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This nostalgic Peanut Butter Cake recipe, shared by Lynn Wells, takes us back to grade school when peanut butter cake days in the cafeteria were eagerly awaited. Now, you can recreate that delicious treat at home with this simple and satisfying recipe, complete with a creamy peanut butter frosting.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ cup crunchy peanut butter (do not use natural)
1 cup water
1 stick unsalted butter
½ cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs, at room temperature, slightly beaten
½ cup buttermilk, at room temperature

For the frosting:

1 stick salted butter, softened
½ cup creamy peanut butter
6 tablespoons buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9 x 13-inch pan with cooking spray and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a saucepan, combine the water and butter. Heat on medium and bring to a slow boil. Remove from heat, then stir in the peanut butter and oil until well blended.
Mix in the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Pour the wet mixture into the flour mixture. Stir until all ingredients are incorporated. The batter will be loose.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly to all corners. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, make the frosting: Bring the butter, peanut butter, and buttermilk to a rapid boil in a saucepan. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in the vanilla and powdered sugar.
While the frosting is still hot, spread it over the warm cake.
Let the cake cool completely, then cut into bars and enjoy!

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: 219
Carbohydrates: 23 g
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 19 g
Sodium: 190 mg

The Appeal of Peanut Butter Cake

Peanut Butter Cake holds a special place in many hearts, as it’s a dessert that evokes memories of school days, cafeteria lunches, and after-school snacks. The rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter shines through in every bite, balanced by a moist, tender cake that’s not too sweet but perfectly comforting. Topped with a creamy, slightly sweet peanut butter frosting, this cake is the epitome of indulgence and nostalgia.

What makes this cake so appealing is its simplicity. The ingredients are easy to find, and the steps are straightforward, making it a perfect dessert for beginners or experienced bakers alike. The frosting, while decadent, adds a layer of richness that complements the cake without overwhelming it. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or just because, Peanut Butter Cake is a treat that’s bound to please everyone.

Ingredients for the Cake: A Simple Yet Delicious Base

The base of the Peanut Butter Cake consists of ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen, making it an easy go-to dessert. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients:

All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, providing structure and a light texture.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to create a moist cake.
Baking soda and salt: Essential for leavening and balancing the flavors.
Crunchy peanut butter: Adds the rich, nutty flavor and texture that defines this cake. (Be sure not to use natural peanut butter for this recipe as the consistency can be different.)
Water, butter, and canola oil: These ingredients ensure the cake is moist and tender, providing both flavor and texture.
Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cake.
Eggs and buttermilk: These ingredients help bind everything together and add richness to the batter.

The beauty of this recipe lies in how these simple ingredients combine to create a cake that’s soft, moist, and full of peanut butter flavor without being overly heavy or dense.

Making the Cake: A Step-by-Step Process

Making this Peanut Butter Cake is simple, but there are a few key steps to ensure success. Here’s a quick overview of the process:

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9 x 13-inch pan with cooking spray to prevent the cake from sticking.
Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before they’re added to the wet ingredients.
Make the wet mixture: In a saucepan, combine the water and butter. Heat on medium and bring it to a slow boil, then remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter and oil. After that, mix in the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. The batter will be loose, but don’t worry—that’s exactly how it should be.
Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Making the Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting

No Peanut Butter Cake is complete without the creamy peanut butter frosting, which is as easy to make as the cake itself. Here’s how to prepare it:

Boil the ingredients: In a saucepan, bring the butter, peanut butter, and buttermilk to a rapid boil. Stir frequently to make sure everything is well combined.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla: Once the mixture is boiling, remove it from the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract and sifted powdered sugar. This will create a smooth, creamy frosting.
Frost the cake: While the cake is still warm, spread the frosting over the top. The warmth of the cake helps the frosting spread more easily and ensures that it sticks perfectly.

Letting the Cake Cool and Enjoying

After you’ve added the frosting, let the cake cool completely before cutting it into bars. This allows the frosting to set, and the cake to firm up slightly, making it easier to slice. The cake is incredibly moist, and the peanut butter frosting is smooth and creamy, creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Once it’s cooled, cut the cake into bars or squares and enjoy! The combination of the rich, nutty peanut butter and the tender, moist cake is truly comforting and satisfying.

Serving Suggestions

This Peanut Butter Cake can be served in various ways depending on the occasion:

For a family dessert: Serve the cake after dinner with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for added indulgence.
As a party treat: Serve this cake as an easy-to-eat bar dessert at parties or potlucks. The individual pieces make it easy to serve and share.
For an afternoon snack: Pair it with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a nostalgic treat that’s perfect for an afternoon break.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which might be a big “if”), this cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be refrigerated for a longer shelf life, but you may need to allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Conclusion: A Taste of Nostalgia in Every Bite

In conclusion, this Peanut Butter Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a slice of nostalgia. Whether you’re recreating a childhood favorite or introducing it to a new generation, this cake delivers all the comforting flavors of peanut butter, sweetness, and creaminess. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a treat that anyone can make and enjoy. The combination of the moist, peanut butter-flavored cake and the smooth, rich frosting is truly irresistible. Perfect for any occasion, this Peanut Butter Cake will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy!

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