Dessert

Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake Recipe

ByElla Hart November 30, 2025November 30, 2025

Introduction

Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake is a delightful treat that combines rich peanut butter flavor with a moist, tender crumb. Topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting, this cake is perfect for gatherings or a special dessert. Simple to make and irresistibly delicious, it brings a nostalgic twist to your dessert table.

A slice of two-layer cake sits on a white plate with a blue decorative rim. The bottom and top layers are light brown, moist cake with a crumbly texture and visible small nuts inside. Between the two cake layers and covering the outside is a thick, smooth, caramel-colored frosting. On top, there is an even layer of the same caramel frosting, generously topped with whole and halved roasted peanuts that add a rough, nutty texture. The cake slice looks rich and dense, placed against a blurred backdrop with a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk

Frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined to keep the cake tender.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface evenly.
Step 7: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
Step 9: To make the frosting, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Step 10: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and serve.

Tips & Variations

For a crunchier texture, fold in 1/2 cup chopped peanuts or chopped chocolate chips into the batter.
Use natural peanut butter for a more intense flavor, but reduce added salt accordingly.
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
To make cupcakes, bake in a muffin tin lined with paper cups for about 18-20 minutes.

Storage

Store the peanut butter cake covered tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before serving chilled cake, allow it to come to room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a two-layer cake slice on a white plate with blue patterns, placed on a white marbled surface. The cake layers are golden brown with a visible crumbly texture, separated and covered by a thick, smooth layer of light brown frosting. The top of the cake is coated in the same light brown frosting and topped with whole and chopped peanuts, adding a crunchy texture contrast. The frosting has a creamy and shiny appearance, slightly dripping on the sides of the cake. Another cake is blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer added texture. It will give the cake a slight crunch and more peanut pieces throughout.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. If there is wet batter on the tester, bake for a few more minutes and check again.