Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting

If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly balances rich flavor and moist texture, Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting might just be what you need. You can easily whip up this indulgent treat, combining the comforting taste of peanut butter with a fluffy frosting that elevates it further. But what makes this cake a standout at any gathering? The answer lies in its versatility and the little tweaks you can make to suit any occasion. Let’s explore what sets this cake apart and how to elevate it even more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Looking for a delightful dessert that’s easy to whip up? You’ll love this Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting recipe for several reasons.

1. Easy to Make: The quick preparation allows you to have the cake and frosting ready without hassle. Using an electric mixer simplifies combining ingredients, and you can adjust the frosting’s consistency to your liking. You can have both the cake and frosting ready in just 18 minutes of prep time.
2. Perfect Texture: The frosting is creamy yet fluffy, thanks to the combination of butter and peanut butter. Powdered sugar gives it the right consistency, while heavy cream can make it thicker or thinner. The cake is tender and moist because of the buttermilk.
3. Versatile: This peanut butter frosting isn’t just for cakes; it works great on cupcakes, brownies, and even cookies. You can bake the cake in various sizes, whether in three 8-inch pans or a 9×13 dish. The frosting can be piped for decoration or simply spread on.
4. Nutritional Considerations: A piece of this cake contains 437 calories, making it a treat you can enjoy in moderation. This recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with minimal effort.

History

Peanut butter’s journey from ancient origins to modern-day favorite adds depth to your enjoyment of Peanut Butter Cake. The history of peanuts begins with South American tribes, who roasted and boiled them, creating a paste for protein long before they reached the United States.

These tribes showcased the peanut’s versatility, using it in various ways as a staple food. In the U.S., George Washington Carver played an important role in promoting peanuts. He invented numerous products, including peanut milk and peanut ink, and is often credited with popularizing peanut butter. Additionally, his work led to a greater awareness of peanuts as a valuable crop, which contributed to their rise in popularity.

Later, Joseph Rosefield developed churned peanut butter, making it creamier and more appealing to consumers. Despite initial skepticism, peanut butter became a staple in American households and military rations.

Although some controversies arose about its links to acne and weight gain, its rich, nutty flavor won over many. Today, peanut butter is widely used in various recipes, thanks to its versatility and nutritional benefits.

It remains a key ingredient in both traditional and modern desserts, including the development of peanut butter frosting, which enhances its use in baked goods. Understanding this history enriches your appreciation of Peanut Butter Cake.

Recipe

Peanut Butter Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with a moist, tender crumb. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday celebration, a potluck, or simply an indulgent treat to enjoy at home. The combination of creamy peanut butter in both the cake and the frosting creates a harmonious taste that will leave peanut butter lovers craving more. The cake features a balanced peanut butter flavor that is not overwhelming and is complemented by a rich candied peanut butter fudge frosting.

This recipe isn’t only easy to follow but also allows for customization if you want to add your personal touch. From adding chocolate chips to incorporating chopped peanuts for added texture, the possibilities are endless. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a cake that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing with a luscious frosting that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cake:

• 2 cups granulated sugar (400g)
• 1 cup water (240 mL)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (113g)
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter (198g)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (226g)
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (264g)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar (240g)
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional)

Instructions for Peanut Butter Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch cake pan with baking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the water, unsalted butter, and creamy peanut butter to a simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly until melted and well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add in the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
4. Beat the flour mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Gradually add the peanut butter mixture and beat until the batter is smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it into an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Instructions for Peanut Butter Frosting:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter together with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
2. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar while continuing to beat until fully incorporated and smooth. Increase the mixer speed to high and beat until the frosting becomes fluffy.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined. If desired, add the heavy cream one tablespoon at a time for a fluffier consistency.
4. Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top.

For the best results, make sure all your ingredients, especially the butter, are at room temperature before starting. This will help create a smoother batter and frosting. Additionally, allow the cake to cool completely before frosting it to prevent the frosting from melting.

If you want to add a fun twist, consider drizzling melted chocolate or sprinkling crushed peanuts on top of the frosting for extra flavor and texture!

Final Thoughts

When it comes to indulging in a delicious dessert like Peanut Butter Cake, understanding its nutritional aspects can help you make informed choices. Here are some key points to contemplate:

• Calories and Macronutrients:
• Peanut butter frosting has about 140 calories per 2 tablespoons.
• The macronutrient breakdown includes 30% carbs, 62% fat, and 8% protein.
• A serving of peanut butter fudge has 128.1 calories, 6.8g fat, and 13.7g carbs.
• Dietary Considerations:
• In 2 tablespoons of frosting, you get 11g of carbs and 10g of fat.
• Homemade fudge contains 9.5g of sugars and 1.2g of dietary fiber.
• The frosting’s high calorie density (583 calories per 100g) is significant.
• Comparative Analysis:
• Different brands can have similar nutritional profiles with slight variations.
• A slice of peanut butter cake with frosting can reach 489 calories, and the total calories from the main ingredients can be significant when calculating your intake.
• Health Considerations:
• The high sugar and fat content means moderation is essential.
• Keep track of calories if you’re following specific diets.
• Remember, these treats lack essential vitamins and minerals, so balance is key.

FAQ

If you’re curious about making Peanut Butter Cake or its frosting, you probably have some questions. Here’s a quick FAQ to help you out.

What are the key ingredients for peanut butter frosting? You’ll need unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, and powdered sugar. For extra flavor, consider adding vanilla extract or heavy cream.

How do I prepare the frosting? Start by beating the softened butter and peanut butter together until fluffy. Then, mix in the powdered sugar. If your frosting is too thick, add more heavy cream; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Can I use chunky peanut butter? Avoid chunky peanut butter if you plan to pipe the frosting, as it can clog your piping tips.

What if the frosting separates? It’s best to avoid organic peanut butter, which can cause oil separation.

What are some frosting variations? You can make a cream cheese version by mixing peanut butter with cream cheese and milk. For a quick method, melt the butter and peanut butter in the microwave.

How do I decorate the cake? You can spread or pipe the frosting on cooled cake layers and add chopped peanuts for decoration. Additionally, consider using a Wilton 1M cake tip for decorative frosting on cupcakes.