Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

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If you’re the kind of person who could eat peanut butter straight from the jar, this Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is for you. It’s the ultimate comfort cake: rich, moist, and unapologetically peanut-buttery. Each bite delivers a dense, flavorful crumb and a silky, slightly salty frosting that melts perfectly on your tongue.

This cake feels like home. It brings a nostalgic warmth that calls to mind peanut butter sandwiches, after-school treats, and family get-togethers. But don’t be fooled by the simplicity—this dessert is elegant enough to serve at a birthday or potluck, yet easy enough for a cozy weekend bake.

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cake

This cake is all about texture and taste. The cake itself is moist and soft with a delicate crumb, while the frosting adds that extra indulgent punch. You’ll love the balanced sweetness and that deep roasted peanut flavor throughout. It also holds up beautifully overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.

Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter in the Cake?

Technically yes, but proceed with caution. Natural peanut butter tends to separate and has less sugar, which could throw off the consistency of both the batter and the frosting. For best results, go with a creamy, shelf-stable peanut butter brand like Jif or Skippy. These provide the consistency and flavor that this cake thrives on.

Ingredients for the Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

This peanut butter cake uses pantry staples, but each ingredient plays a specific role in creating that dreamy texture and full flavor.

All-purpose flour – It forms the structure of the cake and gives a soft but stable crumb.

Baking powder – This leavening agent helps the cake rise and keeps it fluffy.

Salt – Just a pinch enhances the peanut butter and balances the sweetness.

Butter – Adds richness and depth. Use unsalted so you can control the salt.

Creamy peanut butter – The star ingredient, it adds both moisture and intense peanut flavor.

Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender texture.

Brown sugar – Adds a hint of molasses that pairs beautifully with peanut butter.

Eggs – Provide structure and stability.

Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor with a warm, aromatic note.

Milk – Loosens the batter just enough and keeps it moist.

How To Make the Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet

Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk into the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting

Beat together creamy peanut butter and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and a splash of milk until desired consistency is reached. Spread over the cooled cake.

How to Serve and Store This Cake

This cake serves 12 generously, making it perfect for group celebrations or weekday snacking. For serving, you can garnish with crushed peanuts or even drizzle some melted chocolate if you’re feeling extra.

To store, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It keeps well at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze it (frosted or unfrosted) for up to 2 months. Just be sure to wrap it well and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

What to Serve With Peanut Butter Cake?

A Cold Glass of Milk

A timeless pairing that brings out the nostalgia in every bite.

Hot Coffee or Espresso

Bitterness from coffee complements the rich sweetness beautifully.

Chocolate Ice Cream

Think peanut butter cup vibes in dessert form.

Salted Caramel Drizzle

If you’re going for indulgence, a little caramel sauce won’t hurt.

Banana Slices

Peanut butter and banana is a classic duo. Fresh slices on top make it even more fun.

Fresh Berries

Strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing contrast to the rich cake.

Whipped Cream

Sometimes light and fluffy is the best partner for dense and rich.

Want More Cake Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved this Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting, you might want to check out these other delicious bakes:

• Southern Hummingbird Cake Recipe for tropical sweetness with spice.
• Hot Fudge Brownie Bread if you’re craving something rich and chocolatey.
• Blueberry Cheesecake Heaven Rolls for fruity and creamy indulgence.
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread if you love peanut butter in breakfast form.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a swirl of chocolate? Maybe a sprinkle of flaky salt?

I love hearing how others put their spin on these cakes. Questions? I’m happy to help.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and sweet recipes on Luna Meals on Pinterest and find your next dessert craving waiting for you.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is more than a dessert—it’s a feel-good treat that brings comfort, joy, and a lot of flavor. It’s the kind of cake you make for others but secretly hope there’s some left for you. Easy to prepare and even easier to love, this cake might just be your new go-to for when life needs something sweet.

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