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Peanut Butter Cake

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Forget those dry, store-bought peanut butter cakes that leave you feeling vaguely disappointed. This, my friends, is Peanut Butter Cake for grown-ups. It packs a punch with rich, nutty flavor – not that sickly sweet stuff you remember from childhood bake sales. Moist, tender cake layers envelop a creamy peanut butter filling, and the whole thing is crowned with a luscious frosting that’s pure, unadulterated peanut butter bliss.

This cake is effortless to whip up, guaranteed to disappear in a flash, and perfect for any occasion. This homemade Peanut Butter Cake is the real deal, a nostalgic treat elevated to new heights. Trust me, it’ll leave you wanting more – and maybe just a touch nostalgic for simpler times (with way better cake). 

A slice of layered Peanut Butter Cake with light brown frosting sits on a white plate. A glass bowl with crunchy cereal is blurred in the background.

Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Cake

  • Baker’s Breeze: Forget intimidating cake recipes. This one’s a total cinch, even for novice bakers. Follow the straightforward instructions and you’ll be a peanut butter cake pro in no time.
  • Peanut Butter Paradise: This cake isn’t messing around with artificial flavors or subtle hints of peanut butter. We’re talking rich, bold, PEANUT BUTTER PARADISE in every single bite. It’s the peanut butter lover’s dream come true.
  • Party Perfect: Need a crowd-pleasing dessert that works for any gathering? This Peanut Butter Cake is your MVP. Birthdays, holidays, or just a casual get-together – it’s the versatile treat that guarantees happy faces all around.
  • Pantry Raid Ready: No last-minute grocery store dashes required! This recipe uses ingredients you likely already have on hand, making it the perfect solution for a spontaneous baking craving.
  • Kid-Approved, Adult-Adored: This cake transcends generations. The dreamy combination of creamy peanut butter and moist cake is a guaranteed hit with both the little ones and the grown-ups. So ditch the bakery and whip up a batch of pure peanut butter magic at home!
A slice of Peanut Butter Cake with light brown frosting and chopped nuts on top, served on a white plate next to a bowl of peanuts and a metal fork.

Ingredients Needed To Make Peanut Butter Cake

Cake Ingredients

  • Naked Nutrition Powdered Peanut Butter
  • 1.1 GF flour or all-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Kosher salt
  • Light brown sugar, packed
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vegetable oil (or butter, room temperature)
  • Vanilla extract
  • Eggs
  • Unsweetened yogurt
  • Milk (use pea or oat milk for dairy-free)

Peanut Butter Frosting Ingredients

  • Butter, room temperature
  • Creamy peanut butter
  • Vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar
  • Heavy cream

Substitutions + Alternatives

Can I use All-Purpose Flour?

Yes, All-Purpose Flour can be used. Use the same amount that is listed in the ingredients, but swap with all purpose.

Can I use regular dairy?

Feel free to make this recipe your own. I use dairy-free products, but feel welcome to choose your preferred dairy option without any recipe adjustments. Unless specified otherwise, you have the flexibility to use the dairy of your choice for the recipe.

Note: While almond milk is an option, it is less preferred due to its liquid consistency. Consider opting for a milk alternative with a thicker texture.

Before You Get Started: A couple notes to help you get the best results

  • Always: Read the full instructions before starting.
  • When Preparing: The longer the batter sits, the more it affects the baking process, including the taste and texture and overall outcome.
  • Oven Temperatures: These will vary by oven. The safest way to determine oven temperature accuracy is by using an oven thermometer.

How To Make Peanut Butter Cake

  1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Spray 2 8-inch round cake pans or a 9×13-inch cake pan with non-stick spray.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine both sugars and vegetable oil. Mix on high for 3 minutes.
  4. Mix in vanilla extract and add eggs one at a time.
  5. Mix in milk and yogurt.
  6. In a separate bowl, combine all dry ingredients and mix well.
  7. Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and mix until incorporated.
  1. Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pans.
  2. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check closer to the 25-minute mark to prevent overbaking.
  1. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before frosting.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine butter, peanut butter, vanilla extract, 4 cups of powdered sugar, and 2 tbsp of heavy cream.
A top-down view of baking ingredients for Peanut Butter Cake on a gray cutting board: a large bowl of powdered sugar, two sticks of butter, a small bowl of milk, vanilla extract, and a bowl of creamy peanut butter.
  1. Mix until smooth.
  2. Adjust consistency: If the frosting is too stiff, add more heavy cream 1 tbsp at a time. If it’s too thin, add another cup of powdered sugar.
  3. Once the cake has cooled completely, frost it with the peanut butter frosting.
  4. If making a 4-layer cake, double the frosting recipe or cut the cake layers in half horizontally with a cake leveler or cake knife before frosting.
  1. Once frosted, enjoy!

Variations & Substitutions

  • Chocolate Swirl: Craving a chocolate and peanut butter combo? Fold in some chocolate chips or a swirl of melted chocolate into the batter for a decadent twist. Top it with a chocolate ganache for an extra dose of deliciousness.
  • Fruity Fun: Love a sweet and salty combo? Fresh fruit like sliced bananas or chopped berries can add a pop of color and freshness. Layer them into the cake or use them to decorate the top.
  • Nutella Dreams: Feeling adventurous? Replace some of the peanut butter in the frosting or filling with Nutella for a rich, hazelnutty flavor that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
  • Frosting Frenzy: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different frostings! I have a Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting, Peanut Butter Honey Cinnamon Frosting, and a Chocolate Frosting that would pair perfectly with this cake!
  • Pretzel Power: Crush some pretzels and sprinkle them on top of the frosting for a salty-sweet crunch that complements the peanut butter perfectly.
A round Peanut Butter Cake with light beige frosting and small crushed nuts around the edge, viewed from above, placed on a gray and white striped surface.

Commonly Asked Questions

How do I store Peanut Butter Cake?

Store the Peanut Butter Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week.

Can I freeze Peanut Butter Cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour as indicated in the recipe to make a delicious gluten-free Peanut Butter Cake.

What can I use if I don’t have peanut butter flour?

If you don’t have peanut butter flour, you can substitute it with regular flour and add a bit more peanut butter to the frosting for extra flavor.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter for the frosting?

You can, but keep in mind that the texture will be different. Smooth peanut butter creates a creamier frosting, while crunchy peanut butter adds a bit of texture.

How can I make the cake layers even?

To ensure even cake layers, use a kitchen scale to measure the batter equally between the pans. Also, rotating the pans halfway through baking can help them bake evenly.

What type of yogurt should I use?

Unsweetened yogurt is recommended to avoid adding extra sweetness. Greek yogurt works well for a thicker consistency.

A slice of layered Peanut Butter Cake with light brown frosting sits on a white plate. A glass bowl with crunchy cereal is blurred in the background.

Peanut Butter Cake

Danielle Cochran
This recipe is pure peanut butter bliss: moist, tender layers filled with rich peanut butter flavor, all wrapped up in a creamy, dreamy frosting. It's the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth and create a nostalgic treat that's even better than you remember.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 People
Calories 878 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • 1 1/4 cups Naked Nutrition Powdered Peanut Butter
  • 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (1:1 gluten-free flour)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (or 1 cup butter, room temperature)
  • 2 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup unsweetened yogurt
  • 1/3 cup milk (use pea or oat milk for dairy-free)

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

  • 1 cup butter (room temperature)
  • 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 4-5 cups powdered sugar
  • 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream
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Instructions
 

Make the Cake:

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F. Spray two 8-inch round cake pans or a 9×13-inch cake pan with non-stick spray.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine both sugars and vegetable oil. Mix on high for 3 minutes.
  • Mix in vanilla extract and add eggs one at a time. Mix in milk and yogurt.
  • In a separate bowl, combine all dry ingredients and mix well.
  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and mix until incorporated.
  • Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pans.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check closer to the 25-minute mark to prevent overbaking.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before frosting.

Make the Peanut Butter Frosting:

  • In a mixing bowl, combine butter, peanut butter, vanilla extract, 4 cups of powdered sugar, and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Mix until smooth.
  • Adjust consistency: If the frosting is too stiff, add more heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time. If it's too thin, add another cup of powdered sugar.

Frost the Cake:

  • Once the cake has cooled completely, frost it with the peanut butter frosting.
  • If making a 4-layer cake, double the frosting recipe or cut the cake layers in half horizontally before frosting.

Notes

The consistency of the frosting may vary depending on the brand of peanut butter, butter, and heavy cream used.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 878kcalCarbohydrates: 89gProtein: 16gFat: 54gSaturated Fat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 15gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 93mgSodium: 621mgPotassium: 283mgFiber: 4gSugar: 66gVitamin A: 650IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 140mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @TheSaltyCooker or tag #thesaltycooker!

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This cake is your new obsession. It’s rich, nutty bliss in every bite, shockingly easy to whip up, and guaranteed to vanish faster than your New Year’s resolutions. Birthday parties, potlucks, or a solo Netflix marathon – this cake doesn’t judge. Just grab a fork and prepare to be wowed.

4 Comments

  1. There is Peanut Butter Powder
    and
    Peanut Flour

    But, no Peanut Butter Flour

    Please clarify the ingredient used in the cake.

    Thanks

  2. 5 stars
    I made this according to the recipe and it came out absolutely amazing! It is perfectly moist and so peanut-buttery.

5 from 2 votes

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