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Peanut Butter Layer Cake Recipe

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!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 12

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

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

For the Frosting:

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

Assembling the Cake:

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

Notes

  • 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.