Indulge in the delightful world of peanut butter cake, where creamy peanut butter meets fluffy cake for a truly irresistible treat. This recipe is perfect for celebrations or simply to satisfy your cravings. With a rich frosting and a moist crumb, every bite offers a burst of flavor that will leave you wanting more. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as a dessert at a gathering, this cake is sure to impress everyone!
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Peanut butter chips (optional, for topping)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 8 servings. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 30-35 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 slice) contains roughly 350 calories, 20g of fat, 30g of carbohydrates, and 8g of protein. This is calculated based on a standard slice from an 8-inch cake.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk.
- Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter for added texture. If you prefer a lower sugar option, use a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup. For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Serving and Pairings
Peanut butter cake pairs beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee. It can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an extra indulgent treat.
Storage and Reheating
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. You can freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. To reheat, let thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can affect texture and taste.
- Forgetting to preheat the oven can lead to uneven baking.
- Using cold ingredients can impact the cake’s rise.
- Not greasing the pans properly can cause sticking.
- Opening the oven too early can deflate the cake.
- Not allowing the cake to cool completely before frosting can melt the icing.
Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- Try adding chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Experiment with different frostings like chocolate or cream cheese.
- For a fun twist, add crushed peanuts on top for decoration.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Just store it properly in an airtight container and frost it on the day of serving for the best flavor and texture.
What type of peanut butter works best?
Creamy peanut butter is recommended for a smooth texture, but crunchy peanut butter can be used for added texture and flavor.
Can I freeze peanut butter cake?
Absolutely! The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container.
How should I store leftover cake?
Leftover cake should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
What can I pair with peanut butter cake?
This cake pairs well with milk, coffee, or even a scoop of ice cream. You can also drizzle it with chocolate or caramel sauce for added indulgence.
Conclusion
Peanut butter cake is a delightful dessert that combines familiar flavors with a satisfying texture. Whether for a special occasion or just a sweet treat, this cake is sure to be a crowd pleaser. With simple ingredients and an easy preparation process, you’ll want to make it time and again!
Peanut Butter Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- Peanut butter chips optional, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk.
- Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
