Why You’ll Love this Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
When you take a bite of this Peanut Butter Cake, you’ll immediately understand why it’s a favorite. The rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter blends perfectly with the soft, moist texture of the cake.
It’s not just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience that transports you back to childhood memories of peanut butter sandwiches. Each slice is light yet satisfying, making it perfect for any occasion.
Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! Trust me, once you serve this cake, your friends and family will be begging for the recipe. You won’t be able to resist going back for seconds!
Ingredients of Peanut Butter Cake
When it comes to whipping up a delightful treat that captures the essence of comfort food, this Peanut Butter Cake easily steals the show. The ingredients are simple and straightforward, yet they come together to create something truly special. You might already have most of these items in your pantry, which is always a plus—who wants to make a late-night grocery run just for cake, right?
So, let’s plunge into what you’ll need to bring this nostalgic dessert to life.
Here’s your list of ingredients for the Peanut Butter Cake:
- 2 cups sifted cake flour
- 1 1/3 cups sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 2/3 cup milk (plus an additional 1/3 cup milk)
- 2 eggs (unbeaten)
Now, let’s chat a bit about these ingredients. First off, the peanut butter is the star of the show—smooth and creamy, or chunky if you’re feeling adventurous. Just remember, the more flavor in your peanut butter, the tastier your cake will be.
And speaking of cake flour, it’s lighter than all-purpose flour, which helps your cake to be super fluffy. If you don’t have any cake flour on hand, you can make your own by measuring out all-purpose flour and removing a couple of tablespoons before adding in some cornstarch. It’s a little trick that can save you from a pantry crisis.
Finally, don’t skimp on the eggs; they help bind everything together and give your cake that lovely rise. Trust me, you want all that fluffiness.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cake

Making a Peanut Butter Cake is as easy as pie—or should I say, cake? First, we’re going to gather our ingredients, so make sure you have 2 cups of sifted cake flour, 1 1/3 cups of sugar, 3 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and, of course, the star of the show, 1/2 cup of peanut butter. You’ll also need 1/2 cup of shortening, 2/3 cup of milk (plus an extra 1/3 cup), and 2 eggs that you don’t have to beat just yet. Got everything? Great, let’s get started!
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This is essential because no one likes a cake that bakes unevenly. In a large bowl, stir together the dry ingredients: cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Once that’s mixed up, it’s time to add in the peanut butter, shortening, and the first 2/3 cup of milk.
Now, if you’re like me and have a tendency to go a little heavy-handed with the peanut butter, you might just find yourself licking the spoon—a total bonus for your taste buds, though maybe not so much for your dignity. Mix everything together in a mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes. Don’t worry if it looks like a bit of a mess; it’s all part of the process.
Next, add in the unbeaten eggs and the remaining 1/3 cup of milk. Give it another good mix for another 2 minutes. At this point, your batter should be looking rich and creamy—almost too good to resist.
Now, pour the batter evenly into two greased 8-inch layer pans. It’s like spreading joy in a pan, really. Bake those beautiful cakes in your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
And just like that, you’re on your way to creating a delightful Peanut Butter Cake that’s sure to impress friends and family alike. I mean, who can resist the allure of peanut butter in cake form?
Peanut Butter Cake Substitutions & Variations
What if you want to switch things up with your Peanut Butter Cake? You can easily make substitutions for a unique twist!
Try using almond butter instead of peanut butter for a nutty flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, swap half the shortening with applesauce.
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cake flour blend. Feeling adventurous? Add chocolate chips or swirl in some raspberry jam for a fruity contrast.
You could even experiment with spices, like cinnamon or vanilla extract, to enhance the flavor. The possibilities are endless, so let your taste buds lead the way!
What to Serve with Peanut Butter Cake
After you’ve customized your Peanut Butter Cake with delicious substitutions, it’s time to think about what to serve alongside it.
I love pairing this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream; the creaminess balances the rich flavors perfectly. You could also serve it with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for that extra indulgence.
Fresh fruit, like sliced bananas or strawberries, adds a revitalizing contrast and enhances the cake’s sweetness. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dollop of whipped cream sprinkled with chopped peanuts elevates the presentation and taste.
Trust me, these combinations will take your Peanut Butter Cake to the next level!
Additional Tips & Notes
While baking your Peanut Butter Cake, keep in mind a few helpful tips that can enhance the final result. First, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
I’ve found that using natural peanut butter adds a richer flavor, but avoid the overly oily versions. For a moister cake, don’t overmix once you add the eggs.
Check for doneness with a toothpick—there shouldn’t be any wet batter. If you want a delightful twist, try adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
Finally, let the cake cool completely before frosting for the best presentation. Enjoy your baking!