Peanut butter cake is a delightful treat that combines the rich, creamy texture of peanut butter with the soft, moist texture of cake. It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, a family gathering, or just a quiet evening at home. Below, I’ll guide you through the process of making a delicious peanut butter cake step-by-step.
Ingredients
For the Cake Batter:
- All-purpose flour: 170 grams
- Granulated sugar: 150 grams
- Baking powder: 1.5 teaspoons
- Baking soda: 0.5 teaspoon
- Salt: 0.5 teaspoon
- Milk: 120 milliliters
- Peanut butter: 150 grams (smooth or chunky, based on your preference)
- Vegetable oil: 60 milliliters
- Eggs: 2 (medium-sized)
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- Unsalted butter: 100 grams (softened)
- Powdered sugar: 200 grams
- Peanut butter: 100 grams (smooth or chunky)
- Milk: 2-3 tablespoons (optional, for thinning)
- Vanilla extract: 0.5 teaspoon
- Salt: a pinch (optional, to taste)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Baking pan (9-inch round or equivalent)
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula (for frosting)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your baking pan, or line it with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the peanut butter, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Pour the Batter into the Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and should spring back to the touch.
Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake and transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
Beat the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter on medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add Peanut Butter: Add the peanut butter and continue to beat on medium speed until well combined and smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk and beat until you reach your desired consistency. You can add up to 3 tablespoons of milk, but be careful not to add too much as it will make the frosting too thin.
Add Vanilla Extract and Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until fully incorporated. Taste the frosting and adjust the sweetness or saltiness if needed.
Beat for 2-3 Minutes: Beat the frosting on high speed for 2-3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. This will help to achieve a smooth and spreadable consistency.
Frost the Cake
Prepare the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, place it on a serving plate or cake stand.
Add Frosting: Use an offset spatula to spread a layer of peanut butter frosting over the top and sides of the cake. You can add as much or as little frosting as you like, depending on your preference.
Decorate (Optional): If desired, you can decorate the cake with chopped peanuts, peanut butter chips, or other toppings of your choice.
Tips and Tricks
Measuring Flour: When measuring flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid adding too much.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, butter, and peanut butter are at room temperature before you start mixing. This will help to ensure a smooth and creamy batter.
Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense and tough.
Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving if possible.
Freezing: You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
Peanut butter cake is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is sure to impress your friends and family. By following the steps outlined above, you can create a moist, fluffy cake with a creamy peanut butter frosting that is sure to be a hit. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just wanting to enjoy a sweet treat, this peanut butter cake is a perfect choice. So, gather your ingredients and give it a try!
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