Best Peanut Butter Cake Recipe – Moist, Rich, Creamy

Peanut Butter Cake Recipe – Peanut butter lovers know that the flavor is rich, comforting, nostalgic, and incredibly versatile. Whether you grew up with peanut butter sandwiches or enjoy it in smoothies, cookies, or frosting, peanut butter brings a creamy, nutty warmth to any treat. One of the most delicious ways to highlight its flavor is by baking a tender, moist peanut butter cake. This dessert is deeply aromatic, soft, and irresistibly rich—perfect for birthdays, potlucks, family gatherings, or an indulgent weekend bake.

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Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American

• Course: Dessert / Snack

• Servings: 12 slices

• Calories per Serving: ~390 kcal

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Active Baking Time: 30–35 minutes

• Resting & Cooling Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: ~1 hour 55 minutes

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter (not natural, for best texture)

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk

Equipment Needed

• Stand mixer or electric hand mixer

• 2 mixing bowls

• Rubber spatula

• Whisk

• 9×13-inch cake pan (or two 8-inch round pans)

• Parchment paper

• Cooling rack

• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions 

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease your cake pan and line the bottom with parchment for easy removal.

Step 2: Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together:

• Flour

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Salt

This aerates the flour and ensures an even rise.

Step 3: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter & Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together until smooth and fluffy.
Add granulated sugar and brown sugar, mixing on medium-high for 2–3 minutes until light.

Creaming incorporates air, resulting in a tender, fluffy cake crumb.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until incorporated.
Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Alternate adding the dry mixture and buttermilk into the peanut butter batter:

1. Add half the flour mixture → mix gently

2. Pour in half the buttermilk → mix

3. Repeat until everything is fully combined

Do not overmix; stop mixing once the batter looks uniform.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan.
Spread it gently with a spatula.

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until:

• A toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean

• The top is golden and slightly springy

Step 7: Cool the Cake

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Allow it to rest for 1 hour before frosting or slicing.

Cooling prevents the frosting from melting and helps the cake firm up.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Values vary depending on frosting choice.

Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Cake

✔ Choose the Right Peanut Butter

Use smooth, commercial peanut butter. Natural varieties separate and can cause dense or oily cakes.

✔ Add Buttermilk for Moisture

Buttermilk ensures a tender, velvety crumb that stays moist for days.

✔ Don’t Overbake

Peanut butter cakes dry out quickly. Remove from the oven once a toothpick shows only a few crumbs.

✔ Frost Only When Fully Cooled

Warm cake = melted frosting and a messy finish.

✔ Enhance Flavor

Add chopped peanuts, chocolate chips, or swirl in melted chocolate for variety.

Serving Suggestions

• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top

• Drizzle with warm chocolate sauce

• Serve with milk, coffee, or hot chocolate

• Garnish with chopped roasted peanuts

• Create a layered birthday cake with peanut butter frosting

This cake pairs beautifully with flavors like chocolate, caramel, banana, or jelly.

Conclusion

Peanut butter lovers will adore the richness, tenderness, and nostalgic flavor of this homemade cake. It’s simple enough for everyday baking yet impressive enough for parties and celebrations. Moist, aromatic, and full of depth, this cake delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness. Whether you keep it simple or dress it up with frosting or ganache, this recipe guarantees a dessert that everyone will request again and again.