If you’re a fan of rich, moist cakes with a nutty twist, you’ll absolutely love this Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake. Combining the creamy, indulgent flavor of peanut butter with the soft, fluffy texture of a homemade cake, this dessert is perfect for family gatherings, special celebrations, or just when you’re craving something sweet. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe will quickly become a go-to for peanut butter lovers everywhere.

Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake

There’s something magical about the combination of peanut butter and cake. Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake brings together the best of both worlds—rich, nutty flavor and a light, airy crumb. The cake itself is fluffy yet full of flavor, and the peanut butter frosting is creamy and smooth, making each bite a delightful experience. It’s the kind of cake that makes everyone smile, whether it’s a casual treat after dinner or the star of a holiday feast.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make this scrumptious cake from scratch, step-by-step, and offer tips to make it even better. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply indulging in a delicious dessert, this peanut butter cake is sure to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to create this delectable Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake. The cake itself is made with basic pantry staples, while the peanut butter frosting adds a luxurious finish.

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk

For the Frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking once it’s baked.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for now.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and creamy. This should take about 3-4 minutes on medium speed. The key to a soft and fluffy cake is to properly cream the butter and sugar, so take your time with this step.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Once the butter and sugar are well-creamed, add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. After both eggs are fully incorporated, stir in the vanilla extract. This will add a lovely, aromatic flavor to complement the peanut butter.

Step 4: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Now, alternate adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the wet mixture. Start by adding a third of the dry ingredients, then mix it in until combined. Follow by adding half of the buttermilk, and mix again. Continue alternating the dry ingredients and buttermilk until all ingredients are incorporated and the batter is smooth.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan.

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

While the cake is cooling, prepare the peanut butter frosting. In a bowl, beat together the butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well between additions. Add milk and vanilla extract to the frosting, continuing to beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.

Step 7: Frost the Cake

Once the cake is completely cool, spread the peanut butter frosting over the top using a spatula. Make sure the frosting is evenly distributed over the entire cake. You can add a decorative swirl on top for extra visual appeal or sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for added texture.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake into squares or rectangles and serve! The combination of the moist cake and creamy peanut butter frosting is sure to be a hit with anyone who tastes it.

Tips for Making the Perfect Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake

Use room-temperature ingredients: For best results, make sure the butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smoother batter and more even baking.
Don’t overmix the batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense instead of light and fluffy.
Let the cake cool completely: Always allow the cake to cool completely before frosting it. If you frost a warm cake, the frosting may melt and slide off.
Add a crunchy texture: For extra texture, try adding chopped peanuts to the frosting or even mixing them into the batter for a nutty crunch throughout the cake.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake contains approximately:

Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 35g
Protein: 5g

This cake is rich and indulgent, so it’s perfect for special occasions when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones.

Why You Should Make Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake

There are so many reasons to try this recipe. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it’s also versatile—perfect for a variety of occasions, from birthdays and holidays to potlucks and casual get-togethers. The flavors of peanut butter and vanilla are timeless, and the moist, fluffy texture of the cake combined with the creamy frosting creates a dessert that everyone will enjoy.

Additionally, this cake offers the perfect balance of sweetness and richness without being overwhelmingly heavy. The peanut butter flavor is present but not overpowering, making it an ideal choice for both peanut butter enthusiasts and casual dessert lovers alike.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you love this Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake, here are a few more delicious treats that you might want to try next:

FAQs About Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake

Q1: How do bakeries get their cakes so moist?

Bakeries often achieve moist cakes by using ingredients like buttermilk, sour cream, or yogurt, which add moisture and tenderness. They also rely on mixing techniques that prevent overworking the batter, ensuring the cake stays light and soft. Additionally, some bakeries incorporate syrups or simple syrups to keep cakes moist even after baking.

Q2: Can you add peanut butter to cake batter?

Yes, you can add peanut butter to cake batter! It enhances the flavor and adds moisture. Just be sure to mix it well into the wet ingredients to avoid clumping, which helps achieve an even texture throughout the cake.

Q3: Is oil or butter better for moist cakes?

Oil generally makes cakes more moist than butter because it stays liquid at room temperature, helping the cake retain moisture. Butter, however, provides a rich flavor. A combination of both oil and butter can give you the best of both worlds: moistness and flavor.

Q4: What is the secret to keep cake moist?

To keep a cake moist, it’s important to avoid overbaking. You can also incorporate ingredients like buttermilk, yogurt, or sour cream into the batter. Wrapping the cake tightly in plastic wrap while it cools and storing it in an airtight container will also help retain moisture. Adding a simple syrup glaze can further preserve its moisture.

Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake is a timeless dessert that delivers rich flavor and a perfectly moist texture. This simple yet indulgent treat is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just because you’re craving something sweet. The combination of peanut butter, vanilla, and buttermilk creates a soft, tender crumb, while the creamy frosting takes it to the next level.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this easy-to-follow recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy a slice of nostalgia!

Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake – A Classic Favorite

Author: Sofia Rojas
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake is a nostalgic, homemade treat packed with rich peanut butter flavor and topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting. Moist, tender, and incredibly satisfying, this classic dessert is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a sweet indulgence at home.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk

For the Frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat & Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream Butter & Sugars: In another bowl, beat butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs & Vanilla: Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, mixing until smooth.
Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
Make Frosting: Beat butter and peanut butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, followed by milk and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
Frost & Serve: Spread frosting over the cooled cake, slice, and enjoy!

Notes

For extra moisture, add an extra tablespoon of peanut butter to the batter.
Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a longer shelf life.
Pairs well with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 38g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 58g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake, peanut butter cake, homemade peanut butter cake, moist peanut butter cake