Easy Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
Add Preferred SourcePeanut butter cake is the ultimate combination of simple ingredients and big flavor. It’s easy to make, comes out perfectly moist every time, and the creamy peanut butter icing is just the cherry on top. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family dinner or bringing it to a gathering, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t require fancy techniques or special tools. Just straightforward, delicious baking that you can count on.
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When I’m planning ahead for a gathering or just want to stock up on dessert, this peanut butter cake is my secret weapon. I love how it can be made in advance and even frozen, so I’m never scrambling last minute. It’s the perfect balance of easy preparation and a dessert that always gets rave reviews.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cake with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
This peanut butter cake is incredibly simple to make when you follow my steps.
Preheat and prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180ºC) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Combine the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking soda.
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DESSERTS!
Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.
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∙ Lemon Pound Cake
∙ Starbucks Cake Pops
∙ Boston Cream Pie
∙ Chocolate Mousse
∙ Matcha Tiramisu
...and much more!
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Blend the wet ingredients
Add the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bowl of dry ingredients. Using an electric mixer on low speed, blend until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
Prepare the peanut butter mixture
In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, vegetable oil, and peanut butter.
Cook this over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it forms a smooth, creamy mixture. This step only takes about 5 minutes and smells amazing.
Bring it all together
Carefully pour the warm peanut butter mixture into the bowl with your batter. Stir everything together until it’s fully combined, and you’re left with a rich, glossy batter.
Bake the cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, making sure it spreads out evenly. Bake for about 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Make the icing
While the cake bakes, melt the butter and peanut butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until smooth, then mix in the milk and vanilla.
Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until you have a creamy icing. Adjust with a little more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Frost the cake
Remove the cake from the oven, let it cool for a couple of minutes, and then pour the warm icing over the top.
Use a spatula to spread it evenly, letting it soak into the cake slightly for that irresistible texture.
Let the icing set before slicing and serving, and enjoy your delicious homemade peanut butter cake!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup peanut butter
For the Icing:
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ⅓ cup milk or as needed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ¾ cups confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350°F) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking soda. Add the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract, and beat on low speed using an electric mixer until smooth and well combined.2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups white sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ cup milk, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, butter, vegetable oil, and peanut butter. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is completely smooth, about 5 minutes.1 cup water, ½ cup butter, ½ cup vegetable oil, ½ cup peanut butter
- Gradually pour the warm peanut butter mixture into the bowl with the batter. Stir until everything is fully incorporated and smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
For the icing:
- Melt the butter and peanut butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until smooth.½ cup butter, ½ cup peanut butter
- Add the milk and vanilla extract, then whisk in the powdered sugar until you achieve a creamy consistency, about 3-5 minutes. Add a little extra milk if needed to make it pourable.⅓ cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 4 ¾ cups confectioners’ sugar
- Pour the icing over the warm cake and spread it evenly with a spatula. Let it cool and set before slicing and serving. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Measure carefully: Too much flour can make the cake dense. Level off your flour with a knife for the most accurate measurement.
- Use creamy peanut butter: Stick with creamy, processed peanut butter for the best texture. Natural peanut butter with separated oil can make the batter uneven and affect the consistency of the icing.
- Room temperature ingredients: Bring your eggs and milk to room temperature before mixing for a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and tender.
- Work quickly with the icing: Pour and spread the icing over the cake while it’s warm (but not hot) for the best texture.
- Check early for doneness: Ovens vary, so start checking your cake with a toothpick at the 50-minute mark.
Nutrition
SERIOUSLY GOOD
DESSERTS!
Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
∙ Lemon Pound Cake
∙ Starbucks Cake Pops
∙ Boston Cream Pie
∙ Chocolate Mousse
∙ Matcha Tiramisu
...and much more!
Includes ad-free recipes like:
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
I’ve tested this recipe a few times, so here are my top tips to help you make the perfect peanut butter cake:
- Measure carefully: Too much flour can make the cake dense. Level off your flour with a knife for the most accurate measurement.
- Use creamy peanut butter: Stick with creamy, processed peanut butter for the best texture. Natural peanut butter with separated oil can make the batter uneven and affect the consistency of the icing.
- Room temperature ingredients: Bring your eggs and milk to room temperature before mixing for a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and tender.
- Work quickly with the icing: Pour and spread the icing over the cake while it’s warm (but not hot) for the best texture.
- Check early for doneness: Ovens vary, so start checking your cake with a toothpick at the 50-minute mark.
How to Store Leftover Peanut Butter Cake
Peanut butter cake stores beautifully, making it great for prepping ahead or saving leftovers. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its life, refrigerate it for up to a week.
This cake freezes wonderfully, too—wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight at room temperature.
My Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Baking doesn’t have to break the bank! Here’s how you can make this recipe on a budget:
- Shop sales: Keep an eye out for discounts on baking staples like flour, sugar, and peanut butter, especially around the holidays.
- DIY powdered sugar: If you’re out of confectioners’ sugar, you can blend granulated sugar in a high-powered blender to save a trip to the store.
- Stretch the icing: If you have a smaller crowd, halve the icing recipe to cut costs and calories without losing flavor.
What to Serve With Peanut Butter Cake
This cake is rich and indulgent on its own, but pairing it with a cold glass of milk is a classic option that never fails. If you’re serving it for a special occasion, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup adds a fancy touch.
For a fun twist, crumble some Reese’s pieces or chopped peanuts over the top before the icing sets for extra crunch.
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