Oh my goodness, if you love peanut butter, you are in for a treat with this Peanut Butter Pound Cake! Imagine a cake that’s soft and buttery with the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter woven throughout every bite. It’s dense, moist, and has the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a special occasion, or just because, this cake will wow everyone at the table.
And guess what? It’s not just delicious—it’s super easy to make too! This cake comes together quickly with pantry staples, making it a perfect go-to when you’re craving something cozy and indulgent.
Let’s dive in, because this peanut butter pound cake is seriously something special!
Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Pound Cake
- Peanut Butter Perfection: If you love peanut butter, this cake is like a dream come true. The peanut butter flavor is rich, but it’s not overpowering, making every slice just the right balance of nutty goodness.
- Moist and Dense: This is a pound cake, so expect a sturdy yet moist texture. It’s thick, soft, and satisfies every time you take a bite.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything you need already in your kitchen. No fancy ingredients here—just the basics that come together to make a fantastic cake!
- Versatile: You can enjoy this cake as is or add your favorite frosting, like chocolate ganache or a peanut butter glaze, for even more decadence.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- All-Purpose Flour: The base for this cake that gives it structure.
- Baking Powder: To give the cake that perfect rise and fluffiness.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor of the cake and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter: For richness and a soft texture.
- Peanut Butter: The star ingredient! Smooth peanut butter works best for a creamy, uniform batter.
- Granulated Sugar: For sweetness and a soft crumb.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a little depth of flavor.
- Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and add to the cake’s density.
- Vanilla Extract: For a sweet, aromatic background flavor.
- Milk: Helps achieve the right batter consistency and tenderness.
(Note: The full ingredients list with measurements is provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Let’s get started with baking this rich, peanut buttery masterpiece!
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
2. Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and peanut butter until light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this—mixing for about 2-3 minutes will do the trick.
3. Add the Sugars:
Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the creamed butter and peanut butter mixture. Beat until fully combined and fluffy. This will help create a soft and moist texture for your pound cake.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until everything is smooth and combined.
5. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before adding them to the wet ingredients.
6. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix each addition until just combined—don’t overmix!
7. Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for about 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You may need to cover the top of the cake with aluminum foil in the last 15 minutes if it’s browning too quickly.
8. Cool and Serve:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it up, and you’re ready to enjoy the peanut butter goodness!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
How to Serve Peanut Butter Pound Cake
This peanut butter pound cake is amazing on its own, but you can take it to the next level by serving it with:
- Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle some melted chocolate over the cake for a rich and decadent contrast to the peanut butter flavor.
- Peanut Butter Glaze: Make a simple glaze with powdered sugar, peanut butter, and milk for a sweet and nutty topping.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For the ultimate indulgence, serve a slice of cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
- Fresh Fruit: Try pairing this cake with sliced bananas or strawberries for a nice fresh balance against the richness of the cake.
Additional Tips
- Peanut Butter Variations: If you want to mix it up, try using crunchy peanut butter for a bit of texture in the cake.
- Add-ins: Feel free to fold in some chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or butterscotch chips for added flavor and texture.
- Make it a Bundt Cake: If you prefer a different shape, you can use a Bundt pan instead of a loaf pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time, as it may bake faster in a Bundt pan.
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use natural peanut butter?
A1: Yes, you can, but the texture of the cake may be a bit different. Natural peanut butter is runnier, so it may affect the density and moisture slightly. I recommend using creamy peanut butter for the best results.
Q2: Can I freeze this pound cake?
A2: Absolutely! You can freeze the cake once it’s fully cooled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
Q3: Can I make this without eggs?
A3: Yes, you can make this cake egg-free by using an egg substitute, like unsweetened applesauce (¼ cup per egg) or a flax egg. This may slightly alter the texture, but it will still taste delicious!
Q4: How can I make this cake sweeter?
A4: If you have a really big sweet tooth, you can add a little more sugar to the batter, or top the cake with extra frosting or glaze for an even sweeter treat.
This Peanut Butter Pound Cake is truly one of those recipes that feels like home. It’s cozy, comforting, and perfectly sweet with that unforgettable peanut butter flavor. Whether you’re indulging by yourself or sharing with friends and family, this cake is sure to make everyone smile. Enjoy every bite of this peanut buttery goodness!
PrintPeanut Butter Pound Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 servings 1x
Description
This Peanut Butter Pound Cake is a rich and decadent dessert perfect for peanut butter lovers! With a moist, buttery texture and a delightful peanut butter flavor in every bite, this cake is perfect for family gatherings, tea parties, or any special occasion. It’s easy to make and pairs wonderfully with a drizzle of chocolate ganache or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or tube pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, and sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 4-5 minutes).
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice and serve. Optional: drizzle with chocolate ganache or serve with whipped cream.
Notes
- For an extra peanut butter flavor, top the cake with a peanut butter glaze or a few chopped peanuts.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- If you prefer a fluffier cake, you can use a hand whisk to lightly mix the batter instead of over-mixing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg