Peanut butter pound cake recipe is a rich, dense dessert made using peanut butter, cream cheese, and a blend of simple ingredients.
I’ve been making this peanut butter pound cake recipe for years, learning the texture and flavor through dozens of attempts.
Sometimes I follow the bakery-style method, but often I make small changes like using creamy instead of crunchy peanut butter or adding extra vanilla.
This peanut butter pound cake recipe holds a long place in my kitchen history. I know its timing, its rise, its crumb. Now I’ll walk through the step-by-step process to show how this peanut butter pound cake recipe comes to life.
About This Peanut Butter Pound Cake Recipe
This peanut butter pound cake recipe is a deeply flavorful, moist, and satisfying dessert that blends the richness of cream cheese and butter with the nutty depth of peanut butter.
The cake has a dense, buttery crumb true to classic pound cake but with a bold peanut taste throughout. It’s sweet without being overpowering, and the addition of a creamy peanut butter glaze on top adds smoothness and a beautiful finish.
Over time, I’ve made this recipe several times and developed a rhythm. I’ve shifted slightly from the original bakery version by using crunchy peanut butter for added texture and sometimes adjusting the glaze to make it thinner or thicker, depending on how I want it to look when served.
It’s one of those recipes that stays with you easy to remember, easy to prepare, and always delivers consistent results.
How To Preapre Peanut Butter Pound Cake Recipe?
To make this peanut butter pound cake recipe come out just right, I’ll walk you through each step clearly and simply. I’ve included helpful tips and listed the kitchen tools I use to make baking smoother.
Don’t stress if you don’t have every tool use what’s available, and you’ll still bake a rich, flavorful cake worth sharing.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Yield: 14 slices
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Electric mixer
- Large mixing bowl
- Sifter
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Bundt or tube cake pan
- Cooling rack
- Small bowl (for glaze)
- Whisk or fork

Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup crunchy peanut butter
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup butter-flavored solid shortening
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Peanut Butter Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk (adjust for thickness)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Generously grease and flour a large Bundt pan or tube pan, ensuring all the crevices are well-coated to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, shortening, and cream cheese. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Add in the sugar gradually and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs One by One:
Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps the batter emulsify properly and ensures a smooth texture.
4. Mix in Flavors:
Stir in the crunchy peanut butter and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined. The crunchy peanut butter will add a nice texture to the cake.
5. Sift and Fold in Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until everything is incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
6. Pour and Bake:
Pour the thick batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, creamy peanut butter, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk. If the glaze is too thick, add the remaining milk a little at a time until it reaches a pourable consistency.
8. Glaze and Serve:
Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the peanut butter glaze over the top. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy!
Note:
For best flavor, bring to room temperature before serving. You can substitute smooth peanut butter in the cake if you prefer a smoother texture without peanut chunks.
Nutrition Facts Of Peanut Butter Pound Cake Recipe
Nutrition | Amounts |
---|---|
Calories | 520 |
Total Fat | 29g |
Saturated Fat | 13g |
Cholesterol | 120mg |
Sodium | 140mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 60g |
Sugars | 38g |
Protein | 7g |
Why We Love This Recipe
This peanut butter pound cake recipe stands out because of its rich, comforting flavors and the perfect balance between creamy peanut butter and tender cake.
The combination of cream cheese and butter creates a moist texture that feels indulgent without being heavy. The crunchy peanut butter adds a pleasant texture that surprises the palate, while the peanut butter glaze ties everything together with a smooth finish.
It’s a recipe that feels both nostalgic and special, making it a favorite for sharing during gatherings or enjoying as a personal treat. The results consistently deliver satisfaction and warmth.
How To Decoare AND Serve
To decorate this peanut butter pound cake recipe, start by drizzling the peanut butter glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to drip naturally down the sides for a rustic look.
You can sprinkle chopped peanuts or crushed pretzels on the glaze for added crunch and visual interest. For a finishing touch, add a few whole peanuts or small dollops of whipped cream around the edges.
Serve the peanut butter pound cake recipe sliced thick or thin, depending on preference, alongside a cup of coffee, tea, or cold milk. It also pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Health Benefits
Peanut butter pound cake recipe, while a rich dessert, offers some nutritional benefits thanks to its key ingredients. Peanut butter provides healthy fats, mainly monounsaturated fats, which support heart health when consumed in moderation.
It also contains protein, which helps with muscle repair and satiety. Cream cheese adds calcium, important for strong bones and teeth. Eggs contribute essential vitamins like B12 and minerals such as selenium.
Although this peanut butter pound cake recipe is high in sugar and fat, enjoying it occasionally can satisfy sweet cravings while offering small amounts of nutrients. Balancing treats like this with a varied diet supports overall health and wellbeing.
Top Baking Tips
1. Let all your ingredients sit out until they reach room temperature. This makes mixing easier and helps create a smoother, creamier batter.
2. Be careful when measuring flour—scoop it lightly and level it off with a knife instead of packing it in. Too much flour can make the cake dry and dense.
3. Stir the batter gently after adding the dry ingredients. Mixing too much develops gluten, which can lead to a tougher cake instead of a tender crumb.
4. Thoroughly grease your baking pan and dust it with flour, or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removing the cake simple.
5. Place the cake pan on the middle rack of the oven. This spot offers the most consistent heat, helping the cake bake evenly from all sides.
6. Use a toothpick or skewer to check if the cake is done. Insert it into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs but no wet batter. This ensures the cake is fully baked without drying out.
How To Make With More Delicious
To make peanut butter pound cake recipe even more delicious, start by using high-quality peanut butter freshly ground or natural creamy types add richer flavor.
Toasting the peanuts lightly and folding them into the batter can add a deeper, nutty crunch. Swap part of the sugar for brown sugar to introduce subtle caramel notes.
Adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon or rum can enhance complexity. Make sure to cream the butter, shortening, and cream cheese until very smooth and fluffy that helps create a tender crumb.
Finally, finish with a thicker peanut butter glaze or drizzle melted chocolate on top for an irresistible finish.
Storage Recommendations
To keep your peanut butter pound cake recipe fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
If your kitchen is warm or humid, it’s better to refrigerate the cake, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in a sealed container, to prevent it from drying out.
When refrigerated, the peanut butter pound cake recipe will stay good for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
Frozen peanut butter pound cake recipe lasts up to three months. To enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
FAQs About Peanut Butter Pound Cake Recipe
Can I substitute smooth peanut butter for crunchy?
Yes, smooth peanut butter can replace crunchy for a creamier texture. Using crunchy adds texture and a bit of crunch, but smooth works well for a softer bite.
Why use both butter and shortening?
Butter adds rich flavor, while shortening helps keep the cake tender and moist. Using both balances taste and texture, but all butter can be used if preferred.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Wet batter means it needs more time.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, ensuring it includes a binder like xanthan gum.
What can replace cream cheese?
Mascarpone or full-fat Greek yogurt are possible substitutes, but cream cheese gives a unique moistness and slight tang.
How long will the cake stay fresh?
At room temperature in an airtight container, about 2-3 days. Refrigerated, it can last up to a week without drying.
Conclusion
This peanut butter pound cake recipe is one of the best and easiest delicious ideas you can rely on every time. The rich flavor, moist texture, and smooth glaze come together in a way that feels comforting and homemade.
I truly enjoyed making it once again, and it reminded me why I keep coming back to this recipe. I hope you’re inspired to try it yourself and experience the same satisfaction.
Make peanut butter pound cake recipe soon, share it with others, and enjoy every bite from start to finish.
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Peanut Butter Pound Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Large mixing bowl
- Sifter
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Bundt or tube cake pan
- Cooling rack
- Small bowl for glaze
- Whisk or fork
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup crunchy peanut butter
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup butter-flavored solid shortening
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Peanut Butter Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk adjust for thickness
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat and Prep:
- Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Generously grease and flour a large Bundt pan or tube pan, ensuring all the crevices are well-coated to prevent sticking.
Cream the Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, shortening, and cream cheese. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Add in the sugar gradually and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add Eggs One by One:
- Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps the batter emulsify properly and ensures a smooth texture.
Mix in Flavors:
- Stir in the crunchy peanut butter and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined. The crunchy peanut butter will add a nice texture to the cake.
Sift and Fold in Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until everything is incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
Pour and Bake:
- Pour the thick batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, creamy peanut butter, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk. If the glaze is too thick, add the remaining milk a little at a time until it reaches a pourable consistency.
Glaze and Serve:
- Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the peanut butter glaze over the top. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition | Amounts |
---|---|
Calories | 520 |
Total Fat | 29g |
Saturated Fat | 13g |
Cholesterol | 120mg |
Sodium | 140mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 60g |
Sugars | 38g |
Protein | 7g |

Hi! I’m Sophia, your trusted cake guide with years of hands-on baking experience. I’m passionate about creating delicious and wholesome cakes that bring happiness to every occasion and home. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned baker, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and inspiration to make your baking journey enjoyable and rewarding. From classic flavors to healthy twists, my goal is to help you discover the joy of baking and sharing beautiful cakes with family and friends.