Peanut Butter Layer Cake Recipe || Special Treat

Peanut butter layer cake recipe is a sweet dessert made using creamy peanut butter, sugar, flour, eggs, milk, baking powder, and butter. Layers of soft, moist cake are stacked with rich peanut butter frosting in between.

This peanut butter layer cake recipe tastes delicious because of its nutty flavor and smooth texture. The balance of sweet and salty makes every bite satisfying.

It is best because it gives comfort and joy, especially for peanut butter lovers. Making this peanut butter layer cake recipe confirms your baking skill and brings smiles to others.

People who enjoy rich, homemade desserts or love peanut butter usually eat this cake. Families, kids, and friends at gatherings often ask for it. It feels special and homemade every time it’s served.

What Makes Peanut Butter Layer Cake Recipe Special?

Peanut butter layer cake recipe stands out because of the rich combination of flavors and textures. The cake itself is soft and moist, while the peanut butter frosting is creamy and full of depth.

The contrast between the sweetness of the cake and the slight saltiness of the peanut butter creates a unique and satisfying taste.

Each bite feels indulgent, offering both comfort and a bit of nostalgia. The recipe is often a hit at gatherings, especially for peanut butter lovers.

What makes it even more special is the homemade touch that adds warmth and love to the treat, making it feel extra meaningful.

How To Prepare Peanut Butter Layer Cake Recipe?

Preparation Time & Other Details

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Cooling & Assembly Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: American
• Yield: Serves 14
• Calories: 750 kcal per slice (approximate)

Kitchen Utensils

• Stand or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Offset spatula
• Saucepan (for ganache)
• Cake pans (three 8-inch or two 9-inch)
• Cooling rack
• Wire whisk
• Serrated knife (for leveling cake if needed)

Ingredients

For the Peanut Butter Cake:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 6 tablespoons cornstarch (or cornflour)
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• ¾ cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup additional milk
• ¼ cup water

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

• 1 cup salted butter, softened
• 2 ¼ cups creamy peanut butter
• 6 cups powdered sugar
• 9 tablespoons milk
• 10 oz peanut butter chips, melted

For the Peanut Butter Ganache:

• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 6 oz peanut butter chips

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your cake pans. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy.

2. Add in granulated sugar and brown sugar, and continue to beat until fluffy. Mix in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the sour cream and vanilla extract.

3. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk (plus water) into the batter, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

4. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Smooth the tops. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

5. Let the cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat together the salted butter and peanut butter until creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed.

2. Add in milk, one tablespoon at a time, until smooth and spreadable. Fold in melted peanut butter chips. Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Repeat with the next layers, frosting between each.

2. Frost the entire outside of the cake with a smooth or rustic finish using an offset spatula.

Step 4: Make the Peanut Butter Ganache

1. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until simmering. Do not boil. Pour the hot cream over the peanut butter chips in a bowl.

2. Let sit for 1–2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy. Let cool slightly before pouring over the frosted cake, letting it drip down the sides.

Delicious Variations For Peanut Butter Layer Cake Recipe

1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Layer Cake

Combine the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter for a decadent treat. Add unsweetened cocoa powder to the cake batter (about ½ cup) and use chocolate ganache as a frosting layer.

You can also sprinkle mini chocolate chips between the layers for extra chocolate goodness!

2. Peanut Butter Banana Layer Cake

Incorporate ripe bananas into the mix for a delightful twist. Add 1-2 mashed bananas to the cake batter and slice fresh bananas between the layers.

For the frosting, mix in a bit of banana puree for a subtle flavor that complements the peanut butter beautifully.

3. Peanut Butter Cup Layer Cake

Make your cake even more indulgent by adding chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Fold the chopped candies into the batter before baking, and use them as a decorative topping on the frosting.

You can even create a drizzle with melted chocolate or peanut butter on top!

4. Peanut Butter Jelly Layer Cake

Take a trip down memory lane with this nostalgic twist. Use your favorite jelly or jam (strawberry or grape works wonderfully) between the cake layers.

This adds a fruity contrast that perfectly balances the richness of the peanut butter. Consider using a whipped peanut butter frosting for a lighter finish.

5. Spiced Peanut Butter Layer Cake

Add warmth and depth with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Incorporate 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg into the batter for a cozy flavor.

Pair this with a cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast that enhances the cake’s flavors.

Tips For Success With Your Peanut Butter Layer Cake Recipe

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients (butter, eggs, milk) are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother batter.

2. Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and powdered sugar, to achieve the perfect texture.

3. Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy—overmixing can make it dense.

4. Cool Completely: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off.

5. Chill the Frosting: If your frosting is too soft, chill it for a bit before spreading—it will be easier to work with and hold its shape better.

Storages Information

To store your peanut butter layer cake recipe, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can store it at room temperature for up to two days.

If you’d like to keep it longer, refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before serving to enjoy its soft, moist texture.

For even longer storage, you can freeze the cake by wrapping it in plastic and then foil, and it will stay good for up to three months.

Conclusion

The peanut butter layer cake recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that brings comfort and indulgence in every bite.

Making a peanut butter layer cake recipe is easy and rewarding. The rich flavor of peanut butter combined with soft cake and creamy frosting creates a dessert that’s both comforting and delicious.

I hope this peanut butter layer cake recipe brings joy to your kitchen, and you enjoy every bite as much as others will! It’s a simple yet special treat that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Enjoy baking and indulging in this delightful peanut butter layer cake recipe!

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