Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Ultimate Peanut Butter Cake. Perfect for peanut butter enthusiasts, this cake features peanut butter in the batter, frosting, and topping, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving more.
Crafting the Perfect Peanut Butter Cake
For those who adore the unmistakable taste of peanut butter, this cake is a dream come true. Each bite delivers a moist, tender crumb infused with peanut butter, complemented by a luscious cream cheese frosting and a delightful peanut butter topping. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this peanut butter cake is sure to impress. The absence of additional spices allows the pure flavor of peanut butter to shine through, making it a versatile dessert that pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings and accompaniments. From birthdays to casual gatherings, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and joy to any table.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cake
FOR THE CAKE
- 2 1/2 cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons (10 grams) baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 grams) salt
- 3/4 cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks)
- 1 cup (200 grams) packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (190 grams) peanut butter
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) vanilla extract
FOR THE FROSTING
- 250 grams (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (60 grams) unsalted butter, softened (1/2 stick)
- 1 1/4 cups (300 grams) peanut butter
- 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) heavy cream
FOR THE TOPPING
- 1/2 cup (125 grams) peanut butter
- 1/2 cup (90 grams) Reese’s Cups, chopped
- 1/4 cup (40 grams) mini chocolate chips
How to Prepare Peanut Butter Cake
- Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with the packed brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the peanut butter, sour cream, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add half of the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed mixture, beating until just mixed.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the milk and continue to beat until the batter is fully combined. Add the remaining dry ingredients and beat until just mixed together, ensuring not to overmix the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Allow it to cool completely before frosting to ensure the frosting sets properly.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add Peanut Butter to Frosting: Incorporate the peanut butter into the cream cheese mixture, beating until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the frosting, beating until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the heavy cream and continue to beat until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the cream cheese and peanut butter frosting evenly over the completely cooled cake, ensuring a smooth and generous layer.
- Melt the Peanut Butter for Topping: In the microwave, melt the peanut butter by heating it for 15 seconds, stirring, and then heating for an additional 15 seconds until smooth and pourable.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle the melted peanut butter over the frosted cake. Sprinkle the chopped Reese’s Cups and mini chocolate chips evenly across the top for added texture and flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut the cake into squares, serve, and enjoy the rich, peanut butter goodness with friends and family.
This Ultimate Peanut Butter Cake is a true testament to the beloved flavor of peanut butter, delivering a harmonious blend of sweet and creamy elements in every bite. The moist and tender cake serves as the perfect canvas for the rich cream cheese frosting, while the peanut butter drizzle and delectable toppings add layers of texture and flavor that elevate this dessert to new heights. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this peanut butter cake is sure to impress and satisfy. Its versatile nature allows for customization, making it a perfect addition to any dessert table. Embrace the luxurious taste of this cake and watch it become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire.
