Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Layer Cake Recipe

This peanut butter layer cake recipe celebrates the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter blended into soft, moist cake layers. This recipe and exploring new techniques is my real work, driven by a love for baking and sharing joy through food.

The main purpose of developing this peanut butter layer cake recipe is to bring comfort and delight to friends, family, and anyone who enjoys indulgent desserts.

peanut butter layer cake recipe have roots in early 20th-century American baking when peanut butter became widely available, inspiring creative desserts.

The following steps guide making this cake easily, along with serving suggestions, tips, health benefits, and extra ways to enhance flavor, variations, storage methods, and answers to common questions.

About This Peanut Butter Layer Cake Recipe

This peanut butter layer cake recipe has a deep, nutty flavor balanced by gentle sweetness. The crumb is soft and moist, giving a melt-in-the-mouth texture that feels rich without being heavy.

Peanut butter adds warmth and depth, while the frosting brings a creamy, slightly salty finish that enhances the cake layers. The sweetness never feels sharp, allowing the roasted peanut notes to shine.

The result is a comforting, bakery-style cake that feels indulgent, cozy, and familiar, leaving a lingering peanut butter taste that invites another slice.

How To Prepare Peanut Butter Layer Cake Recipe?

To make this peanut butter layer cake recipe turn out perfectly, we’ll go through the process step by step. I’ve explained everything clearly, including tips for mixing, baking, and frosting.

You can use the tools you have on hand, and even without all of them, you’ll still end up with a rich, moist, and delicious cake everyone will love.

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 servings

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• 9-inch round cake pans (2)
• Cooling rack
• Saucepan (for melting chips if needed)
• Offset spatula or knife for frosting

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• ¾ cup light brown sugar (soft)
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1⅔ cups all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ tsp salt (omit if using salted butter)
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ⅓ cup unflavored vegetable oil
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ⅔ cup smooth unsweetened peanut butter
• 1½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

• 10 oz peanut butter chips
• 2 cups salted butter, room temperature
• 9 cups powdered sugar
• 6–7 tbsp water or milk
• 1¼ cups peanut butter

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pans

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inches round cake pans with butter or cooking spray, then dust them lightly with flour, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk or sift them together and set aside.

3. Cream butter and sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3–4 minutes with a hand or stand mixer.

4. Add eggs and peanut butter

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.

5. Combine wet and dry ingredients

Add the dry ingredients in portions, alternating with the buttermilk. Start with some dry ingredients, then a little buttermilk, and continue this way, finishing with the dry ingredients. Fold in the vegetable oil gently until everything is just combined avoid over mixing.

6. Bake the cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Prepare the frosting

Beat the butter in a large bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until fluffy. Mix in the peanut butter. If the frosting is too thick, add water or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s easy to spread. For extra texture and flavor, you can melt peanut butter chips and fold them into the frosting.

8. Assemble the cake

Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Put the second cake layer over it and cover the top and sides with frosting. Decorate however you like. For a firmer frosting, chill the cake for a short while before serving.

Notes: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture. You can substitute milk for buttermilk if needed (add 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup milk and let it sit 5 min). Frost the cake completely cooled to prevent frosting from melting.

Nutrition Facts Peanut Butter Layer Cake Recipe

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	620 kcal
Protein	10 g
Carbohydrates	75 g
Fat	32 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	53 g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This peanut butter layer cake recipe delights because it delivers rich, nutty flavor and soft, tender texture that feels homemade.

The cake stays moist and light while the frosting adds a creamy, slightly salty touch that enhances the peanut taste. Sweetness is balanced, allowing the roasted peanut flavor to shine.

Baking is approachable, and the result looks impressive on any table. It creates a warm, comforting experience that invites sharing, leaving a lingering taste that makes returning for another slice irresistible.

How It Works

This peanut butter layer cake recipe works by combining simple ingredients in a way that creates a light, tender crumb and rich peanut flavor. Butter, oil, and peanut butter keep the cake moist, while eggs and buttermilk help it rise and stay soft.

Baking powder and baking soda give lift and structure. The frosting blends butter, peanut butter, and powdered sugar into a creamy topping that spreads easily and adds a smooth, nutty layer of flavor.

Together, the layers and frosting create a balanced, indulgent dessert that holds its shape and tastes rich.

Serving Suggestions

This peanut butter layer cake recipe can be enjoyed in many delicious ways. Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream to complement the rich, nutty flavor.

Fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries, add a bright, slightly tart contrast that balances the sweetness. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a light layer of whipped cream makes the cake feel more indulgent and festive.

Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea to enhance the warm, comforting flavors. The peanut butter layer cake recipe also looks beautiful on a platter, ready to share.

Health Benefits

This peanut butter layer cake recipe is an indulgent treat, it does offer a few health benefits when enjoyed in moderation. Peanut butter is a good source of protein and healthy fats, which can help keep you feeling full and provide energy.

It also contains vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium that support heart and muscle health. Using eggs and milk adds additional protein and essential nutrients.

Adding small amounts of nuts or serving with fresh fruit can increase fiber and antioxidants, giving a slightly nutritious boost to each slice.

Extra Ways To Enhance Flavor

➤ Sprinkle a touch of sea salt – A small pinch in the batter or on top of the frosting can make the peanut butter taste richer and more pronounced while balancing sweetness.

➤ Use roasted peanut butter – Roasted peanut butter has a stronger, more aromatic flavor than regular, giving the cake a warm, nutty depth.

➤ Fold in chocolate or peanut butter chips – Small pockets of chocolate or peanut butter chips melt slightly while baking, adding bursts of flavor in every slice.

➤ Enhance with extracts – Vanilla or almond extract brightens the cake and highlights the natural peanut notes, adding complexity without extra sweetness.

➤ Add texture with chopped peanuts or nuts – Toasted peanuts sprinkled on top or between layers add crunch, extra flavor, and a roasted, nutty aroma that elevates the cake.

Variations

➢ Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake – Add ¼ to ½ cup cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate base. You can also spread a thin layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers for extra richness.

➢ Banana Peanut Butter Cake – Mash one or two ripe bananas and fold them into the batter. This adds natural sweetness and makes the cake even moister.

➢ Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake – Spread your favorite jam or preserves between the cake layers before frosting. Strawberry or raspberry works beautifully and gives a nostalgic flavor.

➢ Spiced Peanut Butter Cake – Add a teaspoon of cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, or a small amount of allspice to the batter. The warm spices complement the peanut flavor and make the cake feel more aromatic.

Storage Methods

To keep your peanut butter layer cake recipe fresh and delicious, store it properly. If you plan to eat it within a day or two, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature.

For longer storage, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container; this will keep it moist for up to a week. You can also freeze the cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil.

When ready to serve, let peanut butter layer cake recipe thaw at room temperature, and the texture and flavor will be just as good as fresh.

FAQs For A Peanut Butter Layer Cake Recipe

Conclusion

This peanut butter layer cake recipe is a recipe that always brings joy and compliments. Every time I bake it, the rich peanut flavor and soft, moist texture make it a treat everyone enjoys.

I love making peanut butter layer cake recipe for gatherings, special moments, or just a cozy afternoon at home. The method is simple to follow, yet the results feel impressive and indulgent.

I encourage you to try it yourself baking this peanut butter layer cake recipe is not only satisfying but also a way to create warm, memorable moments that everyone will appreciate.

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