Name: Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose flour; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup water; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 6 Tbsp buttermilk (more if frosting is too stiff); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3 cups confectioner’s sugar, sifted; 1/2 cup roasted peanuts

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 41 reviews

If you’re a peanut butter lover like me, you’re in for a real treat with this Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that brings the perfect balance of rich peanut butter flavor with a soft, moist crumb and a dreamy, silky frosting that makes every bite unforgettable. Stick with me, because I’ll share everything you need to nail this cake—whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving some homemade peanut buttery goodness.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Peanut Butter Flavor: Uses creamy peanut butter that delivers richness without overwhelming the cake’s texture.
Moist and Tender Crumb: Combining buttermilk, oil, and butter ensures the cake stays irresistibly soft and moist.
Silky Frosting: The hot peanut butter frosting spreads easily and sets quickly for a beautiful glossy finish.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything in your pantry already—no exotic stuff needed.

Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Frosting, peanut butter cake, moist peanut butter cake, creamy frosting recipe, homemade peanut butter dessert - Three thick square bars of light brown peanut butter fudge are shown on a white marbled surface, with one piece slightly lifted by a metal spatula with a worn wooden handle. The fudge has a smooth top layer with a slightly shiny texture, sprinkled evenly with whole and halved peanuts. The edges of the fudge are clean, and crumbs are scattered around on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This peanut butter cake is a harmonious blend of pantry staples, where each ingredient brings something special to the table. I always recommend using a good-quality creamy peanut butter—not natural or stirred versions—for the best texture and flavor. Beyond that, buttermilk adds just the right tang and tenderness, while the frosting ingredients create that signature creamy top layer you’ll want to dive into ASAP.

Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Frosting, peanut butter cake, moist peanut butter cake, creamy frosting recipe, homemade peanut butter dessert - Flat lay of a small mound of all purpose flour, a small mound of granulated sugar, a small white bowl of baking soda powder, a small white bowl of salt crystals, a few cubes of unsalted butter, a small white bowl of water, a small dollop of creamy peanut butter, a small white bowl of vegetable oil, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of buttermilk, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, a small mound of sifted confectioner’s sugar, and a handful of roasted peanuts, all arranged symmetrically on simple white ceramic plates and bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for the cake’s soft crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens while helping to create a tender texture.
Baking soda: Gives the cake a gentle lift without making it too airy.
Salt: Enhances peanut butter’s natural flavor in the batter.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and depth; using unsalted lets you control salt better.
Water: Helps melt butter and combine ingredients smoothly.
Creamy peanut butter: The star player—rich, smooth, and deeply flavorful.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender, balancing the butter’s richness.
Large eggs: Bind ingredients and help cake structure.
Buttermilk: Adds acidity for crumb tenderness and boosts flavor.
Vanilla extract: Enhances overall sweetness and depth.
Powdered sugar (for frosting): Ensures a silky, smooth texture in the frosting.
Roasted peanuts (garnish): Adds crunch and extra peanut flavor for contrast.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about this Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want it chunkier, less sweet, or even a little boozy for adult gatherings, there’s room to make it your own. Experimenting a bit always makes baking more fun and personal!

Chunky Peanut Butter: I sometimes swap out creamy for chunky PB in the batter for extra texture—you get bits of peanut throughout, which is so satisfying.
Nutty Variations: Toasted chopped pecans or walnuts mixed into the batter can give a lovely surprise crunch.
Honey Twist: If you like, replace a bit of sugar with honey for a subtle floral note that pairs beautifully with peanut butter.
Vegan Adaptation: Though I haven’t tried it myself, using flax eggs and non-dairy milk might work for a vegan take—let me know how it goes if you try!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Space & Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 pan with nonstick spray. Having your eggs and buttermilk at room temperature really helps everything blend smoothly, so I recommend pulling those out about 30 minutes before you start.

Step 2: Dry Ingredients Together

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. This ensures everything’s evenly distributed and your cake raises uniformly. I always do this step before moving to the wet ingredients, so I don’t miss any powders.

Step 3: Heat Butter, Water, & Peanut Butter

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm up the butter and water until it just begins to boil. Then remove it from the heat and whisk in the creamy peanut butter and vegetable oil until silky and smooth. I find that heating the peanut butter helps it blend in without clumps—definitely don’t skip this step!

Step 4: Add Eggs, Buttermilk & Vanilla

Once the peanut butter mixture cools slightly (just enough so it’s not hot to touch), whisk in the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until everything is fully incorporated. Mixing in the eggs while too hot can scramble them, so that’s a key moment to pay attention to.

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture and whisk just until combined. Don’t overmix here—overworking the batter can toughen the cake. I usually stop when I still see a few streaks of flour because they mix in quickly in the pan.

Step 6: Bake & Cool

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes. The cake should be golden on top with a toothpick coming out clean. Once out of the oven, set it on a wire rack to cool while you whip up the frosting. Patience here pays off because the warm cake and frosting marry perfectly.

Step 7: Make the Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting

In a saucepan, bring the butter, peanut butter, and buttermilk to a full boil. Remove from heat and beat in vanilla extract and sifted confectioners’ sugar, adding the sugar a cup at a time to avoid lumps. I like to put the frosting back on very gentle heat for a few minutes, stirring constantly until it’s nice and pourable. If it feels stiff, add a splash more buttermilk.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

Work fairly fast: pour the hot frosting evenly over your warm cake. It sets quickly, creating a shiny, smooth top. Use an offset spatula if you want it perfectly even. While still wet, sprinkle a generous amount of roasted peanuts across the top for that signature crunch.

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Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe

Room Temp Ingredients: Allow eggs and buttermilk to come to room temperature for smooth batter and even baking.
Watch Your Frosting Heat: Bring frosting to a boil but avoid overheating when reheating to prevent separation.
Don’t Overmix Batter: Stir just until combined to keep the cake tender and soft.
Frost Warm Cake: Pouring frosting over a warm cake helps it set beautifully and soak in subtle deliciousness.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe

Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Frosting, peanut butter cake, moist peanut butter cake, creamy frosting recipe, homemade peanut butter dessert - A close-up of a single square piece of cake with two layers, the bottom layer is a light brown, soft, crumbly cake base, and the top layer is a thick, pale cream frosting with a smooth texture. The frosting is decorated with whole, shiny brown and white nuts scattered unevenly on top. A fork is pressing slightly into the right side of the frosting. The cake rests on a delicate crochet lace doily with intricate patterns, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this cake with roasted peanuts for a nice texture contrast and extra roasted nuttiness. You could also sprinkle a few mini chocolate chips or a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate for an extra special touch. Fresh berries work surprisingly well, adding a tangy burst to each bite.

Side Dishes

For an indulgent treat, serve a slice alongside vanilla ice cream or a scoop of whipped cream. A simple cup of black coffee or cold milk pairs perfectly to balance the cake’s sweetness. I’ve also enjoyed this cake with a tangy fruit salad to lighten things up after a rich dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special occasions, I like to decorate the edges with piped peanut butter frosting rosettes and scatter whole peanuts and mini chocolate chips on top. You can cut the cake into bars and serve them on a pretty platter with little skewers for easy grab-and-go bites at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, I move the cake to the fridge to keep it fresh for another 3–4 days. The frosting firms up in the fridge, so just let slices come to room temp before serving for best texture.

Freezing

This cake freezes well, especially if you cut it into squares first. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temp before enjoying.

Reheating

If you want a warm slice, microwave for 15–20 seconds—just enough to soften the frosting and warm the cake without making it soggy. You could also place slices in a low oven (300°F) for about 10 minutes wrapped in foil to gently reheat.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy for this recipe?

While natural peanut butter is healthier, it doesn’t blend as smoothly in this cake and frosting recipe and can cause texture issues. I highly recommend using creamy, standard peanut butter for the best results in both the cake’s crumb and frosting texture.
Can I make this peanut butter cake gluten-free?

You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. However, results may vary and the texture might be a little different. I suggest trying it in a smaller batch first to see how you like it.
Why does the frosting need to be hot?

Heating the frosting ingredients helps melt and blend the butter and peanut butter smoothly, resulting in a shiny, pourable frosting that quickly sets on the warm cake. It also makes spreading effortless and provides that signature glossy finish.
Can I make this cake in smaller pans, like cupcakes?

Yes! Baking time will be shorter—start checking for doneness around 15–20 minutes. The cupcakes will be just as delicious, and you might want to pipe the frosting on top rather than pour for easier serving.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen because it’s both nostalgic and endlessly satisfying. Every time I make it, the smell fills the house and I can’t wait to share it with friends and family. I hope you enjoy baking it as much as I do and add your own twists to make it truly yours. Trust me—you’re going to want to keep this one in your recipe box forever.