Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with a comfort food classic: Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake. This delightfully moist, rich sheet cake is packed with nutty flavor in every bite, finished with a super-creamy peanut butter frosting that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a potluck, or just craving something nostalgic and homey, this delight lets the simple magic of peanut butter shine through. It’s a cake that instantly brings back fond childhood memories—or creates brand new ones!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake is how pantry-friendly and familiar the ingredient list is. Each component is an absolute must, working together to create an irresistibly tender crumb and luscious frosting that tastes like pure comfort.
- All-purpose flour: The essential foundation that gives the cake its structure, keeping it just the right amount of fluffy and dense.
- Granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and helps in getting that golden, inviting cake crumb.
- Light brown sugar, packed: Adds depth and a subtle hint of molasses richness for that classic old-fashioned taste.
- Baking powder: Ensures your cake rises evenly—no sad, flat cakes here!
- Baking soda: Enhances the leavening so you end up with a perfectly lifted, tender cake every time.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and sharpens all the flavors, including that wonderful peanut butter.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Contributes richness, softness, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Creamy peanut butter: The undeniable star—use a good-quality, ultra-creamy variety for the best flavor and texture.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture for a perfectly soft, luscious crumb.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together while making the cake extra rich and tender.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with its warm aroma, making the cake even more inviting.
- Powdered sugar: For the dreamiest, silkiest peanut butter frosting.
- Pinch of salt (frosting): Accents all the sweet, nutty notes in the frosting without overpowering it.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan so your Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake lifts out easily (no one wants cake stuck to the pan). Then preheat your oven to a reliable 350°F, because everything good starts with a properly hot oven!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients first makes sure everything is evenly dispersed, setting up your cake for the perfect texture.
Step 3: Add Butter, Peanut Butter, and Milk
Now add the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and whole milk to your bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes. This step blends everything into a smooth, luscious batter and ensures the flavors are perfectly merged.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract. Continue beating for another minute—the batter will get lighter in color and fluffy. This is when you’ll notice the thick, dreamy texture coming to life!
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your greased pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the kitchen smells like pure peanut butter paradise.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting. This might be the hardest part, but it’s absolutely worth it—a cooled cake means your frosting won’t melt or slide right off.
Step 7: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
In a bowl, beat together peanut butter and softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition, then blend in milk, vanilla, and that pinch of salt. If the frosting feels thick, splash in a bit more milk until you reach a spreadable, dreamy consistency.
Step 8: Frost and Finish
Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cake. Don’t hold back—those swoops and swirls of peanut butter frosting are a big part of what makes this Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake so irresistible!
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake
Garnishes
For a nostalgic touch or a little crunch, sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts across the frosted cake. If you’re feeling extra decadent, drizzle melted chocolate or scatter mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise in every bite.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with cold milk, strong coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you want to keep things classic and simple, a big glass of milk really highlights that old-school, comforting vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice it into generous squares for potlucks and parties, or cut smaller pieces for snacky dessert buffets. Need a showstopper? Layer cubes of Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake into a trifle dish with whipped cream and chocolate syrup for a crowd-pleasing twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days; the cake will stay moist and the frosting will remain soft and creamy. If your kitchen is warm or you’re making it ahead, pop the covered cake into the fridge for freshness that lasts even longer, up to a week.
Freezing
Want to make Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake even farther ahead? Simply wrap unfrosted cake (or even frosted pieces) tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
Reheating
This cake tastes great chilled or at room temp, but if you prefer a just-baked vibe, microwave a single slice for 10-15 seconds. The frosting goes soft and slightly melty—trust me, it’s the ultimate comfort treat!
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a pleasant texture to both the cake and the frosting. It’s a fun way to switch things up, especially if you’re a fan of extra peanutty bites.
What can I do if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?
No problem—just use two 8-inch round pans or even a 9×9-inch square pan (your cake will be thicker and may need a bit more baking time). Adjust baking times as needed and keep an eye on doneness.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute a dairy-free butter and your favorite non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk). The cake will still be rich and flavorful, and the frosting will be just as creamy.
How can I add a chocolate swirl to this cake?
Drizzle a small amount of melted chocolate on top of the unfrosted cake batter and use a knife to swirl it through before baking. Or, swirl chocolate into the frosting for a beautiful marbled effect.
Is this Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake good for birthdays?
Absolutely! It’s a lovely and unexpected treat for birthdays, especially for peanut butter lovers. Decorate with sprinkles, candles, or chocolate pieces for an extra festive touch.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got all the tips and tricks, I hope you’re as excited as I am to make your own tray of Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake. Share generous slices with family and friends, or keep a secret stash just for yourself—trust me, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this retro favorite. Happy baking!
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Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of a classic Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake with rich, creamy peanut butter frosting. This moist and decadent sheet cake is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight treats to special celebrations.
Ingredients
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 the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add wet ingredients: Incorporate the butter, peanut butter, and milk. Beat until smooth.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla: Add eggs and vanilla extract, beat until light and fluffy.
- Bake: Pour batter into the pan and bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Make frosting: Cream peanut butter and butter, add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth.
- Frost the cake: Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Notes
- For added flair, top with chopped roasted peanuts or a drizzle of chocolate.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
