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Experience a beloved classic with this timeless Peanut Butter Layer Cake. Each slice delivers rich peanut butter flavor and tender, moist crumb, crowned with a silky smooth peanut butter frosting that captures pure comfort in every bite.
This treasured recipe brings the essence of homestyle baking to your kitchen. The aroma of vanilla and peanut butter creates an inviting warmth that fills the house as it bakes.
Essential Ingredients
- Softened Butter: Must be room temperature
- Smooth Peanut Butter: Commercial style preferred
- Cake Flour: Measured carefully
- Brown Sugar: For moisture and depth
- Farm Fresh Eggs: Room temperature
- Pure Vanilla: Quality matters
- Whole Milk: Creates tenderness
- Fresh Baking Powder: Essential for lift
Preparation Method
- 1. Initial Setup:
- Heat oven to 350°F. Prepare 9x13 pan with grease and flour or parchment. Have ingredients at room temperature.
- 2. Mix Dry Components:
- Combine and whisk flour, baking powder, salt thoroughly. Reserve for later use.
- 3. Cream Mixture:
- Beat butter, peanut butter, sugars until light and doubled in volume, about 5 minutes. Scrape bowl often.
- 4. Add Wet Elements:
- Incorporate eggs individually. Blend in vanilla. Mixture may appear split temporarily.
- 5. Combine All:
- Add dry ingredients and milk alternately, starting and finishing with flour. Mix minimally to avoid toughness.
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Baker's Notes
- Ingredients must be room temperature
- Standard peanut butter works better than natural
- Watch carefully to avoid overbaking
- Cool thoroughly before frosting
- Keeps fresh 5 days at room temperature
Success comes from attention to detail. Each step builds flavor and texture. Take time with the creaming process and cooling period for best results.
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Storage Instructions
Store covered at room temperature up to 5 days. Unfrosted cake freezes well for 3 months when wrapped properly. Frosting keeps refrigerated 1 week - bring to room temperature and whip before using. For optimal results, frost just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Perfect year-round, but especially welcome in fall. Keep cool in summer months to maintain frosting stability. Consider adding thin strawberry jam layer between cake and frosting for variation. Works well as cupcakes with adjusted 18-20 minute bake time.
Professional Tips
- Verify baking powder freshness
- Choose light metal bakeware
- Turn pan during baking
- Season frosting with salt
- Rest buttercream before final mixing
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This classic Peanut Butter Cake represents the best of traditional baking. Quality ingredients and proper technique combine to create an enduring favorite for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I go for crunchy peanut butter instead?
- Totally! Crunchy peanut butter will give the cake some extra texture while keeping that same great taste.
- → What’s a good substitute if I don’t have buttermilk?
- You can mix 1 cup of milk with a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Stir it up and let it sit for a few minutes before you use it.
- → How long will this stay fresh after baking?
- If kept in an airtight container, this cake will stay good for about 4 days at room temperature.
- → Can I freeze it?
- Yes, you can freeze the cake without the frosting for up to 2 months. When ready, defrost it overnight in the fridge, then add frosting before serving.
- → Is this safe for someone with nut allergies?
- Unfortunately, no. Since peanuts are a main ingredient, this isn’t suitable for anyone with nut allergies.