Decadent Peanut Butter Cake with Frosting Recipe

If you’re a peanut butter lover on the hunt for a truly unforgettable dessert, this Decadent Peanut Butter Cake with Frosting Recipe is the one to try. Imagine a moist, tender cake bursting with rich peanut butter flavor, topped with a luxuriously creamy peanut butter frosting, and finished with crunchy peanuts for that perfect bite contrast. It’s the kind of cake that brings smiles to faces and warms hearts. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a special occasion, this cake delivers comfort and indulgence in every forkful. Let me take you through this delightful baking journey that’s surprisingly easy and immensely satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Decadent Peanut Butter Cake with Frosting Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role in building the cake’s texture, flavor depth, and irresistible crumb, making this recipe both accessible and impressive.

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base that enhances moistness and flavor.
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Infuses the cake and frosting with that signature peanut flavor everyone loves.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Balances the richness with sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds moistness and a subtle caramel undertone to the cake.
• 3 large eggs, room temperature: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure and richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances and rounds out the peanut butter flavor beautifully.
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet soft cake foundation.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Supports the cake’s rise for a fluffy texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with acid to give the cake a light, airy crumb.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies peanut butter flavor.
• 3/4 cup whole milk: Keeps the cake moist and tender, smoothing out the batter.
• 1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts (optional): Adds fantastic crunch and texture inside the cake.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Gives the frosting a luscious, creamy base.
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (for frosting): Makes the frosting rich, smooth, and decadently peanut buttery.
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect spreadability.
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (plus more if needed): Adjusts frosting texture for that perfect creamy consistency.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds depth and complements the peanut flavor in the frosting.
• Pinch of salt (for frosting): Brightens and balances the sweetness in the frosting.
• Chopped peanuts for topping (optional): Offers a crunchy garnish that elevates the cake’s texture and visual appeal.

How to Make Decadent Peanut Butter Cake with Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is essential to ensure your cake bakes evenly. Grease a 9×13-inch pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray, which will help the cake release easily once baked. Trust me, this prep step makes all the difference!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Peanut Butter

In a large mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter. Use an electric mixer to beat them together until your mixture is silky smooth and completely blended. This fluffy base is where your cake’s moist and tender texture begins.

Step 3: Add Sugars and Beat Until Fluffy

Gradually add granulated sugar and light brown sugar to your peanut butter mixture while continuing to beat. Mix for 2-3 minutes until the batter looks lighter in color and feels airy. This step is key for a light, tender cake crumb.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition for a smooth mixture. Then, add vanilla extract to bring out those warm, comforting flavors Peanut Butter Cake fans crave.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This evenly distributes the leavening agents and salt, helping your cake rise beautifully with consistent texture.

Step 6: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk

Add the flour mixture to your peanut butter batter in parts, alternating with whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, stirring gently. Be cautious not to overmix; you want just enough to combine everything without sacrificing fluffiness.

Step 7: Fold in Chopped Peanuts (Optional)

If you love some extra crunch, gently fold in chopped roasted peanuts now. This adds delightful bites of texture that contrast perfectly with the tender cake.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye near the end to avoid overbaking, which can dry the cake out.

Step 9: Cool Completely Before Frosting

Remove the cake and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling fully is essential to keep your frosting creamy and from melting into the warm cake base.

Step 10: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting

Beat softened butter and peanut butter together until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, mixing well until fluffy. Add vanilla extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt, adjusting cream quantity to achieve a wonderfully smooth and spreadable frosting.

Step 11: Frost and Garnish

Spread the frosting evenly over your cooled cake, then sprinkle with chopped peanuts if using. Slice into squares, serve, and prepare for many happy joyful bites and compliments!

How to Serve Decadent Peanut Butter Cake with Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkling chopped roasted peanuts on top adds a fantastic crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth frosting. A light dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted chocolate can add extra flair and flavor that makes the presentation pop even more.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For those who like a bit of acidity to balance richness, try serving alongside fresh berries or a tangy berry compote — each bite becomes an adventure!

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the cake into neat squares or fun shapes using cookie cutters for a playful twist at parties. You might also layer it with extra frosting and crushed peanuts for a stacked peanut butter trifle. Serving individual cake jars with frosting and peanuts makes for stunning single-serve desserts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, store your cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps the frosting fresh and the cake moist, ready for whenever you want a peanut buttery treat.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting as per the Decadent Peanut Butter Cake with Frosting Recipe instructions.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warm, especially on cooler days, pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This tempers the frosting and brings out the peanut butter aroma beautifully without melting the frosting completely.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

Natural peanut butter has a different oil content and texture that might make the cake denser or the frosting a bit runnier. For best results, stick with creamy peanut butter brands that are well-blended for consistent batter and frosting texture.

Is this cake gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as written. However, you can try substituting a gluten-free all-purpose blend in equal measure to make a gluten-free version. Be sure the blend includes xanthan gum for structure.

How do I make the frosting less sweet?

If powdered sugar makes the frosting too sweet for your taste, try reducing the amount slightly or offsetting sweetness by adding a pinch more salt or a teaspoon of cream cheese to balance the flavors.

Can I double this recipe for a larger cake?

Absolutely! Doubling the ingredients works perfectly if you want a taller cake or need to serve more guests. Just make sure to use a larger baking pan or two pans and adjust baking time accordingly, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

Why does the cake need to cool before frosting?

Frosting a warm cake causes the frosting to melt and slide off. Cooling fully ensures the frosting stays creamy and holds its shape beautifully, giving you those perfect luscious layers that everyone loves about the Decadent Peanut Butter Cake with Frosting Recipe.

Final Thoughts

Every bite of this Decadent Peanut Butter Cake with Frosting Recipe feels like a warm hug from the inside. It’s rich yet light, sweet but balanced, and bursting with that deep, comforting peanut butter flavor that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is a wonderful crowd-pleaser that makes any occasion extra special. Go ahead, bake this beauty, and share the joy peanut butter brings!

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