If you’re a peanut butter lover, this peanut butter cake recipe is going to be your new favorite dessert. It’s rich, moist, and bursting with creamy peanut butter flavor — perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or when you’re simply craving something comforting and indulgent.
This easy peanut butter cake comes together in just one bowl and features a smooth, luscious peanut butter frosting that takes it over the top. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a quiet night in, this recipe is sure to please everyone — even those who claim they “don’t like peanut butter.”
Let’s dive into the ultimate homemade peanut butter cake recipe — simple, delicious, and downright irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
There’s something truly nostalgic about a good peanut butter dessert. This cake hits all the right notes — soft, flavorful, and sweet without being overwhelming. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Moist and tender crumb: Thanks to the creamy peanut butter and buttermilk, every bite melts in your mouth.
- Rich peanut butter flavor: It’s not subtle — this cake celebrates peanut butter in every layer.
- Easy to make: You don’t need a mixer or fancy techniques. A bowl and whisk will do the job.
- Perfect frosting: The peanut butter frosting is smooth, silky, and just the right amount of sweet.
- Crowd-pleaser: Kids, adults, and everyone in between will be asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this homemade peanut butter cake recipe. Most of these are pantry staples, making it super easy to whip up anytime.
For the Cake:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural peanut butter)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar as a substitute)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk (adjust for consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
How to Make Peanut Butter Cake (Step-by-Step)
This peanut butter cake recipe is foolproof. Just follow these easy steps for the perfect texture and flavor every time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This will help your cake release easily once baked.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Batter
In a large saucepan, melt butter and peanut butter together over medium heat. Stir constantly until smooth and creamy.
Once melted, remove from heat and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
Whisk in sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until smooth.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — you want a light, fluffy texture.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Step 5: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat together peanut butter and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
Add milk and vanilla extract, and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
If it’s too thick, add a little more milk; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Once the cake is cool, spread the frosting evenly across the top.
Optional Toppings and Add-Ins
Want to make your peanut butter cake recipe even more special? Try these variations:
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt semisweet chocolate and drizzle over the top for a peanut butter cup vibe.
- Chopped Peanuts: Sprinkle roasted peanuts for crunch and texture.
- Banana Slices: Layer banana slices between the cake and frosting for a peanut butter banana combo.
- Mini Peanut Butter Cups: Decorate the top for a fun, indulgent finish.
- Peanut Butter Chips: Fold some into the batter before baking for extra bursts of flavor.
Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Cake
- Use creamy peanut butter: Stick to brands like Jif or Skippy — natural peanut butter tends to separate and affects texture.
- Don’t overmix: Mix until ingredients are just combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Let it cool completely: Frosting a warm cake can cause it to melt.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less-sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar slightly.
- Make it a layer cake: Double the recipe and bake in two 9-inch round pans for a beautiful layered dessert.
Peanut Butter Cake Recipe Variations
This recipe is flexible — you can easily tweak it based on your cravings or dietary needs.
1. Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake
Add ½ cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and use chocolate frosting on top for the ultimate flavor combination.
2. Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
For an old-fashioned Texas-style peanut butter sheet cake, bake in a large jelly roll pan and pour warm frosting over the hot cake. The result is soft, rich, and perfectly gooey.
3. Peanut Butter Cup Cake
Fold in chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups into the batter before baking. You’ll get delicious bites of chocolate and peanut butter throughout the cake.
4. Peanut Butter Banana Cake
Replace half the butter with mashed ripe bananas for a naturally sweet and moist variation.
5. Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cake
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour — it works beautifully with this recipe.
How to Store Peanut Butter Cake
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to keep your cake tasting fresh:
- At room temperature: Store covered for up to 3 days.
- In the fridge: Keeps for up to 5 days — make sure to cover tightly to prevent drying out.
- In the freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
What to Serve with Peanut Butter Cake
This cake pairs wonderfully with:
- A glass of cold milk — classic and comforting.
- A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
- A drizzle of warm chocolate syrup for a decadent dessert.
- Fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas for a refreshing balance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
It’s not recommended for this peanut butter cake recipe because natural peanut butter tends to separate and make the texture oily or crumbly.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day ahead and frost it before serving. Store it covered at room temperature overnight.
3. How do I make the frosting fluffier?
Beat the frosting for a few extra minutes — the air you incorporate will make it lighter and smoother.
4. Can I turn this into cupcakes?
Yes! This recipe makes about 24 cupcakes. Bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes.
5. What’s the best peanut butter for baking?
Use a regular creamy peanut butter like Jif, Skippy, or Peter Pan for consistent results.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values for one slice (based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 410
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 7g
- Sugar: 32g
Note: Nutrition will vary depending on brands used and frosting amount.
Final Thoughts: The Best Homemade Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
If you’re searching for a peanut butter cake recipe that’s soft, moist, and bursting with flavor, this one truly delivers. It’s simple enough for beginners but delicious enough to impress guests.
With its creamy frosting and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this cake is the ultimate treat for peanut butter fans. So grab your mixing bowl, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake the best peanut butter cake you’ve ever tasted!