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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!
Print Recipe
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.