If you have a soft spot for classic desserts that bring everyone to the table with smiles, then you are going to adore this Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake Recipe. This cake is a true celebration of that rich, nutty, comforting flavor of peanut butter, paired perfectly with a moist, tender crumb and topped with a luscious peanut butter frosting that feels like a warm hug. It’s the kind of dessert that reminds you of cozy family gatherings and Sunday afternoons, delivering nostalgia with every bite. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just craving a cake that’s both simple and utterly irresistible, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, but each plays a crucial role in building the flavor, texture, and color that make this Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake Recipe so beloved. From the creamy peanut butter that infuses the cake with its signature taste to the balance of sugars that provide sweetness and moisture, every element is thoughtfully chosen.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the structure and tender crumb we want in a classic cake.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cake’s beautiful browning.
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed: Brings a subtle caramel note and moisture to keep the cake soft.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Leavens the cake to keep it light and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acids in the batter to enhance rise and tenderness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Contributes richness and helps create a smooth batter.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient, giving the cake its deep, nutty character.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds moisture, richness, and helps dissolve sugars for a tender texture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add a lovely lift.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts the cake’s flavor with a sweet, fragrant note.
- For the frosting: 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened), 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 cup milk (plus more if needed), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, ensuring it’s perfectly hot when your batter is ready. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and make sure your cake has those perfect edges. This simple prep ensures a smooth baking process and an even bake.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is all about evenly distributing your leavening agents and sugars so every bite is consistently flavorful and rises just right.
Step 3: Add Butter, Peanut Butter, and Milk
Next, add the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and whole milk to your dry mixture. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes. This part creates a smooth, creamy batter where all those flavors start to marry beautifully, setting the base for a tender crumb.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Now gently add the eggs and vanilla extract to the batter. Beat for another minute until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step adds air to your batter, ensuring the cake is wonderfully moist and soft after baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top for even baking. Place it in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. That golden, peanut buttery aroma will start filling your kitchen — bliss in the making!
Step 6: Cool Before Frosting
Once baked, let your cake cool completely in the pan. This patience pays off because frosting a warm cake will make it melt and slide right off, yet waiting means you’ll get to spread the frosting evenly and beautifully.
Step 7: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
In a bowl, beat together the 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter and 1/4 cup softened butter until creamy and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and spreadable, adding a touch more milk if needed for perfect consistency.
Step 8: Frost the Cake
Finally, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the cooled cake. You’ve just transformed simple ingredients into a delightful homemade treat with layers of flavor that comfort and satisfy.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts on top adds the perfect crunch and a nutty explosion that complements the soft frosting beautifully. For an extra splash of indulgence, consider a drizzle of melted chocolate or a few chocolate chips for contrast that will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
Serve a slice of this cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to cool and balance the richness. A light, fresh fruit salad with berries or sliced bananas also pairs wonderfully, adding a fruity brightness that cuts through the cake’s decadence.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this at a party, try layering the cake into a trifle dish with whipped cream and crushed peanuts or crumble it over yogurt for a fun twist. You can also cut it into small squares and serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy finger food at casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cake stays fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. If you want to keep it even longer, moving it to the refrigerator will maintain the frosting’s texture and keep the cake moist for about a week.
Freezing
Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake Recipe is freezer-friendly. Wrap the cooled, unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Freeze the frosting separately for best results, then thaw both completely before assembling.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake slightly warm, you can microwave individual slices for about 15 seconds. This wakes up the flavors and softens the frosting delightfully without melting it completely. Just be sure not to overheat to preserve the cake’s texture.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a bit of delightful texture to both the cake and frosting. Just keep in mind it may slightly change the smoothness of the batter and frosting, but many love the added crunch.
Is this cake suitable for gluten-free diets?
This Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake Recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it isn’t gluten-free as is. However, you can try substituting a gluten-free baking flour blend 1:1, which often works well in recipes like this. Always check the blend for xanthan gum, or add a bit yourself for best texture.
Can I make this cake vegan?
While this recipe uses eggs, butter, and milk, you could experiment with plant-based substitutes such as flax eggs, vegan butter, and almond or oat milk. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might vary, but it’s definitely possible for a vegan twist.
Why does the cake need both baking powder and baking soda?
Great question! Baking powder and baking soda work together to give the cake lift and tenderness. Baking soda reacts with acids in the batter, while baking powder provides additional leavening. Their combination helps this cake rise beautifully and have a light texture.
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
Yes! Chocolate chips pair wonderfully with peanut butter and add a fun surprise in every bite. You can also add chopped nuts, raisins, or even swirl in some melted chocolate before baking for creative variations on the Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dessert that feels like home, and this Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake Recipe delivers that in spades. It’s comforting, rich, and incredibly satisfying, yet so straightforward that you’ll find yourself reaching for it time and time again. Whether it’s for a celebration, a family dinner, or a simple everyday treat, this cake brings joy with every slice. Go ahead, bake it, share it, and watch it become a cherished favorite on your dessert list.
Print
Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake is a moist and flavorful Southern dessert, featuring a rich peanut butter-infused batter baked to perfection and topped with a creamy, luscious peanut butter frosting. Ideal for gatherings and celebrations, this classic sheet cake combines nostalgic flavors with an easy-to-follow recipe that yields a decadent treat sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk (plus more as needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients – Part 1: Add the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, and whole milk to the dry mixture. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients – Part 2: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the batter. Continue beating with the mixer for another minute until the batter becomes light and fluffy.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before frosting to ensure the frosting spreads smoothly and doesn’t melt.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter and softened unsalted butter until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Liquids: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture, beating well. Then mix in the milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth and spreadable, adding additional milk a teaspoon at a time if the consistency is too thick.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula or knife.
- Serve and Store: Slice and serve the cake. Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to keep fresh longer.
Notes
- For an extra crunch and decorative touch, top the frosted cake with chopped roasted peanuts.
- A drizzle of melted chocolate over the frosting adds a delicious contrast and visual appeal.
- Store any leftover cake covered tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
