PEANUT BUTTER CAKE WITH PEANUT BUTTER FROSTING

Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a rich, indulgent treat that’s perfect for peanut butter lovers. This easy-to-follow recipe combines the creamy, nutty flavor of peanut butter with a moist cake texture and sweet, silky frosting. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a delicious dessert, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

To make this irresistible Peanut Butter Cake, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 & 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups light brown sugar (packed)
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup butter (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 & 1/4 cups milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 eggs

Peanut Butter-Honey Frosting
For the frosting, you’ll need:

• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 4 to 5 tablespoons milk

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease and flour a 10×15-inch cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, peanut butter, and butter with an electric mixer. Start at low speed until the mixture becomes crumbly.
3. Add the milk, vanilla extract, and eggs to the mixture. Blend at low speed until everything is moist, then beat at medium speed for 3 minutes.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then spread the frosting on top while the cake is still warm. Finally, sprinkle mini-chocolate chips over the frosting for a sweet finishing touch.

for the Frosting

1. Warm the peanut butter and honey in the microwave until the mixture is soft and easy to stir.
2. Add the vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and 4 tablespoons of milk to the peanut butter and honey mixture. Beat until smooth and creamy.
3. Spread the frosting over the hot cake, then sprinkle one cup of mini-chocolate chips on top for extra flavor and texture.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips
Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is perfect for any celebration or casual get-together. For an extra touch, serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup. It also pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or milk for a satisfying treat any time of the day.

Storage Tips
To store the cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, the cake can be refrigerated for up to a week. To maintain its softness, bring it to room temperature before serving.

Freezing
This cake freezes well if you’d like to prepare it ahead of time. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

These simple serving and storage tips will help you enjoy this decadent peanut butter cake even after the first serving!

Variations

This Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is delicious on its own, but there are plenty of ways to mix it up and make it even more exciting. Here are a few fun variations to try:

1. Add Chocolate for a Peanut Butter Chocolate Lovers’ Dream

• Chocolate Chips in the Cake: Fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips or chunks into the cake batter before baking for a rich peanut butter and chocolate combination.
• Chocolate Ganache: Swap out the peanut butter frosting for a decadent chocolate ganache. Simply melt equal parts chocolate and heavy cream, then drizzle it over the cooled cake.

2. Make It a Layered Cake

• Layered Delight: Split the cake batter into two 9-inch round cake pans to create a layered peanut butter cake. Add frosting between the layers and top with chocolate chips or crushed peanuts for extra texture.

3. Swirl in Some Jam or Jelly

• Peanut Butter and Jelly: For a fun twist, add a swirl of strawberry or grape jelly to the cake batter before baking. This will give you the nostalgic flavor of peanut butter and jelly in every bite.

4. Swap the Frosting

• Whipped Cream Frosting: For a lighter option, substitute the peanut butter frosting with whipped cream frosting. You can still add a tablespoon of peanut butter for a hint of flavor.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap the peanut butter frosting for a tangy cream cheese frosting for a contrasting flavor that complements the sweetness of the cake.

5. Add Crunch with Peanuts or Granola

• Crushed Peanuts: Sprinkle chopped salted peanuts over the top of the frosting for added crunch and a salty contrast to the sweet cake.
• Granola Topping: For a fun texture, top the cake with crunchy granola for a more wholesome twist on the traditional dessert.

6. Make a Peanut Butter Cup Cake

• Mini Peanut Butter Cups: Chop up mini peanut butter cups and fold them into the cake batter or sprinkle them on top of the frosting for an extra indulgent treat.

7. Use Different Nut Butters

• Almond Butter or Cashew Butter: Experiment with almond or cashew butter in place of peanut butter for a unique flavor while still keeping the cake nutty and delicious.

8. Make It Vegan

• Vegan Substitutes: For a vegan-friendly version, swap the butter and eggs for plant-based alternatives like applesauce or flax eggs, and use dairy-free peanut butter and powdered sugar for the frosting.

With these variations, you can customize this Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting to suit your personal taste or dietary preferences while still enjoying all the deliciousness it has to offer!

FAQs

1. Can I use creamy peanut butter instead of chunky?
Yes, creamy peanut butter works just as well as chunky. It will give the cake a smooth texture. However, if you prefer some crunch, you can use chunky peanut butter for added texture.

2. Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day ahead, and it will stay fresh. Store it in an airtight container and frost it just before serving for the best results.

3. How can I make the frosting smoother?
If the frosting is too thick, you can add an extra tablespoon of milk to achieve a smoother consistency. Make sure to beat the frosting well for a creamy finish.

4. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake! Allow it to cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before frosting and serving.

5. What can I substitute for honey in the frosting?
If you don’t have honey, you can substitute with maple syrup, agave nectar, or even corn syrup for a similar sweetness and consistency.

6. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If refrigerated, it will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Just let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

7. Can I use smooth peanut butter for the cake?
Yes, smooth peanut butter is perfect for this cake. It will create a moist texture and blend well with the other ingredients.

8. Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes, you can make this cake without eggs by using egg substitutes like flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg) or applesauce (1/4 cup per egg).

9. How can I make the cake more chocolatey?
To make the cake more chocolatey, you can add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients or fold in some mini chocolate chips into the batter for extra flavor.

10. Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the frosting ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before spreading it on the cake, let it come to room temperature and give it a quick stir.

These FAQs will help you customize and perfect your Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting, ensuring a delightful dessert every time!

Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a must-try recipe for anyone who enjoys the irresistible flavor of peanut butter. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this cake comes together quickly to create a dessert that’s both delicious and satisfying. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying it solo, this dessert is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

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