The Best Homemade Peanut Butter Cake with Decadent Chocolate Frosting
Prepare to be swept away by the ultimate combination of sweet and savory with this incredible Peanut Butter Cake with Chocolate Frosting. This recipe delivers a perfectly flavored, incredibly moist sponge cake that’s generously slathered in a rich, velvety chocolate frosting. Whether you enjoy it as is, or piled high with your favorite toppings, this cake is guaranteed to be a showstopper. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe that results in a fluffy, flavorful dessert every single time – a true dream for anyone who loves the classic pairing of peanut butter and chocolate!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake
This cake is truly a dream come true for every peanut butter and chocolate enthusiast. From the very first bite, you’ll understand why it’s a crowd-pleaser and a staple in many kitchens. Here’s why this particular peanut butter cake stands out:
- Unforgettable Flavor: The cake sponge itself is infused with a deep, creamy peanut butter flavor that is both comforting and incredibly satisfying. It’s not just a hint; it’s a celebration of peanut butter in every forkful.
- Perfect Texture: We’ve perfected the consistency to ensure the cake is wonderfully moist and incredibly fluffy. No dry cakes here! The buttermilk in the batter contributes to its tender crumb, making it a joy to eat.
- Decadent Chocolate Frosting: The rich, creamy chocolate frosting isn’t just an afterthought; it’s the perfect counterpart. It adds a burst of intense chocolate flavor and contributes even more moisture, creating a harmonious balance with the nutty cake. The contrast between the sweet, slightly salty peanut butter and the bittersweet chocolate is simply divine.
- Effortless Preparation: Despite its gourmet taste and appearance, this is a surprisingly easy recipe to whip up. You won’t need advanced baking skills or complex equipment. Simple steps mean you’ll be enjoying this delightful dessert in no time at all.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re baking for a special birthday, a casual family gathering, or simply craving a sweet treat, this chocolate peanut butter cake fits the bill. It’s robust enough for a party and comforting enough for a quiet evening.
As someone who genuinely adores the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, I can confidently say this cake hits all the right notes. You can elevate it further with creative toppings like chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups, mini chocolate chips, or a drizzle of extra peanut butter sauce. Or, let the inherent, balanced flavors of the cake sing all on their own – they’re certainly strong enough to carry the show!
Essential Ingredients for Your Peanut Butter Cake Adventure
To create this magnificent dessert, you’ll need a selection of common pantry staples for both the cake and the frosting. While many ingredients overlap, each plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, make sure to refer to the comprehensive recipe card located further down the page.
Peanut Butter Cake Ingredients: What You’ll Need for the Perfect Sponge
- Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the show! Opt for a smooth, creamy variety. Avoid natural peanut butter that separates easily, as its oil content can affect the cake’s texture and baking time.
- Softened Butter: Essential for creaming with sugar and peanut butter, providing richness and helping to create a light, airy crumb. Ensure it’s truly softened, not melted, for best results.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and aids in tenderizing the crumb.
- Large Eggs: Act as a binder, adding structure and moisture to the cake. Ensure they are at room temperature for better emulsification with the other ingredients.
- Buttermilk: A key ingredient for a super moist and tender cake. Its acidity reacts with the baking soda, providing lift and a delicate crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then filling it with milk to the 1 ½ cup line. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic note. Use a good quality pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the main structure for the cake. Measure it correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a straight edge.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents work together with the buttermilk to give the cake its beautiful rise and fluffy texture.
Decadent Chocolate Frosting Ingredients: The Perfect Topping
- Softened Butter: The base for a rich and creamy buttercream. Like for the cake, ensure it’s properly softened for easy whipping.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Provides the deep chocolate flavor. Good quality cocoa powder makes a noticeable difference in the final taste.
- Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): Gives the frosting its sweetness and smooth, creamy consistency. Sifting it can help prevent lumps.
- Milk: Used to adjust the consistency of the frosting, making it smooth and spreadable. You can use any type of milk you prefer.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a touch of warmth to the frosting.
How to Craft Your Moist Peanut Butter Cake with Chocolate Frosting
Creating this delicious peanut butter cake is simpler than you might think. Follow these clear steps to achieve a perfectly moist cake with a heavenly chocolate frosting.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Before you begin mixing, always preheat your oven. Set it to 350 degrees F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when the cake goes in, promoting even baking. Next, prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan. Lightly grease the entire inside surface of the pan with butter or cooking spray, then dust it with a thin layer of all-purpose flour. Tap out any excess flour. This prevents the cake from sticking and ensures it releases cleanly after baking. Set the prepared pan aside.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter and Bake to Perfection
In the large bowl of your stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a hand mixer, combine the softened peanut butter, softened butter, and granulated sugar. Beat these ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This creaming process incorporates air, which is crucial for a tender cake. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. This ensures proper emulsification and a smooth batter. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Slowly add the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and baking soda) to the wet ingredients in three alternating additions with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
Pour the prepared batter evenly into your greased and floured 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for approximately 38-42 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. It is absolutely crucial that the cake is fully cooled before you even think about frosting it; otherwise, your beautiful chocolate frosting will melt right off!
Step 3: Whip Up the Silky Chocolate Frosting and Finish Your Cake
While the cake is cooling, prepare your luscious chocolate frosting. In the bowl of your stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat the softened butter on medium speed until it is smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the cocoa powder and powdered sugar, alternating between the two and mixing on low speed until mostly combined, then increase speed to medium-high and beat until light and fluffy. Slowly drizzle in the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired smooth, spreadable consistency. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract. Once the frosting is perfectly smooth and fluffy, spread it evenly over the top of the completely cooled peanut butter cake. You can use an offset spatula for a professional finish. Slice and serve!
Expert Tips for Baking the Perfect Peanut Butter Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more easily and evenly, creating a smoother batter and a more uniform texture in your baked cake.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you add the flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in a tough, dense cake.
- Measure Flour Correctly: For accurate measurements, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Don’t scoop directly from the bag, as this can compact the flour and lead to using too much.
- Cool Completely: Patience is a virtue here! Ensure the cake is absolutely, completely cool before applying the frosting. A warm cake will melt your beautiful chocolate frosting, turning it into a runny mess.
- Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add more milk a teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar until it reaches your desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Peanut Butter Cake
For the best results and a consistent texture in your cake, always opt for smooth and creamy peanut butter. It incorporates much better into the batter than chunky varieties. I also highly recommend choosing an unsweetened or less sweetened brand if possible. This gives you greater control over the overall sweetness of the cake. Most importantly, avoid those “natural” or “old-fashioned” brands that separate into oil and solids. The excess oil from these types of peanut butter can significantly alter the cake’s texture, making it greasy or dense, and may even affect the baking time unpredictably.
Oh, the options are truly endless when it comes to customizing this delicious cake! To lean further into the peanut butter and chocolate combo, you could chop up some Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and sprinkle them generously over the frosting, or even arrange whole Reese’s cups upright into the frosting for a fun presentation. Mini chocolate chips, whether milk, dark, or white, are always a welcome addition, either mixed into the batter or sprinkled on top. For a different texture, consider crumbled Oreos, crushed peanuts, or even a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce. A swirl of extra peanut butter (slightly warmed for drizzling) on top of the chocolate frosting can also create a beautiful and delicious finish. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
To maintain optimal freshness and prevent it from drying out, your peanut butter cake should be stored in the refrigerator. Ideally, place it in an airtight container. If you don’t have a container large enough, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Stored properly, this cake will remain fresh and delicious for up to five days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices (or the whole cake) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
While this recipe uses all-purpose flour, many bakers have had success substituting it with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum. The results can vary slightly in texture, but it should still yield a delicious cake. Make sure to choose a high-quality gluten-free blend for the best outcome.
Absolutely! While a stand mixer makes the process a bit easier, especially for creaming butter and sugar and whipping the frosting, a good quality electric hand mixer will work just as well. You’ll just need a bit more arm power and possibly a few extra minutes for whipping. Ensure your butter is well softened if using a hand mixer to make the creaming process smoother.
More Delicious Cake Recipes You’ll Love to Bake
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake
- Tres Leches Cake
- Devil’s Food Cake
- Chocolate Fudge Raspberry Cake
- Easy Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This Peanut Butter Cake with Chocolate Frosting is more than just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience waiting to happen in your kitchen. Its ease of preparation, combined with the irresistible flavors, makes it a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Get ready to bake, share, and savor every single bite of this perfectly balanced, moist, and utterly delicious cake!
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for all my latest updates and culinary inspirations!
Peanut Butter Cake Recipe with Chocolate Frosting
Ingredients
- Cake
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoons baking soda
- Frosting
- 1 1/2 sticks butter 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 5-6 tablespoons milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease and flour a 13×9 inch baking pan, set aside.
-
In the bowl of your stand mixer (or use a hand mixer) cream the peanut butter, butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in eggs one at a time mixing well after each addition. Add in the buttermilk and vanilla, mix well. Slowly add in the flour, baking powder and baking soda. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 38-42 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool before frosting.
-
To prepare the frosting beat the butter until smooth add in the remaining ingredients and beat until smooth and fluffy. Spread over top of cake.
Notes
