If you’re craving a dessert that wraps you in cozy nostalgia with every bite, then you simply must try this Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake Recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of rich, creamy peanut butter, buttery sweetness, and a moist crumb that makes each slice unforgettable. This cake feels like a warm hug from the past but with a modern twist that’s equally delightful for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings or just treating yourself, this recipe brings classic comfort right into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together beautifully to create that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in the cake. Each component plays a role—from the fluffy buttermilk in the batter to the creamy peanut butter in both the cake and frosting, ensuring every bite is rich and satisfying.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake’s structure for a tender crumb.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures the cake rises nicely and stays light.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to create a soft texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavors and balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for batter): Adds moisture and richness.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (for batter): A hallmark ingredient that infuses deep peanut flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and lightens the batter.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Introduces warmth and depth to the sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cake.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle but essential aromatic touch.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Keeps the cake moist with a slight tang that complements peanut butter.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Creates that silky creamy frosting base.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter (for frosting): Gives the frosting its signature peanut richness.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for spreading.
- ¼ cup milk: Adjusts the frosting consistency to perfect spreadability.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Elevates the frosting’s flavor with a gentle vanilla hint.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly as soon as it hits the oven. Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking pan so your cake slides out smoothly later—no sticking, no fuss.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This helps the leavening agents and salt distribute evenly throughout your cake for consistent texture and flavor.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial to incorporate air, which helps create a soft, tender crumb in your cake.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time to maintain the fluffiness you just created. Follow with the vanilla extract, which infuses the cake with a sweet, comforting aroma that pairs perfectly with peanut butter.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients with Buttermilk
Gradually add your flour mixture, alternating with the buttermilk—start and end with the dry ingredients. This alternating method keeps your batter balanced and silky smooth, ensuring every bite is moist without being dense.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepped pan and smooth the top for even baking. Pop it into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging.
Step 7: Cool Completely Before Frosting
Patience is key here. Let the cake cool fully in the pan—this prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off, helping you achieve that perfect, picture-worthy finish.
Step 8: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
In a bowl, cream together the second batch of softened butter and peanut butter until smooth. Slowly mix in powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting turns light, fluffy, and spreadable, ready to complement your cake’s nutty depths.
Step 9: Frost and Serve
Spread the frosting evenly over the completely cooled cake, embrace the sweet aroma filling your kitchen, then slice into generous squares and share the joy!
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of charm and texture, sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts on top of the frosting. A light dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted chocolate can also elevate the presentation and deepen the chocolate-peanut flavor duo.
Side Dishes
To complement the rich peanut butter cake, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Fresh berries like raspberries or sliced bananas add a juicy contrast that brightens each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Why stick to a plain square? Cut the cake into fun shapes using cookie cutters for parties, or layer slices with alternating frosting and peanut butter spread to create a mini peanut butter cake stack. Adding edible flowers or using colorful plates can also turn this humble classic into a centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake Recipe, wrap the leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Your cake will stay moist and fresh for about 3 to 4 days—perfect for indulging over several days or sharing with friends.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake in layers of plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
While this cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, if you prefer it slightly warm, microwave individual slices for 10 to 15 seconds. This brings out the peanut butter aroma even more, but be careful not to overheat as the frosting can soften too much.
FAQs
Can I substitute crunchy peanut butter in this Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add an extra delightful texture to both the cake and frosting, giving you little bursts of nutty crunch. Just be sure to stir it well before measuring.
Is buttermilk necessary, or can I use regular milk?
Buttermilk is preferred because its acidity helps tenderize the cake and enhances the rise along with baking soda. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Keep in mind that texture might vary slightly, so choose a blend that includes xanthan gum to mimic gluten’s binding properties.
What’s the best way to get smooth and fluffy peanut butter frosting?
Make sure your butter and peanut butter are softened to room temperature before mixing. Beat them together until very smooth before gradually adding powdered sugar and liquids, beating well at each step to incorporate air and create a light fluffy texture.
How long does this cake keep its freshness?
Stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the cake maintains its freshness for up to 4 days. Beyond that, it might start to dry out, but freezing can help extend its lifespan significantly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking a cake that feels like a warm memory—our Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake Recipe does just that with every bite. It’s classic but never boring, rich but perfectly balanced, and guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. So why not roll up your sleeves, pull out those ingredients, and make this timeless peanut butter cake your new favorite indulgence? You deserve it!
Print
Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
A classic and rich Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake that combines creamy peanut butter and buttery goodness with a moist, tender crumb. Topped with a luscious peanut butter frosting, this cake is perfect for peanut butter lovers seeking a nostalgic dessert.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
Frosting Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring good aeration in the batter.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing and ensure tenderness.
- Transfer Batter and Bake: Pour the smooth batter into the prepared baking pan, leveling the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. This step is important before frosting to prevent melting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, cream together softened butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Frost the Cake: Evenly spread the prepared peanut butter frosting over the cooled cake for a rich and creamy finish.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the cake into 12 servings and enjoy this classic peanut butter treat with friends and family.
Notes
- Make sure the butter and peanut butter are at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Use buttermilk or a buttermilk substitute (milk plus vinegar/lemon juice) for best texture and tang.
- Do not overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients to keep the cake tender.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
