Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

If you’re the kind of person who daydreams about peanut butter desserts, then this Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is about to become your new obsession. Imagine a tender, buttery peanut butter cake blanketed in the creamiest, dreamiest peanut butter frosting—all in a simple-to-make sheet cake form that’s ideal for cookouts, birthdays, or any Tuesday when you need a little joy. This dessert brings together rich nutty flavor and pillowy texture in the happiest (and most delicious) way possible.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for this Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is delightfully straightforward—just essentials that work together to deliver big on flavor and that signature luscious crumb. Every item in the list is key for nailing the perfect balance of taste, moisture, and that iconic peanutty color.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender bite—don’t pack your measuring cup for the lightest texture!
• Baking powder: Gives the cake lift and helps it stay soft and fluffy.
• Baking soda: Ensures every bite rises evenly and stays moist.
• Salt: Just a touch amplifies the nutty depth of the peanuts.
• Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter is essential for the perfect creamy cake crumb (and the frosting, too!).
• Creamy peanut butter: The star flavor—choose classic, shelf-stable peanut butter for the smoothest result.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering that peanut butter punch.
• Large eggs: Add richness and structure for the perfect slice.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and a bakery-style aroma—don’t skip it.
• Buttermilk: Gives the crumb a subtle tang and keeps everything ultra-moist.
• Powdered sugar: Blends seamlessly into the frosting for a cloud-like finish.
• Milk: Just a splash helps reach that dreamy, spreadable frosting consistency.
• Pinch of salt: Wakes up all the flavors in the frosting.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven

First things first: get your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch pan. Greasing ensures your Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting pops right out when cooled, so the bottom stays flawless and golden. Don’t forget this step—nobody likes stuck cake!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures all the leavening is evenly distributed, so you get that gorgeous, even rise. The dry mixture sets the foundation for a perfect cake crumb.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and sugar. Mix until everything’s light and airy, about 2–3 minutes. This step is what creates the cake’s signature soft and fluffy texture—don’t cut it short!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl after each addition so the mix stays smooth and creamy. Stir in that lovely splash of vanilla extract to round out the flavors. You’re building not just texture, but a subtle warmth and depth that makes this cake irresistible.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now alternate adding your flour mixture and buttermilk to the peanut butter mixture, starting and finishing with the flour. Do this in three additions, and mix only until everything is just combined—no over-mixing! This ensures the cake stays tender and light, not dense.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top gently. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden, and the kitchen will smell like absolute magic. Let the cake cool completely before moving to the next stage.

Step 7: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting

For truly show-stopping Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting, don’t be tempted to rush this step! Beat together the softened butter and creamy peanut butter until velvety and lump-free. Slowly add the powdered sugar, followed by vanilla, salt, and just enough milk to achieve perfect spreadability. The frosting should be creamy, dreamy, and practically irresistible by the spoonful.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Once the cake is cool, spread an even layer of peanut butter frosting over the top, swirling it into thick, pillowy peaks if you like. All that’s left is to slice generous pieces and serve a dessert that’s truly unforgettable.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

Garnishes

Give your Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting a little extra flair by topping it with chopped roasted peanuts for a satisfying crunch. A decadent drizzle of melted chocolate, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or even a handful of mini peanut butter cups can make each slice look bakery-worthy and completely irresistible.

Side Dishes

This cake plays well with sides that accentuate its rich flavors. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, plump strawberries, or even a tall glass of cold milk to keep things classic. If you’re feeling fancy, a strong espresso or a shot of cold brew on the side makes a dreamy dessert pairing!

Creative Ways to Present

It’s fun to get creative: try cutting the cake into bite-sized squares for party platters, layering slices with extra frosting for an impromptu trifle, or serving as cupcakes with piped frosting for birthdays. No matter what, Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a showstopper that’s easy to dress up or down.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting as moist and fresh as possible, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days—just let slices come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! For best results, freeze unfrosted cake (wrapped tightly in plastic and foil) for up to 2 months. If you have leftover frosted slices, freeze them on a sheet tray before wrapping individually. Defrost at room temp, then smooth on extra frosting if needed to freshen up the look.

Reheating

If you like your cake slightly warm (who doesn’t?), just pop an individual slice in the microwave for 10 seconds—just enough to soften the frosting and cake without melting everything. It’s a little comfort that turns Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting into next-level coziness!

FAQs

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

For the smoothest texture in both cake and frosting, it’s best to use classic, shelf-stable creamy peanut butter. Natural peanut butter often separates and can be too oily or runny, which may throw off the results.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour. The texture may be slightly different, but you’ll still get all the delicious peanut butter flavor you crave.

Is it possible to make cupcakes with this recipe?

Absolutely. Simply line a muffin tin with paper liners, fill each two-thirds full, and bake for 18–22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. You’ll have adorable Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting cupcakes ready for any occasion.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

You sure can! Bake the cake up to a day in advance and keep it covered at room temperature. Frost just before serving, or cover the entire frosted cake and refrigerate. The flavors meld and get even better with time.

What’s the best way to cut clean slices?

For perfect, bakery-worthy slices, use a large, sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This keeps the frosting neat and prevents crumbs from sticking to your knife.

Final Thoughts

If you have a soft spot for nostalgic bakes or crave that unmistakable peanut butter richness, you need to try this Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting. It’s a treat that never fails to delight friends, family, and even the pickiest dessert lovers. So grab a jar of peanut butter, fire up your oven, and get ready to fall head over heels for your new go-to cake recipe!

Print