Imagine walking into your kitchen and being greeted by the warm, nutty aroma of roasted peanuts and butter. There’s a cake in the oven that promises comfort with every bite: soft, moist, and perfectly balanced with rich peanut butter flavor. That’s the magic of homemade peanut butter cake, indulgent, nostalgic, and absolutely irresistible.
Whether it’s a cozy weekend treat, a birthday celebration, or a simple reward for yourself, peanut butter cake hits all the right notes: it’s sweet, nutty, and comforting, the kind of cake that brings smiles and seconds.
The secret to a perfect peanut butter cake lies in using quality peanut butter, properly creaming your butter and sugar, and balancing sweetness so it complements, rather than overwhelms, the nutty flavor.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (use natural or branded you love)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups confectioner’s sugar
- 2–4 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped peanuts
- Chocolate drizzle
- Caramel drizzle
Kitchen Tools
- Mixing bowls (medium & large)
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk & spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- 9-inch round cake pans (2)
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula (for frosting)
How to Make Peanut Butter Cake
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F / 175°C. Grease and flour your cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy release.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. These ensure your cake rises evenly and stays light.
3. Cream Butter & Peanut Butter
In a large bowl, beat butter, peanut butter, and sugar until fluffy and light for about 3–4 minutes. This is where the cake gets its airy texture and rich peanut flavor.
4. Add Eggs & Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Mix slowly and scrape the sides as needed to keep everything smooth.
5. Incorporate Dry & Buttermilk
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter-peanut mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, overmixing can toughen the cake.
6. Bake
Divide the batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell nutty, sweet, and comforting. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
7. Make the Frosting
Beat butter and peanut butter until creamy. Gradually add confectioner’s sugar, vanilla, and milk until you reach a spreadable consistency. Adjust milk for thicker or softer frosting.
8. Assemble & Decorate
Place one cake layer on a plate or stand. Spread frosting evenly on top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, drizzle with chocolate, or caramel if desired.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cake
Quality Peanut Butter – The flavor of the cake hinges on it. Creamy natural or branded options work best.
Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensures smooth, airy batter.
Don’t Overmix – Keeps the cake tender and soft.
Even Layers – Use a knife or cake leveler if needed for stacking.
Extra Flair – Toasted peanuts or chocolate drizzle take it to the next level.
Fun Variations
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake – Add cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
- Peanut Butter & Banana Cake – Fold in mashed banana for extra moistness and flavor.
- Peanut Butter Cup Cake – Mix chopped peanut butter cups into the batter for surprise bites.
- Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cake – Add caramel drizzle and sprinkle with sea salt for balance.
Peanut butter cake is comfort, nostalgia, and indulgence in one slice. Rich, moist, and packed with nutty goodness, it’s a cake that pleases any crowd, and makes you feel like a baker who knows exactly what they’re doing.
From birthdays to tea time, or just because you deserve a treat, this cake is a sweet, buttery, nutty masterpiece you’ll want to bake again and again. Serve it with milk, coffee, or even a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate experience.
