Description
This Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake is a rich and moist sheet cake featuring a perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and classic Southern flavors. Topped with a luscious peanut butter frosting, it’s a nostalgic dessert ideal for gatherings and cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk (plus more as needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Beat: Add the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and whole milk to the dry ingredients. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes smooth and combined.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then continue beating for another minute until the batter is light, fluffy, and well blended.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the peanut butter and softened butter together until creamy and smooth.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Liquids: Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and spreadable. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula or knife, smoothing it out for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- For a fun twist, top the frosted cake with chopped roasted peanuts or drizzle melted chocolate over the surface.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to keep fresh longer.
