Peanut Butter Tandy Cake Recipe is a delightful dessert that perfectly blends the rich, creamy taste of peanut butter with the sweet, luscious flavor of chocolate.
This classic treat, also known as Kandy Kakes, has been a beloved favorite for generations, especially in the Pennsylvania area where it originated.
The Tandy Cake features a soft, sponge-like cake base, generously spread with smooth peanut butter, and topped with a layer of melted chocolate, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
This Peanut Butter Tandy Cake recipe is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. It’s simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough to serve at any gathering.
So, let’s dive into the recipe and bring this delicious treat to life in your kitchen!
How To Prepare Peanut Butter Tandy Cake Recipe
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Yield: 12 servings
Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand)
- Jelly roll pan (15x10x1 inch)
- Spatula
- Knife
- Baking sheet (optional)
- Parchment paper (optional)
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 pound milk chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips)
- 2 tablespoons butter
How To Make Peanut Butter Tandy Cake Recipe
Prepping the Batter
● Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If desired, line your jelly roll pan with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
● In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
● In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the sugar and eggs until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
● Beat in the milk and vanilla extract until well combined.
● Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
● Stir in the melted butter until fully combined.
2. Baking the Cake
● Pour the batter into your prepared jelly roll pan and spread evenly into a thin layer. The cake will be thin and slightly spongey.
● Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
● Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before adding the peanut butter layer.
3. Creating the Layers
● Once the cake is cool, spread the peanut butter evenly over the entire surface. Use a knife to achieve a smooth and even layer.
● Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the peanut butter layer has set.
4. Adding the Chocolate Touch
● In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate and butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth and completely melted.
● Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
● Refrigerate the cake for another 30 minutes, or until the chocolate topping has hardened.
Nutrition Facts Peanut Butter Tandy Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Sugar | 35g |
| Protein | 5g |
Amazing Serving Ideas
Serving Peanut Butter Tandy Cake can be as creative and fun as making it! Here are five delightful ideas to enhance the presentation and enjoyment of your cake:
1. Ice Cream Pairing
Serve a slice of your Peanut Butter Tandy Cake recipe with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The creaminess of the ice cream complements the richness of the cake and melts beautifully with the warm chocolate topping.
For a special touch, add a drizzle of peanut butter or chocolate syrup over the ice cream.
2. Coffee or Tea Companion
Cut the cake into smaller squares and serve as a sophisticated accompaniment to coffee or tea. The robust flavors of coffee or the subtlety of tea make a perfect match with the sweet and nutty profile of the cake.
This pairing is ideal for afternoon tea parties or coffee breaks.
3. Dessert Sandwich
Experiment with a fun presentation by cutting the cake into small rectangles and placing a scoop of peanut butter ice cream between two pieces, creating a dessert sandwich.
This can be a hit at children’s parties or as a unique treat for peanut butter lovers.
4. With Fresh Berries
Top each slice of cake with a mix of fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. The freshness and slight acidity of the berries balance the sweetness of the chocolate and the richness of the peanut butter, adding a refreshing element to each bite.
5. Dessert Platter
Create a dessert platter by arranging slices of Peanut Butter Tandy Cake with a variety of other treats like chocolate truffles, peanut brittle, and mini cupcakes.
This allows guests to sample a little of everything and makes for an impressive presentation at gatherings.
Tips And Variations:
1. Don’t have creamy peanut butter? Chunky peanut butter can be used in a pinch, but the texture will be slightly different.
2. Want to add a twist? Drizzle some caramel sauce over the top before adding the chocolate layer.
3. No milk chocolate fan? Use semi-sweet chocolate for a richer flavor profile.
4. If you don’t have a jelly roll pan, you can use a 9×13 inch baking pan. However, the cake will be thicker and the baking time may need to be adjusted
Is It Tandy Cake Or Kandy Cake?
The age-old debate: Tandy Cake or Kandy Kake? It might surprise you to learn they’re actually one and the same!
Originally called Tandy Kakes, the name was changed to Kandy Kakes in the 1970s to avoid confusion with another brand.
So, whether you remember them as a childhood favorite under the moniker of Tandy Cakes or crave them today as Kandy Kakes, this delicious peanut butter and chocolate treat has captured hearts (and stomachs) for generations.
Conclusion
The Peanut Butter Tandy Cake Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience that brings together the timeless combination of peanut butter and chocolate in a unique and satisfying way.
This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to special celebrations, and it’s sure to impress both kids and adults alike.
As you take the first bite, you’ll appreciate the harmonious blend of the soft, airy cake, the creamy, rich peanut butter, and the sweet, velvety chocolate topping. It’s a treat that brings comfort and joy, evoking fond memories of classic homemade desserts.
I hope you enjoyed making and tasting this delicious Peanut Butter Tandy Cake Recipe. It’s a recipe that not only tastes amazing but also brings a touch of nostalgia to your table. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite!
Peanut Butter Tandy Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand)
- Jelly roll pan (15x10x1 inch)
- Spatula
- Knife
- Baking sheet (optional)
- Parchment paper (optional)
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 pound milk chocolate chopped (or chocolate chips)
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
Prepping the Batter
- ● Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If desired, line your jelly roll pan with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- ● In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- ● In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the sugar and eggs until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- ● Beat in the milk and vanilla extract until well combined.
- ● Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
- ● Stir in the melted butter until fully combined.
Baking the Cake
- ● Pour the batter into your prepared jelly roll pan and spread evenly into a thin layer. The cake will be thin and slightly spongey.
- ● Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- ● Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before adding the peanut butter layer.
Creating the Layers
- ● Once the cake is cool, spread the peanut butter evenly over the entire surface. Use a knife to achieve a smooth and even layer.
- ● Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the peanut butter layer has set.
Adding the Chocolate Touch
- ● In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate and butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth and completely melted.
- ● Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- ● Refrigerate the cake for another 30 minutes, or until the chocolate topping has hardened.