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
Scale
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
