Peanut Butter Layer Cake Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a beautifully layered cake to make any occasion special, and this Peanut Butter Layer Cake is the perfect dessert for peanut butter lovers. With its soft, fluffy cake layers infused with rich peanut butter flavor and topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting, this cake is a true showstopper. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving an indulgent treat, this cake is sure to impress.

Peanut butter has long been a favorite ingredient in American desserts, bringing a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. This cake elevates the classic peanut butter experience by combining moist cake layers with a luscious frosting, making every bite smooth, creamy, and delicious. The combination of textures and flavors creates a dessert that’s both comforting and decadent.

One of the highlights of this Peanut Butter Layer Cake is its light and airy texture. The secret lies in the use of buttermilk, which adds moisture and tenderness to the cake. Combined with the richness of peanut butter and the sweetness of vanilla, this cake achieves the perfect balance of flavor and texture. It’s not overly sweet, allowing the peanut butter to shine in every bite.

This cake is not only incredibly delicious but also versatile. You can make it as a traditional layer cake, turn it into cupcakes for an individual treat, or even bake it as a sheet cake for a more casual presentation. If you’re a chocolate lover, you can easily add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers or drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a stunning finish.

One of the best parts of making a homemade cake is the satisfaction of creating something from scratch. While this recipe is simple and easy to follow, the results look and taste like something straight out of a bakery. It’s a great way to impress guests, celebrate special moments, or simply treat yourself to a delicious homemade dessert.

If you love the combination of peanut butter and cake, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Each layer is rich yet fluffy, and the peanut butter frosting is so creamy that it practically melts in your mouth. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a cake that is absolutely unforgettable.

So, whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging in your love for peanut butter, this Peanut Butter Layer Cake is a must-try. It’s everything you love about peanut butter, transformed into a stunning layered dessert that’s guaranteed to be a hit!

Servings

Yields: 12 servings

Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Optional Garnishes:

• 1/2 cup melted chocolate (for drizzling)
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
• Peanut butter cups, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, sugar, and peanut butter until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Frosting:

9. In a large bowl, beat the butter and peanut butter together until smooth.
10. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
11. Pour in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt, then beat until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.

Assembling the Cake:

12. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting over the top.
13. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
14. If desired, drizzle melted chocolate over the cake and sprinkle with chopped peanuts and peanut butter cups.
15. Slice and enjoy!

Tips

• Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and frosting.
• For a deeper peanut butter flavor, use natural peanut butter instead of processed varieties.
• If you prefer a chocolate-peanut butter combination, add 1/2 cup cocoa powder to the batter or drizzle chocolate ganache over the cake.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer storage.

Summary

This Peanut Butter Layer Cake is a peanut butter lover’s dream! With moist, fluffy layers infused with peanut butter and a creamy peanut butter frosting, it’s a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Whether for a birthday, special occasion, or just a delicious homemade treat, this cake is easy to make and absolutely irresistible!