If you have a soft spot for rich and nutty desserts, then this Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe is about to become your new go-to treat. Combining the creamy goodness of peanut butter in both the cake and frosting, this dessert is a celebration of all things peanutty, delighting your taste buds with a perfectly moist crumb and luscious, sweet frosting that’s studded with mini chocolate chips for an irresistible finish. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a comforting slice of homemade goodness, this recipe delivers an impressive yet approachable way to indulge in peanut butter bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in a simple but thoughtful way, each playing a crucial role in creating the wonderful flavor, texture, and look of your peanut butter cake. From the smooth nutty base to the sweet frosting, every component is essential to nail that perfect balance.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The foundation of your cake, giving it body and structure without overpowering the peanut butter flavor.
- Light brown sugar (2 cups, packed): Adds sweetness along with a subtle molasses note that enhances the richness.
- Peanut butter (1 cup for cake, 1/2 cup for frosting): The star ingredient, delivering that creamy, nutty punch throughout.
- Butter (1/2 cup, room temperature): Brings moisture and tenderness, making every bite melt in your mouth.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon) and baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Leavening agents that help your cake rise light and fluffy.
- Milk (1 1/4 cups for batter, plus 4-5 tablespoons for frosting): Adds moisture and helps blend the flavors beautifully.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons for cake, 1 teaspoon for frosting): A subtle enhancer that complements the peanut butter without stealing the show.
- Eggs (3 large): Bind the ingredients together while contributing to the cake’s tender, rich texture.
- Honey (2 tablespoons for frosting): Sweetens with a natural depth that balances the powdered sugar and peanut butter.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups for frosting): Creates that silky smooth frosting that’s both sweet and luscious.
- Mini chocolate chips (1 cup): Adds delightful pockets of chocolaty joy that contrast perfectly with the peanutty layers.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 10 by 15-inch cake pan to ensure your cake releases easily and has even browning. This simple step sets the stage for baking success.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients with Peanut Butter and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, blend the flour, brown sugar, peanut butter, and room-temperature butter using an electric mixer on low speed. Mixing on low keeps the mixture crumbly and ensures the peanut butter and butter are evenly integrated, resulting in a cake with a rich, moist crumb.
Step 3: Add the Liquids and Eggs
Pour in the milk, vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, and eggs. Begin mixing on low speed to incorporate everything gently, then bump up to medium speed and beat for 3 minutes. This step is key to creating a smooth, well-aerated batter that bakes up beautifully.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the surface as you go for even baking. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should have a golden top and a springy texture.
Step 5: Cool Your Cake Slightly
Allow your cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This brief rest lets it set slightly so it’s easier to frost without crumbling, while still warm enough to absorb the frosting’s flavors perfectly.
Step 6: Prepare the Irresistible Peanut Butter Frosting
Microwave the peanut butter and honey until they soften and blend smoothly together. Stir in vanilla, then beat in powdered sugar and milk until the frosting becomes creamy and spreadable. It’s that luscious, dreamy frosting that makes this Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe so special.
Step 7: Frost and Finish with Mini Chocolate Chips
Spread your frosting evenly over the warm cake, letting it melt in slightly for extra gooey goodness. Finally, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the top to add texture and a touch of indulgence. Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving to let everything set perfectly.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet elegant finishing touch, try sprinkling crushed peanuts or a few extra mini chocolate chips on top of the frosting. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also add a sophisticated contrast to the sweetness, elevating each slice.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream to temper its richness. Fresh berries or a light fruit salad add a refreshing juiciness, while a cup of coffee or robust black tea complements the nutty flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this cake on a rustic wooden board with parchment paper for a cozy feel, or elevate its look by cutting it into elegant rectangles and stacking them with layers of frosting in between for a mini cake tower. You can also pipe extra frosting swirls around the edges and garnish with edible gold dust for a fancy dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it moist. Stored this way, it will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for about 4 days. Always bring refrigerated slices back to room temperature before serving for softness.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted cake layered between sheets of parchment paper inside an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh frosting right before serving to keep it tasting as fresh as possible.
Reheating
Warm individual slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to revive that freshly baked feel. Avoid overheating, as the peanut butter frosting can become too soft. A quick warm-up brings out the creamy texture and rich flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter in this Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture throughout the cake and frosting, giving you an extra peanutty crunch in every bite. Just be mindful that it will slightly change the smoothness of the frosting.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, and it should work well. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture.
Can I make this cake without eggs?
You can, by using egg substitutes such as flax eggs or commercial egg replacers, but the texture might be a bit different—less tender and rich. For best results, try to use fresh eggs, as they contribute significantly to the cake’s structure and moisture.
How long does the frosting keep?
The peanut butter frosting stores well in the refrigerator for up to one week if kept in an airtight container. Before spreading, whip it briefly to restore its creamy consistency.
Can I double the frosting recipe?
Definitely! Doubling the frosting is a great idea if you love a thick, decadent layer of peanut butter goodness on your cake or want extra to pipe decorations. Just adjust the ingredients proportionally and blend until smooth.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe is a warm hug in dessert form, perfect for peanut butter lovers looking to enjoy something homemade and utterly satisfying. It hits all the right notes with its moist cake, creamy frosting, and delicious chocolate chip finish. I encourage you to give it a try and watch it become an instant favorite that brings smiles at every slice!
Print
Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This rich and moist Peanut Butter Cake is a delightful treat combining creamy peanut butter in both the cake and the luscious frosting. Topped with mini chocolate chips, it offers a perfect balance of sweetness and nutty flavor, ideal for any peanut butter lover’s celebration or dessert craving.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4–5 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10 x 15-inch cake pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients and Fats: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on low speed to combine the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, peanut butter, and butter until the mixture becomes crumbly in texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Leavening: Incorporate the milk, vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, and eggs into the crumbly mixture. Begin mixing on low speed, then beat on medium for 3 minutes to achieve a smooth batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared batter into the greased and floured cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set.
- Prepare the Frosting: Microwave the peanut butter and honey just until softened and easier to stir. Then, mix in the vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and milk, beating the mixture until smooth and spreadable.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the warm cake. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips across the top for an appealing finish. Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For best results, use creamy peanut butter to achieve a smooth batter and frosting.
- If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the brown sugar slightly.
- Ensure the frosting is spread on the warm cake so it melds nicely but avoid spreading on a hot cake to prevent melting.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
