If you’re a peanut butter lover, then this Peanut Butter Layer Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite dessert. It’s rich, indulgent, and layered with creamy peanut butter frosting that takes every bite to another level.
Peanut Butter Layer Cake Recipe is a heavenly treat for anyone who loves the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter.
This cake features soft, moist layers packed with creamy peanut butter goodness, paired with a smooth and decadent peanut butter frosting that elevates each bite.
What makes this cake even more irresistible is how easy it is to prepare at home with just a few basic ingredients.
With a balance of sweetness and the slightly salty taste of peanut butter, it offers a flavor profile that both kids and adults will adore.
Plus, with a variety of creative twists like adding chocolate or jelly, you can customize this cake to suit any preference. Get ready to bake a dessert that will steal the show!
What Makes Peanut Butter Layer Cake Special?
The combination of a moist, soft cake infused with peanut butter and a smooth, luscious peanut butter frosting is a match made in heaven.
Each layer of cake is packed with that nutty, slightly salty flavor, which contrasts perfectly with the sweet frosting.
Whether you’re a casual baker or someone looking to impress, this cake delivers on flavor and presentation.
How To Prepare Peanut Butter Layer Cake Recipe?
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Yield: 8 servings
Essential Baking Tools
- 2 round cake pans (9 inches)
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
- Cake stand or serving plate
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons cornstarch/cornflour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- ⅓ cup (80ml) + 4 tablespoons oil
- ¾ cup (190g) sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup (200g) softened butter
- 2 ¼ cups creamy peanut butter
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups (375ml) whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 9 tablespoons (135ml) milk
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars:
In another bowl, beat the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Incorporate Wet Ingredients:
Mix in the oil, sour cream, vanilla extract, and milk until combined.
5. Combine Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Bake:
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well. Then add the whipping cream, vanilla extract, milk, and a pinch of salt, beating until the frosting is fluffy.
8. Assemble the Cake:
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Repeat with the second layer. Place the third layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
9. Serve:
Slice and enjoy your delicious peanut butter layer cake recipe!
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.
Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just treating yourself to something special, this cake will surely be a crowd-pleaser.
Its soft, peanut butter-infused layers and creamy frosting create a rich, balanced experience that peanut butter lovers can’t resist.
Plus, with its easy-to-follow recipe and customizable options, you can put your own spin on it for any occasion.
And if you happen to have leftovers (which is rare with this one!), storing it properly ensures you’ll get to enjoy every last slice. Happy baking!
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Peanut Butter Layer Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 2 round cake pans (9 inches)
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
- Cake stand or serving plate
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons cornstarch/cornflour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter softened
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar packed
- 4 large eggs
- ⅓ cup 80ml + 4 tablespoons oil
- ¾ cup 190g sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup 200g softened butter
- 2 ¼ cups creamy peanut butter
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups 375ml whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 9 tablespoons 135ml milk
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugars:
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs:
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients:
- Mix in the oil, sour cream, vanilla extract, and milk until combined.
Combine Mixtures:
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Bake:
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well. Then add the whipping cream, vanilla extract, milk, and a pinch of salt, beating until the frosting is fluffy.
Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Repeat with the second layer. Place the third layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Serve:
- Slice and enjoy your delicious peanut butter layer cake!