Peanut Butter Cake
Peanut butter is one of my all-time favorite flavors—rich, nutty, and endlessly versatile. Whether it’s enjoyed on its own, swirled with chocolate, or paired with a dollop of jelly, you really can’t go wrong. And while you might expect a peanut butter cake to be dense or overly rich, this recipe is anything but. It’s surprisingly light, soft, and airy, with just the right amount of sweetness and a velvety peanut butter flavor in every bite. Perfect for celebrations or casual cravings alike, this cake is sure to win over peanut butter fans and skeptics alike!
Who do I make this for?
I would make this recipe for my sister Hannah and my best friend Anna Kate! They are both BIG fans of this peanut butter cake so I’d love to make it for them for their birthday.
Peanut Butter Cake
Prep: 30 min | Bake: 20-25 min | Total: 3 hrs
Yields ~12 servings
Ingredients
Cake:
2 cups all purpose flour
2 cups white sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 stick unsalted butter
1 cup water
½ cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup coconut oil
2 eggs
½ cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
Frosting:
1 ½ cups of unsalted butter (softened)
⅔ cup creamy peanut butter
5 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
Instructions
Make the cake:
1. Preheat & Prep:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Prepare Wet Mixture:
In a saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil. Remove from heat and whisk in peanut butter and oil until smooth. Let cool slightly.
4. Add Remaining Wet Ingredients:
Whisk in eggs, milk, and vanilla extract to the cooled peanut butter mixture.
5. Combine Wet & Dry:
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined and smooth.
6. Bake:
Divide batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely before frosting
Make the Frosting:
1. In a large bowl, beat butter, peanut butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add a splash of milk if needed for spreadable consistency.
Assemble the Cake:
Once cakes are cool, spread frosting between the layers and over the top. Decorate as desired.
Loved this recipe? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
