delightful texture contrast.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can cleanse the palate between bites of rich peanut butter cake.
- Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The sweet-salty combination of pretzels dipped in chocolate complements the dessert beautifully.
- Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Adding a drizzle of caramel sauce enhances sweetness and richness in each bite.
- Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses like cream cheese or tangy goat cheese create interesting flavor pairings with the cake.
- Milkshake: A thick, creamy milkshake can serve as an indulgent drink alongside this dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making The Best Peanut Butter Cake, avoiding common mistakes is essential for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Incorrect ingredient measurements: Always use precise measurements for flour and sugar. Too much flour can dry out your cake, while too little sugar can affect the taste.
- Using cold ingredients: Ensure eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients can lead to uneven baking and a dense cake.
- Overmixing the batter: Mix until just combined to prevent a tough texture. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your cake chewy instead of light and fluffy.
- Skipping the cooling step: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting. Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
- Not checking for doneness: Use a toothpick to test if the cake is done. If it comes out clean or with few crumbs, your cake is ready; otherwise, bake a few more minutes.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store The Best Peanut Butter Cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep any leftover frosting in a separate container in the fridge.
Freezing The Best Peanut Butter Cake
- Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating The Best Peanut Butter Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes The Best Peanut Butter Cake so special?
The combination of moist layers infused with peanut butter and creamy frosting creates an irresistible flavor that peanut butter lovers adore.
Can I customize The Best Peanut Butter Cake?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, swirl in some jam, or even mix in nuts for added texture.
How do I store leftovers from The Best Peanut Butter Cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for longer storage.
Can I make The Best Peanut Butter Cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake keeps well when stored properly, making it perfect for parties or gatherings.
Final Thoughts
The Best Peanut Butter Cake is not only delicious but incredibly versatile. Its rich peanut butter flavor makes it ideal for celebrations or casual gatherings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite additions, making each version unique!
The Best Peanut Butter Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with The Best Peanut Butter Cake! This delectable cake combines rich, moist layers infused with creamy peanut butter and topped with a velvety frosting. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or cozy evenings at home, this cake strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and flavor, allowing the peanut butter to shine without overwhelming your palate. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 1 ½ cups light brown sugar
- ¾ cup smooth peanut butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cup milk
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- ¾ cup peanut butter
- powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch cake pans.
- In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat together oil, brown sugar, and peanut butter until smooth. Add eggs one at a time and mix in vanilla.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture while alternating with milk until fully incorporated.
- Divide the batter between prepared pans and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Once cooled, prepare the frosting by beating softened butter and cream cheese together before mixing in peanut butter and powdered sugar until desired consistency is achieved.
- Assemble the cake by frosting between layers and covering the top and sides.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
