This scrumptious Peanut Butter Cake Recipe is a moist, tender sheet cake topped with an easy creamy six-ingredient peanut butter frosting. The end result is pure peanut butter nirvana with exceptional peanut butter flavor. It stays fresh for days making it the perfect cake for potlucks and family reunions.
With the exception of my son, my family just loves peanut butter. I mean, like we adore it. Peanut Butter Banana Bread, Peanut Butter Fudge, Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies, and this recipe are just a few of our favorites.
How to make Peanut Butter Cake
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Then, combine the water and butter in a saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, cooking just until the butter is melted. Now remove from the heat and whisk in the peanut butter. Let it cool for several minutes. Then add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir to roughly combine. Now add the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla stirring to combine. Pour the batter into a greased and floured jelly roll cake pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once the cake is fully cooled, use a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or hand-electric mixer on medium speed to beat the butter and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy. Then add the powdered sugar in four increments alternating with a little bit of milk. Now beat in the vanilla and salt. Finally, spread the frosting on the fully-cooled cake using an offset spatula.
Peanut Butter Cake recipe tips
- You can also bake this cake in a 9×13 inch pan, but baking time will increase to about 35-40 minutes. Or bake in a half-sheet pan, but baking time will decrease by a few minutes,
- Let the butter, peanut butter, and water mixture cool for at least 10 minutes before proceeding with the rest of the cake so your eggs do not start cooking in the hot mixture.
- For the best texture in the cake and frosting, use the old-fashioned peanut butter that does not separate.
- Do not overbake the cake. It is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- With the amount of milk in this frosting, it is best to refrigerate the frosted cake. Cover it well and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- This cake is also delicious with a chocolate ganache glaze or chocolate buttercream.
- When baked in a jelly roll pan, this cake feeds about 20. So, it is the perfect dessert for potlucks and family reunions.
- Try adding mini chocolate chips to the cake batter or add 2 tablespoons of good quality unsweetened cocoa powder to the frosting.
How to freeze frosted sheet cakes
Sometimes you just have to bake some of your goodies ahead of time. Perhaps you are throwing a big shindig, and you just can’t do it all at the last minute. This cake is best flash-frozen so that you don’t crush all the goodness of the icing when wrapping it. To flash freeze, place the fully frosted cake (pan and all) carefully in the freezer. It will take about 4-5 hours to freeze. Once frozen, double wrap in plastic wrap with a layer of aluminum foil over the wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to thaw, place in the refrigerator for about 24 hours. Carefully remove the wrap without pressing down on the top of the cake. Remember not to stack anything on top of it in the refrigerator.
Other cakes you will love!
Peanut Butter Cake
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour or cake flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup water
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs room termperature
- 3/4 cup buttermilk room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Peanut Butter Frosting
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 15x10-inch jelly roll pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine water and butter in a large saucepan and heat until the butter melts. Make sure the saucepan is large enough to mix a cake in. Whisk in the peanut butter until smooth. Remove from the heat and let cool for 10-15 minutes stirring several times.
- Stir the flour mixture into the peanut butter mixture just enough to get it started. Add the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla. Stir just enough to combine. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 24-28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the cake to a wire rack and fully cool before preparing the frosting.
- Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar in 1/2 cup increments alternating with 1 tablespoon of milk while continuing to beat on medium speed. Scrape down the bowl and beater as needed. Beat in the vanilla and salt. Continue beating for about 3-4 minutes or until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Frost the fully cooled cake.
Notes
- You can also bake this cake in a 9x13 inch pan, but baking time will increase to about 35-40 minutes. Or bake in a half-sheet pan, but baking time will decrease by a few minutes,
- Let the butter, peanut butter, and water mixture cool for at least 10 minutes before proceeding with the rest of the cake so your eggs do not start cooking in the hot mixture.
- For the best texture in the cake and frosting, use the old-fashioned peanut butter that does not separate.
- Do not overbake the cake. It is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- With the amount of milk in this frosting, it is best to refrigerate the frosted cake. Cover it well and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- When baked in a jelly roll pan, this cake feeds about 20. So, it is the perfect dessert for potlucks and family reunions.
- Try adding mini chocolate chips to the cake batter or add 2 tablespoons of good quality unsweetened cocoa powder to the frosting.
Nutrition
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https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Mike H.
Can I make this in 9 inch round pans
Beth Pierce
I have never tried but based on rough calculations it would be enough batter.
Brenda Ramsey
I hadn’t had a peanut butter cake since I was a child and my MoM made one and it was the best. I wanted a peanut butter cake and I chose this recipe. Oh my gosh it’s the best! The best! I tweeked it a lil bit and the frosting. Thank you for bringing back one of my most special childhood memory, with this awesome recipe.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Brenda! I am so glad that you enjoyed the peanut butter cake and that it brough back such good memories. We love it too!
SONIA SEIVWRIGHT
Wow, this peanut butter cake looks absolutely delicious! The frosting looks perfectly smooth and I can almost taste the rich peanut butter flavour. Looks moist and fluffy on the inside too.
Nicole Bertrand
I don’t love peanut butter treats, but I must say this looks delicious! I will definitely be making it for my peanut butter loving family!!
Jay
Peanut butter is my jam! Now, turning that jam of mine into a cake has to be even more bomb! Let me bookmark and print your recipe. Thank you for sharing it.
Nyxie
Sounds and looks gorgeous. Peanut butter cake is actually one of my MIL’s specialties! We always have some sort of peanut butter cake at every event!
Christina
This recipe sounds great, I plan on making it today! What brand of peanut butter works best with this recipe?
Beth Pierce
I use Skippy creamy!
Fransic verso
We’ve cooked the bottom cake but with different toppings. I never tried peanut butter topping on a cake. I bet it is delicious.
MELANIE E
This cake sounds delicious. I do love peanut butter but I’ve never tried using it in a cake. If I hadn’t forgotten to get eggs today I’d have to make it this evening. Can’t wait to try this!!!
Belinda
I make them into cupcakes thru are amazing! Ty!!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Belinda!
Rosey
Now see, I can get behind some peanut butter cake. This sounds perfect for a weekend treat.
SONIA SEIVWRIGHT
My friend’s birthday is coming up, and she’s obsessed with peanut butter. I will bake this for her as a gift.
Gervin Khan
Wow! This Peanut Butter Cake was absolutely delicious and very yummy! Everything looks perfect! Most people love peanut butter making this an instant favorite! Loved it!
Nayna Kanabar
Absolutely delectable and drool-worthy. It tasted amazing. It was so moist and delicious.
Shilpa Bindlish
I have overstocked peanut butter and was wondering what to do with it. This recipe would do the trick.
Monidipa
Such a great cake. So much flavor. This is my sister’s favorite cake and I make it every year for her birthday.
Tweenselmom
can’t believe i never made peanut butter cake before! this looks soso good
Subarna
Never tried peanut butter cake. So it’s time to bake something new. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome!
Alita Pacio
This peanut butter cake is unbelievably easy to make and so yummy. It’s perfect for the peanut-lover in your life.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Alita! So glad that you enjoyed it!
Olga
This a great cake if you love peanut butter. So moist and I wish I had some left. I could go for a piece right now.
Debbie
Yum! This Peanut Butter Cake Recipe is perfect! I absolutely love anything peanut butter and this looks delicious. I loved the great instructions and easy-to-follow steps.
Stephanie
Yummy! Peanut butter galore. An excellent recipe and great tips to follow.
Christiana
I love peanut and everything that’s made out of it. This cake sounds like something I’m definitely going to love.
Irena
Yum, this is amazing! Very creamy and not dry at all – goes perfect with coffee.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Irena! I am glad that you liked it!
Bryan
Who doesn’t love peanut butter? This cake sounds divine. And I like that it even includes a good dose of protein and vitamin A in every slice.
Beth Pierce
So true!
Gervin Khan
Wow! This peanut butter cake was absolutely yummy! Such a unique cake recipe, we love the finished product and the frosting was phenomenal.
Alita
This Peanut Butter Cake recipe is simply the best ever! We all love it Beth. Thank you
Stephanie
While I don’t like peanut butter, my boys loved this cake! They said it’s one of their new favorites.
Beth Pierce
So glad that they enjoyed it!
JC
I’m really loving your recipes! The fact that you always put nutrition information is so helpful!! It makes me want to only follow you!!! This is a keeper!!
Beth Pierce
Thanks JC. So glad that you like the recipes.
Marysa
This looks like such a rich and flavorful recipe. Sounds absolutely amazing! I would love to make this for my daughter.
Beth Pierce
Thanks! Enjoy!
Tammy
This is a peanut butter lovers dream! Looks so good and soft! I wish I could reach in and grab a slice right now.
Yeah Lifestyle
I love peanut butter and have a few jars laying around. I bet my children would enjoy eating this peanut butter cake as well as we usually make cookies! The peanut butter frosting looks so darn creamy,
Beth Pierce
Thanks! I sure hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Rosey
I have had peanut butter pie, but not peanut butter cake. I’d love to try it.
Risa Lopez
Wow, this recipe looks so good. Thank you for sharing with us. I can’t wait to try it.
Ivan Carlo Jose
I love everything with peanut butter. This cake is delicious. Every peanut butter lover should try it!
Dan Rey
Peanut butter cake is one of my favorite recipe for its protein content. This cake was so yummy. My family practically inhaled it.
Talya Stone
Oh my gosh this looks SO good! We are obsessed with peanut butter and have it with or on practically everything but for some reason I have never tried it in a cake but certainly will be doing.
Mosaic Tiles
yessssss….The peanut butter cake looks out of this world. I love peanut butter with almost anything. I can’t wait to make your recipe, can’t wait.
Jean
This cakes sounds yummy 😋😋wanna give a try
Beth Pierce
Thanks Jean! Enjoy!
Mary Ann
CN it be made on a 9 x 13 pan!
Beth Pierce
Yes but it may take a little longer to cook.
Lhyann
This PB cake is really de-li-cioussss, out of all the recipes I’ve tried in the past. It took me this day old (30+) to find out how too many recipes it takes to go thru just to make the BEST EVER PB Cake ♥️. It’s a must try recipe 😋
Beth Pierce
Thanks Lhyann! You are cracking me up over here! At my age which is 59 I am still learning new things too!
Swathi
This peanut butter cake looks delicious my kind of cake. Needs to try .
True
Oh my goodness yes, yes, yes! This is the recipe I never knew I needed in my life but I’m trying it ASAP! Yes!!
Ruth I
This will be a huge hit in here as we love peanut butter. i can’t wait to try it! Yum!
MELANIE EDJOURIAN
I’ve never had a peanut butter cake but I love peanut butter. This really does sound like a great cake to make and enjoy with the kids.
Kathy
I’ve never had a peanut butter cake before. I sure do love peanut butter though. I bet this is delicious.
Monica Simpson
I love peanut butter! This cake looks amazing. I might add chocolate frosting.
Tasheena
I never had peanut butter cake before. Looking forward to trying this recipe.
Beth
We love peanut butter as well, I am excited to try this recipe!
Terri Steffes
I don’t think I have made a peanut butter cake but I would love to try this one!
Janeane Davis
This cake looks and sounds delicious. I would like to try it.
Richelle Milar
This is such a really perfect recipe, I’ve never tried this before it look so delicious! I will try it this Christmas!
Richelle Milar
Wow! This is such a really great recipe to try! It looks absolutely delicious and tasty!
Samantha
I bet this is amazing! Going to have to try this soon!
Tara Pittman
This cake sounds delicious. I will have to make this for the holidays.
Melissa
Just WOW! A peanut butter cake? You got me! I must make this STAT!
Amber Myers
Oh yum, this is my kind of cake. I love peanut butter so I know I’d love it!
Melissa
What kind of flour???
Beth Pierce
All purpose flour
Brandy
Cake was absolutely amazing!!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Brandy! So glad that you liked it!!
kushigalu
drooling over these peanut butter cake. thanks for sharing.
Thena
Oh. My. Gosh. I love peanut butter. I HAVE to make this. Like right now.
Elise Ho
Our daughter absolutely adores everything peanut butter. I think when she comes home for the holidays I will make this as a treat.
Alexis
My kiddos were craving peanut butter and this cake was perfect. They all loved it!
Samantha
Yum! I’ve never had a peanut butter cake but this sounds so delicious!!
Cristina Petrini
I admit that peanut butter is not to my taste, but I think the problem is that in Italy what they sell is not like your original American!
Heatherkleinwolf
This cake sounds amazing. My grandmother used to slather peanut butter on cakes hot from the oven and it would melt into yumminess.
Kelly
Is there something I can use to replace the eggs as I have a child allergic to eggs
Beth Pierce
I am sorry I do not have much experience in this. Some cooks swear by applesauce but I have tried it.
Natalie
If you love peanut butter, then you will love this cake! It’s so moist & the frosting is incredible!!
Eden
This was so creamy and flavorful. My kids are peanut butter crazy so I was so excited to bake this cake! Thanks for the recipe 🙂
Andrea Thueson
Peanut butter perfection! This cake was amazing with great texture and the flavor was incredible!!
Jac
My kids love this peanut butter cake, they said it was amazing especially the peanut butter icing. My teenage son enjoyed baking it and it kept him busy and off the computer!
Shashi
This sounds absolutely mouthwatering! I love how easy this is to make- looking forward to trying this soon!
Mairead
This peanut butter frosting is finger licking good. Thank you for all the tips and advice for flash freezing this cake. It’s great to know it can be frozen after frosting.
Elle @ Spice and Life
This is so tasty it should be illegal!! But then, on the other hand, it is so easy to prepare I may just prepare it once more for tomorrow night’s dinner party. Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Jeannette
I just LOVE how easy this is! It’s perfect for a weekend dessert and so good to bring to parties! Serve with some vanilla ice cream for something extra ;D
Denise Booth
I made this cake after seeing the recipe shared on something else. What a delicious, moist cake. Will definitely be making this again.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Denise! So glad that you liked it!! It is one of our favorite cakes!
Jan P
Made this recipe for a small six inch round cake pan. I took the ingredients and “thirded” the receipe. ( put in one egg). Baked it for about 25 min frosted it with the Peanut Butter Frosting recipe, also in thirds. Turned out super and just right size for a very small family.
Beth Pierce
Thanks for the tip Jan! I had a reader who was asking about this so I will forward this to her.
Linda
This sounds delicious! I can’t wait to try it.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Linda! Enjoy!
Debbie Shouse
Is the flour used is the recipe, “plain” flour since you are using salt and baking soda? Making this for a friend so I want to be certain this is correct
Beth Pierce
Yes it is! All purpose plain flour.
Constance Mathewson
I followed your wonderful receipt, fantastic! I have used this twice, but made cupcakes the second time. They were a big hit both ways.
Beth Pierce
Awesome! So glad that you liked it! Cupcakes sound delicious.
Suzanne
I want to try this but we are only 2 people. Do you think this recipe would be ok halved?
Beth Pierce
I do think this recipe would be okay halved.
Debra Wood
But if I halved the recipe, what would be the exact ingredients? I’m terrible at halving recipes & would be very disappointed to waste all that p butter & butter. Help!
Beth Pierce
I have not halved this recipe so I am hesitant to tell you how. Theoretically you should be able to split the ingredients but baking is a lot of trial and error.
Dianne
Can you make this same recipe in a 9/13 cake pan
Beth Pierce
Yes it is written in the post.
Tara
Such a fun and flavorful sheet cake! My kids both love peanut butter so I am sure this will be a huge hit.
Toni
Such a fantastic treat!! My kids couldn’t resist!!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
This Peanut Butter Cake needs to happen at my house very soon!!
Catalina
I love the texture of this cake! It’s a must try for weekend!
Vikki
What a moist and yummy cake! The frosting is my favorite
Claire
I would love to try this!
Amanda
This is my new favorite cake recipe, thank you for sharing!
Mary
Can you make this cake in 9×12 pan?
Beth Pierce
Yes you can but you will need to bake it for about 35-40 minutes.