Peanut Butter Cake

The moment that sweet, nutty smell of a Peanut Butter Cake fills your kitchen, you know you’re in for something special. I remember the first time I tried baking this delightful cake; it was a rainy afternoon, and the clouds outside matched the perfect mood for some comforting baking. As I mixed the ingredients, I could already envision the warm cake being shared among friends and family. The rich aroma of peanut butter blended with the sweet scent of freshly baked cake felt like a warm hug. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a memory-maker, often requested for birthdays and gatherings. It’s a slice of joy that brings everyone together, and trust me, once you bake it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Ingredient List for Peanut Butter Cake

Each ingredient in this Peanut Butter Cake serves a purpose, contributing to the overall flavor and texture. The key players are the cake mix, peanut butter, and butter, which together create a wonderful balance of sweetness and richness. Let’s dive into the specifics!

• Duncan Hines Butter Golden Cake Mix: This pre-packaged mix is a time-saver, providing a delicious base with a buttery flavor that complements the peanut butter perfectly.
• ¾ Cup Water (room temp): Water is essential to hydrate the ingredients and help bring the batter together into a smooth consistency.
• 3 Large Eggs (room temp): Eggs provide structure and moisture, helping the cake rise and ensuring a tender crumb.
• 7 Tbs Butter (use real butter that is room temperature): Real butter adds richness and flavor, creating a moist cake.
• 1 Cup Peanut Butter (smooth): The star of the show! Smooth peanut butter enhances the cake’s flavor and provides moistness, making every bite a delight.
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds depth to the flavor profile, rounding out the sweetness beautifully.

Preparation Steps for Peanut Butter Cake

Let’s get started on creating this delightful Peanut Butter Cake. The steps are simple, and I’ll guide you through each one to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step to ensure your cake rises nicely. Prepare your baking pan by spraying it with baking spray, which will help the cake release easily once baked.
2. If you’re using 9×9 round cake pans for a layered cake, cut parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pan. This extra step guarantees that your layers come out perfectly intact and easy to frost.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the cake mix, water, eggs, butter, peanut butter, and vanilla. Mix on medium speed until everything is well blended. You’ll want to see a fluffy batter with a bit of air whipped in—this typically takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Make sure to distribute the batter evenly to promote even baking.
5. Place the baking pan on the center rack in your warmed oven. Bake for about 25 minutes. I recommend starting to check at the 20-minute mark to avoid over-baking.
6. To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean and the center isn’t jiggly, your cake is ready!
7. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it rest in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire cooling rack. This step is important as it stops the cooking process and prevents the cake from becoming too dense.
8. Allow the cake to cool completely before applying any icing. This is crucial; applying icing on a warm cake can cause it to melt and slide off, ruining the beautiful presentation.
9. Once cooled, you can frost the cake with your favorite frosting. Enjoy the delightful taste of your freshly baked Peanut Butter Cake!

Making Adjustments

Here are some helpful tips to consider when making your Peanut Butter Cake to ensure it’s perfect every time!

• Storage: After the cake has cooled and is frosted, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you have leftovers, it can also be refrigerated for added freshness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cake before frosting. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and it will keep well for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge before frosting!
• Pairing: This cake pairs beautifully with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee, making it a perfect treat for an afternoon snack.
• Celebration cake: Consider decorating it with chocolate chips or sprinkles for a festive touch at celebrations.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can slightly reduce the butter and sugar in the frosting.

Accompaniments for Peanut Butter Cake

Serving your Peanut Butter Cake can elevate the experience even further! Here are some delightful ideas:

• Ice Cream: Serve slices of this cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
• Fresh Berries: Pair it with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a fruity contrast that balances the sweetness.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds a light and airy element to the rich cake.
• Coffee or Tea: Enjoy the cake with a cup of hot coffee or tea; the warmth enhances the flavors of the peanut butter.
• Celebrations: This cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any festive occasion, making it a go-to dessert for gatherings.

FAQ

Conclusion

This Peanut Butter Cake is truly a special treat that combines the rich flavor of peanut butter with the moistness of cake. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, a casual family dinner, or just because you crave something sweet. I encourage you to try baking this cake and share its deliciousness with your loved ones. You won’t regret it!

Peanut Butter Cake

The ultimate comfort food, this Peanut Butter Cake is rich, moist, and simply irresistible! Perfect for any occasion, it’s an easy weeknight dessert that will have everyone craving more. Make it tonight and experience the joy!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Frying Pan
• Blender
• Oven
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 1 box Duncan Hines Butter Golden Cake Mix
• ¾ cup Water (room temp)
• 3 large Eggs (room temp)
• 7 Tbs Butter (room temperature) Use real butter for best results
• 1 cup Peanut Butter (smooth)
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking pan by spraying it with baking spray.
• If using 9x9 round cake pans, cut parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pan.
• In a stand mixer, combine the cake mix, water, eggs, butter, peanut butter, and vanilla. Mix until well blended.
• Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top.
• Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, checking at 20 minutes.
• Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick. It should come out clean.
• Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.

Notes

• Tip 1: You can mix everything in a single bowl, a stand mixer is not necessary.
• Tip 2: Always use non-stick spray and line pans with parchment paper.
• Tip 3: Bake until a toothpick comes out clean; the center should not jiggle.
• Tip 4: Use high-quality smooth peanut butter for best flavor.
• Tip 5: Ensure you use real vanilla extract for a richer taste.

Keyword Dessert Recipes, Easy Peanut Butter Cake, Homemade Cake Recipe, Peanut Butter Cake Recipe

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Meet Elena Vance

I am passionate about the idea that we eat with our eyes first, so I strive to make food look just as good as it tastes. I work closely with the team to style and photograph our dishes, giving you a clear, beautiful guide on what to aim for. I had so much fun preparing this recipe, and I hope you find just as much joy in making it (and eating it!) as we did.