Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake

Here’s a delicious recipe for Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake, a delightful treat that combines the classic flavor of peanut butter with a moist and fluffy cake. This cake is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to a sweet treat after dinner.

Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup milk, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 6 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, for topping

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well blended.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the creamy peanut butter and vegetable oil until smooth and well combined.
4. Pour the peanut butter mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract together until well blended. Gradually add this mixture to the peanut butter batter, stirring until smooth and fully incorporated.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the cake should spring back when lightly pressed.
2. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 3: Prepare the Frosting

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the creamy peanut butter and stir until smooth and combined.
2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the milk and vanilla extract. Gradually add the powdered sugar, whisking until the frosting is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Frost the Cake

1. Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top of the cake using a spatula. The frosting should be thick but spreadable.
2. For a finishing touch, sprinkle the roasted peanuts evenly over the top of the frosted cake. The crunchy peanuts add a delightful texture contrast to the creamy frosting and soft cake.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice the cake into squares or rectangles and serve. This cake pairs wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee.
2. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. The cake tends to taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Tips for Success:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing them into the batter. This helps the ingredients blend more easily and creates a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until the batter comes together. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
• Custom Toppings: If you want to add more flair to your cake, consider drizzling some melted chocolate over the frosting or adding a layer of chocolate chips or peanut butter cups on top of the cake before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake is a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of simpler times. The combination of rich, creamy peanut butter and the light, airy texture of the cake is a match made in heaven. Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or just looking for a comforting dessert, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy baking and indulging in this delicious creation!