Famous Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
This peanut butter cake is a delicious treat for any occasion. The combination of moist yellow cake and creamy peanut butter icing is irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a birthday, or just a sweet craving, this cake will surely impress!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box of yellow cake mix (you can use any brand, but a moist cake mix works best for this recipe)
- 1 cup water (this helps bring the cake mix to life and adds moisture)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk works best for richness, but you can use any milk)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy depending on your preference—smooth gives a more uniform texture)
- 2 large eggs (helps bind the cake and makes it rise)
For the Icing:
- 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted to ensure there are no lumps)
- 1 cup milk (again, whole milk for creaminess, but any milk works)
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (smooth works best, but feel free to use crunchy for extra texture)
- Optional: Peanut butter chips and chocolate chips (use these to top the cake for an extra indulgent treat)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for baking the cake and ensuring it comes out soft and moist.
- Grease your baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the cake from sticking. You can use a 9×13-inch pan or a similar size. If you prefer, line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal after baking.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
- The entire box of yellow cake mix.
- 1 cup of water.
- 1/2 cup of milk.
- 1/2 cup of peanut butter.
- Add the 2 eggs to the mixture. They help to bind the ingredients together and give the cake a soft texture.
- Mix all ingredients together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on low speed. You can also use a whisk or spatula, but be sure to mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick, similar to regular cake batter.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly using a spatula.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. Tip: Start checking the cake around the 20-minute mark. To test if the cake is done, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready. If the batter sticks to the toothpick, give it a few more minutes.
- Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10–15 minutes before icing.
Step 4: Make the Peanut Butter Icing
- While the cake is cooling slightly, it’s time to make the peanut butter icing. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the following:
- 3 cups of powdered sugar (make sure to sift it for a smooth consistency).
- 1 cup of milk. This creates a creamy base for the icing.
- 1/4 cup of peanut butter. Use smooth peanut butter for the best texture in the icing.
- Stir the ingredients together until the icing is smooth and free from lumps. The icing will be pourable, but it should still have some thickness. If you like a richer peanut butter flavor, you can add an extra tablespoon or two of peanut butter.
Step 5: Frost the Cake
- Once the cake has cooled for about 10–15 minutes, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the top of the cake. Be sure to make deep enough holes so the icing can soak in, but don’t pierce all the way to the bottom. Tip: Poking holes ensures the icing soaks into the cake, making it extra moist and flavorful.
- Pour the icing over the warm cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. The icing should cover the surface of the cake and seep into the holes for extra flavor.
- If you like extra texture and flavor, sprinkle chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or a mix of both over the icing. This adds a delightful crunch and even more peanut butter goodness.
Step 6: Let It Cool and Serve
- Allow the cake to cool completely before serving. This allows the icing to set and gives the flavors time to meld. Tip: The cake is delicious when served at room temperature, but some people love it slightly chilled for a firmer texture.
- Serve and enjoy! This cake pairs beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Simply wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and place it in a freezer-safe container.
Customization Ideas
- Cake Mix Variations: If you want to experiment, you can use different cake mixes like chocolate or spice cake for a fun twist.
- Add Nuts: For a crunchy addition, sprinkle some chopped peanuts, or even almonds, on top of the icing before adding the chocolate chips.
- For a More Decadent Icing: Add a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to the icing for a subtle chocolate flavor that pairs wonderfully with the peanut butter.
FAQs About Peanut Butter Cake
- Can I use a different type of cake mix?
- Yes, you can use chocolate, spice, or even white cake mix. The peanut butter icing will pair well with most cake flavors.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can bake the cake up to 1-2 days in advance. Store it covered at room temperature until you’re ready to frost and serve.
- What if I don’t have peanut butter chips or chocolate chips?
- No worries! You can skip the chips or use a different topping like crushed peanuts, caramel drizzle, or even a dusting of cocoa powder.
- How can I make the icing thicker or thinner?
- If your icing is too thick, add a bit more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
- Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter. It will give the cake more texture, and some people love the extra crunch!
- Can I add chocolate to the cake batter itself?
- Yes! You can mix some chocolate chips into the batter before baking for an extra chocolatey treat.
Conclusion
This Famous Peanut Butter Cake recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the combination of rich peanut butter and sweet, moist cake. The addition of creamy peanut butter icing makes it an irresistible dessert. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a casual treat, this cake is sure to be a hit!
Enjoy baking, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones!