The Ultimate Moist Peanut Butter Cake Recipe: Easy Sheet Cake Perfection
Prepare to fall in love with this incredibly moist and flavorful peanut butter cake! It’s an absolute dream for any peanut butter enthusiast, featuring a tender, soft peanut butter sheet cake generously topped with the creamiest, dreamiest peanut butter frosting. For an extra touch of indulgence, it’s finished with a delightful sprinkle of chocolate peanut butter candy pieces. This dessert is perfect for celebrating birthdays, sharing at gatherings, or simply treating yourself to an unforgettable sweet experience.
If you adore the rich, nutty flavors in this simple yet sensational peanut butter cake, you’ll also want to explore these other fantastic recipes: our incredible peanut butter cheesecake brownies and this effortlessly delicious no-bake chocolate peanut butter cream pie. They’re all guaranteed to satisfy your peanut butter cravings!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Adore This Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
- Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- How to Bake the Perfect Peanut Butter Cake
- Pro Recipe Tips for Success
- Easy and Delicious Variations
- Serving Suggestions for Your Cake
- How to Store and Freeze
- More Peanut Butter Desserts to Love
- Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
This peanut butter cake is truly exceptional and destined to become a staple in your recipe collection! Every bite delivers an irresistible burst of peanut butter, from the incredibly moist, tender crumb of the cake to the luxuriously thick and creamy layer of homemade peanut butter frosting. It’s the ultimate dessert experience, especially when you crown it with delightful Reese’s candies and chopped peanut butter cups, just as I love to do. The way this cake simply melts in your mouth is beyond words – I promise you’ll be making it again and again!
Why You’ll Adore This Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
- Exploding with Flavor: If you’re a true peanut butter lover, this cake is your paradise. We’ve packed peanut butter into every single component, from the unbelievably soft cake batter itself to the rich, smooth, and utterly decadent frosting. Each forkful is a celebration of that classic, comforting peanut butter taste that we all crave. It’s not just a hint of flavor; it’s a full-on peanut butter experience!
- Incredibly Easy to Make: Forget complicated baking techniques and endless cleanup. This sheet cake recipe is designed for simplicity. The ingredients are readily available, and the cake batter comes together in mere minutes, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Baking it in a 9×13-inch pan means no stressful stacking or intricate layering required – just spread and bake! This makes it ideal for impromptu celebrations or busy weeknights when you need a fantastic dessert without the fuss.
- Perfect for Any Gathering: A sheet cake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, and this peanut butter version is no exception. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and decorate, yielding ample slices that can comfortably feed a large party, a family gathering, or simply ensure you have plenty of delicious leftovers to enjoy throughout the week. Its broad appeal makes it a go-to dessert for birthdays, potlucks, holidays, or any event where you want to share something truly special and delicious.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful peanut butter cake. These are the straightforward components you’ll need to bake this cake from scratch. For precise measurements and a full list, please refer to the comprehensive printable recipe card below.
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of your cake. However, if salted butter is all you have on hand, it will work just fine; just be mindful of any additional salt you might add. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for optimal mixing with the peanut butter.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: For the best results, I highly recommend using a conventional, creamy, shelf-stable peanut butter brand like Jif or Skippy. These brands have a consistent texture and oil content that is ideal for baking. Natural peanut butter, which often separates and has excess oil, can significantly impact the cake’s texture, making it denser or greasier. Choose sweetened or unsweetened based on your preference for sweetness, but remember that sweetened peanut butter will result in a slightly sweeter cake.
- All-Purpose Flour: Standard all-purpose flour is perfect for this recipe, providing the right structure and crumb for a tender cake.
- Granulated Sugar & Light Brown Sugar: We use a combination of both sugars. Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps with browning, while light brown sugar adds moisture, a deeper flavor profile, and contributes to the cake’s incredibly soft and tender texture.
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent is crucial for helping our cake rise, creating that light and fluffy texture. It’s important not to confuse it with baking powder, as they are not interchangeable in this recipe.
- Milk: Any type of milk will work here! Whether you prefer whole milk, 2% milk, or a non-dairy alternative like almond or soy milk, feel free to use your favorite. The milk adds necessary moisture and richness to the batter.
- Large Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, provide structure, and add richness to the cake. For best results, allow your eggs to come to room temperature before adding them to the batter; this helps them incorporate more evenly.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: For that essential warm, aromatic depth of flavor, always opt for high-quality, pure vanilla extract. It beautifully complements the peanut butter.
- Peanut Butter Frosting: The recipe includes my absolute favorite homemade peanut butter frosting, specifically designed to perfectly complement this cake. However, you are welcome to get creative with other frostings if you prefer (see “Easy Variations” below for more ideas).
- Optional Toppings: While completely optional, garnishing with Reese’s Pieces or chopped peanut butter cups truly elevates this cake. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is iconic, adding both texture and an extra layer of flavor. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even chop up homemade peanut butter cups for a truly artisanal touch.
Why Choose the Right Peanut Butter?
The type of peanut butter you use is more important than you might think in baking. For this specific cake recipe, conventional, creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) is highly recommended. These brands are formulated to be stable, meaning their oils are emulsified and won’t separate easily. This consistency is vital for achieving the moist, uniform texture we’re aiming for in the cake batter and the creamy, smooth frosting. Natural peanut butter, on the other hand, tends to separate into a layer of oil and a solid paste. Even if you stir it thoroughly, residual separation can occur during baking, leading to an inconsistent or greasy cake texture. Stick to the classic creamy variety for guaranteed success and a perfectly textured cake.
How to Bake the Perfect Peanut Butter Cake
You’ll be amazed at how quickly and easily this peanut butter cake comes together! With just about 10 minutes of active prep time, it’s ready for the oven. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious result. For detailed, printable instructions, make sure to check the recipe card below.
- Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, meticulously grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. For an even easier cleanup and to guarantee a non-stick surface, you can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting after baking.
- Melt the Peanut Butter Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, and creamy peanut butter. Gently heat this mixture over low to medium heat, whisking continuously until everything is completely melted and beautifully smooth. It’s crucial to prevent the mixture from coming to a boil; you just want it warm enough to combine thoroughly. This step infuses the batter with deep peanut butter flavor and ensures a smooth consistency.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and baking soda. In a separate bowl, or directly into the dry mixture (if using a stand mixer), add the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat these wet ingredients until they are well incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Incorporate Melted Peanut Butter: Carefully pour the melted peanut butter mixture into the combined batter. Mix gently until all ingredients are just blended. Be very careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a dense and tough cake rather than the desired soft and moist crumb.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Pour the prepared batter evenly into your 9×13-inch baking pan. Transfer it to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top of the cake is golden brown, and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Another good indicator is gently pressing the top of the cake with your finger – it should spring back.
- Cool Completely: This is a critical step! Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature. This can take an hour or two. Resist the urge to frost a warm cake, as the frosting will simply melt and slide right off. Patience is key for a beautifully frosted finish.
- Decorate and Serve: While your cake is cooling, whip up a batch of our dreamy peanut butter frosting (instructions below). Once the cake has fully cooled, spread the frosting generously and evenly over the top. For that extra special touch, garnish with a sprinkle of Reese’s candies or chopped peanut butter cups. Now, all that’s left is to slice, serve, and enjoy your masterpiece!
Our Favorite Peanut Butter Frosting
In our household, we are absolutely obsessed with peanut butter, so topping this cake with a rich and creamy peanut butter frosting was a non-negotiable choice! This easy frosting recipe isn’t just for this cake; it’s incredibly versatile and delicious on everything from chocolate cupcakes to brownies. Here’s how to make this irresistible frosting:
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and creamy peanut butter until the mixture is light, fluffy, and perfectly combined. This step ensures a smooth base for your frosting.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and milk. Continue beating until the frosting reaches a beautifully smooth and spreadable consistency.
For a thicker frosting, simply beat in a bit more powdered sugar until you reach your desired density. If your frosting seems too thick, add milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it becomes wonderfully smooth and easy to spread. You can also consult the printable recipe card for precise measurements and detailed instructions.
Pro Recipe Tips for Success
Achieving a perfect peanut butter cake is simple when you keep these expert tips in mind. They’ll help ensure your cake is moist, flavorful, and beautifully frosted every time.
- Effortless Clean-Up with Parchment Paper: To make your post-baking cleanup a breeze, I highly recommend lining your 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave a slight overhang on the sides – this creates convenient handles that allow you to easily lift the cooled cake right out of the pan. If parchment paper isn’t available, make sure to thoroughly grease and flour your pan to prevent any sticking.
- Avoid Overmixing the Batter: This is a golden rule in baking! Once you’ve added the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mix only until everything is just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which can result in a dense, tough, and chewy cake instead of the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture you’re aiming for. A light hand is all you need for a perfectly airy crumb.
- Test for Perfect Doneness: To ensure your cake is baked through without being dry, always test for doneness. Insert a toothpick or a thin wooden skewer into the very center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached, your cake is ready. Another reliable method is to gently press the top center of the cake with your fingertip; it should spring back lightly. If it leaves an indentation, it needs a few more minutes in the oven.
- Crucial Cooling Time: Patience is truly a virtue when it comes to frosting a cake. It is absolutely essential that your peanut butter cake cools completely to room temperature before you even think about applying the frosting. If the cake is even slightly warm, the heat will cause your beautiful, creamy frosting to melt, slide off the sides, and create a messy rather than magnificent presentation. Plan ahead and allow ample cooling time, typically 1 to 2 hours.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best emulsion and smoothest batter, ensure your cold ingredients like butter and eggs are at room temperature before you begin mixing. Room temperature butter creams better with sugar, creating air pockets for a lighter cake, and room temperature eggs incorporate more evenly into the batter.
Easy and Delicious Variations
This peanut butter cake recipe is fantastic on its own, but it also serves as a wonderful canvas for creative variations. Here are a few ideas to customize your cake and explore different flavor combinations:
- The Classic Chocolate and Peanut Butter Combination: Elevate this cake by incorporating its best flavor partner – chocolate! You can stir ½ to 1 cup of mini chocolate chips or regular chocolate chips directly into the cake batter before baking. After frosting, drizzle the top with a rich chocolate fudge sauce, sprinkle with grated chocolate, or add extra chopped peanut butter cups for a truly decadent experience.
- Experiment with Different Frostings: While our peanut butter frosting is divine, feel free to switch things up! This moist cake would also taste incredibly delicious with a classic homemade vanilla frosting for a simpler, sweet profile. For a double-chocolate-peanut butter treat, consider pairing it with an easy chocolate frosting. Cream cheese frosting would also offer a delightful tangy contrast.
- Fun Add-ins: Get creative with additional ingredients mixed into the cake batter or sprinkled over the finished cake. Beyond chocolate chips, consider butterscotch chips for a caramel-like note, or white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier touch. You could also fold in some chopped pretzels for a salty crunch, or even a handful of finely chopped nuts for added texture.
Serving Suggestions for Your Cake
This rich and moist peanut butter cake is a star on its own, but it truly shines when paired with complementary flavors and served for the right occasion. Here are some ideas to make your peanut butter cake experience even more delightful:
A generous slice of this soft peanut butter cake is simply divine when served alongside a scoop of creamy chocolate ice cream or indulgent Nutella ice cream. The contrasting temperatures and flavors create an irresistible dessert experience. It’s also a perfect after-dinner treat with a warm cup of coffee, a comforting mug of hot chocolate, or, for the adults, a cozy, spiced hot buttered rum on a chilly evening.
This versatile sheet cake makes an excellent choice for a birthday celebration; just add some festive sprinkles and candles for an instant party hit! It’s also ideal as a dessert for any special occasion, thanks to its crowd-pleasing flavor and easy preparation. If you’re hosting a party, serve it alongside other fun party foods like savory crescent roll pizza, crispy chips dipped in a flavorful bacon cheddar ranch dip, and a refreshing party punch for a complete spread that everyone will love.
How to Store and Freeze
Proper storage is key to keeping your delicious peanut butter cake fresh and moist for as long as possible. Here are my best tips for storing and freezing your cake:
- Storing at Room Temperature: Once frosted, this peanut butter cake maintains its delicious flavor and moist texture beautifully at room temperature for about 1-2 days. To keep it fresh, ensure it’s tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight cake container. This prevents it from drying out and helps the frosting stay creamy.
- Refrigeration for Extended Freshness: If you need to keep the cake longer than 2 days, or if your kitchen is particularly warm, I recommend transferring it to the refrigerator. Stored in an airtight container, the cake will remain fresh for up to 5-7 days. Remember to bring slices to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- Freezing for Long-Term Enjoyment: This cake freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for preparing ahead or saving leftovers. For best results, I suggest freezing the baked cake *before* adding the frosting. Once the cake has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe airtight container. You can freeze it whole or in individual slices. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the cake at room temperature for several hours (or overnight in the refrigerator for a whole cake), then prepare and add the fresh frosting. This method ensures the best possible texture and flavor upon thawing.
More Peanut Butter Desserts to Love
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies
- Peanut Butter Bars
- Peanut Butter Banana Bread
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
- Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies
Peanut Butter Cake
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 whole large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting
- ¾ cup butter
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk, may need a little more to get desired consistency
- 1/2 cup Reese’s pieces or chopped peanut butter cups, optional
Instructions
For the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350º F (175°C). Prepare a 13×9 inch baking dish by thoroughly greasing and flouring it, or for easier cleanup, line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- In a medium saucepan, gently melt together the water, unsalted butter, and creamy peanut butter over low to medium heat. Whisk continuously until the mixture is perfectly smooth and combined. Be careful not to let it come to a boil; you just want the ingredients fully melted and integrated.1 cup water, ½ cup unsalted butter, ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and baking soda in a large bowl. Mix until well blended. Add the milk, large eggs, and vanilla extract, then continue to mix until the wet ingredients are fully incorporated and the batter is smooth. Avoid overmixing.2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 ½ cups milk, 2 whole large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pour the slightly cooled, melted peanut butter mixture into the cake batter. Mix just until everything is thoroughly combined, making sure not to overbeat the batter.
- Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the top of the cake is beautifully golden brown and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean. When you gently press the top of the cake, it should spring back.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature. This crucial step prevents the frosting from melting.
For the Frosting
- To prepare the frosting, in a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and creamy peanut butter until they are wonderfully smooth and well combined.¾ cup butter, ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Beat the mixture on medium speed until it achieves a light, fluffy, and easily spreadable consistency. You can adjust the consistency by adding a little more milk if it’s too thick, or more powdered sugar if you prefer a thicker frosting.5 cups powdered sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract, ¼ cup milk
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the finished frosting evenly over the top. For a festive and flavorful touch, decorate with Reese’s pieces or chopped peanut butter cups, if desired. Slice and enjoy!1/2 cup Reese’s pieces or chopped peanut butter cups
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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