Peanut Butter Pound Cake Recipe

If you’re a fan of the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter, this Peanut Butter Pound Cake is a must-try. Combining the creamy goodness of peanut butter with the buttery, dense texture of a classic pound cake, this dessert is perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with frosting, this cake is sure to delight family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1/2 cup peanut butter, creamy or crunchy
• 5 eggs, room temperature
• 1 tbsp vanilla
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup milk (whole or low fat)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Prepare a large tube or bundt pan by greasing and flouring it thoroughly. If your pan seems small, only fill it 3/4 full to avoid overflow, and use the remaining batter for muffins or a small loaf. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda, then set aside.

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is fluffy. Add the brown sugar and peanut butter, blending until well incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk to the creamed mixture, alternating between the two. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, adding about a fourth of each at a time. Mix until the batter is smooth and well-combined. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

Bake for 60-70 minutes, checking for doneness at the 60-minute mark using a wooden toothpick. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, continue baking and check every 5 minutes to prevent overcooking. Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it sit for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar or frost as desired before serving.

Tips for Smaller Cakes
This recipe makes a large cake, but it can easily be adapted for smaller versions. Use loaf pans or mini bundt molds, and reduce the baking time accordingly. Start checking for doneness at around 30-40 minutes for smaller cakes.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

1. Plain Delight: Serve the pound cake as is to enjoy its rich peanut butter flavor without any additional toppings.
2. Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.
3. Frosting or Glaze: Drizzle with a vanilla glaze, peanut butter frosting, or chocolate ganache for an indulgent treat.
4. A La Mode: Pair a slice with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert.
5. With Fresh Fruit: Serve with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or bananas to complement the nutty flavors.
6. Toast It: Lightly toast a slice and spread with butter or jam for a delicious breakfast or snack.

Storage Tips

1. Room Temperature: Store the pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Wrap it in plastic wrap to maintain moisture.
2. Refrigeration: If you live in a humid environment, refrigerate the cake to extend its freshness. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 7 days.
3. Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cake. Slice it into individual portions, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw slices at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
4. Leftover Batter: If you have extra batter, bake muffins or mini loaves and store them separately. Follow the same storage tips for these smaller portions.

Proper serving and storage ensure your Peanut Butter Pound Cake stays fresh and delicious for days, making it easy to enjoy whenever the craving strikes!

Variations

1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Pound Cake
   • Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a rich chocolate flavor. Swirl melted chocolate or chocolate chips into the batter for extra indulgence.
2. Peanut Butter and Jelly Pound Cake
   • After pouring the batter into the pan, layer dollops of your favorite jam (strawberry, raspberry, or grape) and swirl gently with a knife. This creates a delightful PB&J-inspired dessert.
3. Crunchy Peanut Butter Cake
   • Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture. You can also stir in 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips for a nutty crunch.
4. Reese’s-Inspired Pound Cake
   • Fold 1 cup of chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups or mini Reese’s pieces into the batter. Top the baked cake with a drizzle of melted chocolate and peanut butter.
5. Banana Peanut Butter Pound Cake
   • Add 2 mashed ripe bananas to the wet ingredients for a moist, flavorful twist. The combination of banana and peanut butter creates a crowd-pleasing dessert.
6. Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Pound Cake
   • Drizzle the cake with salted caramel sauce and sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top. The balance of sweet and salty flavors is irresistible.
7. Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Pound Cake
   • Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the baking powder and other ingredients are also certified gluten-free for a cake everyone can enjoy.
8. Mini Peanut Butter Bundt Cakes
   • Use mini bundt pans or muffin tins for individual servings. Adjust the baking time to 20-30 minutes and top each mini cake with powdered sugar or glaze.
9. Layered Peanut Butter Cake
   • Slice the pound cake horizontally to create layers. Spread cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or whipped peanut butter frosting between the layers for an elegant presentation.
10. Healthy Peanut Butter Pound Cake
    • Substitute part of the butter with Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version. Use natural peanut butter with no added sugar and swap some sugar for a sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

These variations allow you to customize the classic Peanut Butter Pound Cake to suit any occasion or craving. Try one or mix and match for a unique dessert experience!

FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter?
Yes, natural peanut butter works, but ensure it’s well-stirred to avoid an oily or inconsistent batter.

2. How do I prevent my pound cake from sticking to the pan?
Grease and flour the pan thoroughly or use a baking spray with flour. For extra assurance, line the bottom with parchment paper.

3. Can I use a loaf pan instead of a bundt or tube pan?
Yes, divide the batter into two standard loaf pans. Adjust the baking time to 50-60 minutes and check for doneness.

4. How can I make this cake extra moist?
Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, and measure ingredients accurately. Adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can also enhance moisture.

5. Can I freeze Peanut Butter Pound Cake?
Yes, slice the cake, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months.

6. What frosting pairs well with this cake?
Cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or a peanut butter glaze complements the flavors beautifully. A simple dusting of powdered sugar works too.

7. Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even crushed toffee for added texture and flavor.

8. My cake overflowed in the oven. What went wrong?
This recipe makes a large cake. Ensure your bundt or tube pan is only filled 3/4 full. Use any extra batter for muffins or mini cakes.

9. How can I tell when the pound cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready. Start checking at 60 minutes to avoid overbaking.

10. Can I make a dairy-free version of this cake?
Yes, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative, and use almond milk or another non-dairy milk in place of regular milk. Ensure all other ingredients align with a dairy-free diet.

These FAQs address common concerns and help ensure your Peanut Butter Pound Cake turns out perfectly every time!

This Peanut Butter Pound Cake is a delightful twist on the classic pound cake, offering a rich, nutty flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Its dense texture and creamy peanut butter taste make it an irresistible treat. Whether served plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar, this cake is bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Try it today and share the love of peanut butter with every slice!

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