Are you craving a decadent yet easy dessert? Look no further! This simple peanut butter cake recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. It's the ultimate comfort food, ideal for a weeknight treat or a casual weekend gathering. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this homemade masterpiece – it's unbelievably delicious and surprisingly quick to make! This recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes and healthy meals (when using whole-wheat flour!), perfect for those busy weeknights searching for quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier twist)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your cake will bake evenly and release easily from the pan.
Making the Cake Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This dry ingredient mixture will be added to the wet ingredients later.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best achieved using an electric mixer. The fluffier the mixture, the lighter and airier your cake will be!
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter and buttermilk until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the peanut butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don't overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
Baking the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Preparing the Frosting:
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
- Beat in the peanut butter, milk, and vanilla extract until the frosting is creamy and smooth.
Assembling the Cake:
- Once the cake is completely cool, frost it with the peanut butter frosting.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- Add chocolate chips or chopped peanuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor. This is a great way to customize this recipe to your taste.
- If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 18-22g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
- Protein: Approximately 5-7g
This delicious peanut butter cake is a fantastic addition to your collection of food recipes and best recipes. It's a simple recipe perfect for satisfying any sweet craving, making it a true winner for both beginner and experienced bakers. Enjoy!