Oh my goodness, you guys, if you’re looking for a slice of heaven, you’ve come to the right place! This Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake is pure comfort food, the kind that makes you want to curl up with a big glass of milk and maybe a good book. I’m talking a moist, tender crumb laced with that undeniable peanut butter flavor – seriously, it’s the best!
I can still remember my grandma making this cake. It was a staple at every family gathering. Every single bite brought back the warmth and love from my childhood. I started baking it as a teenager, and, well, let’s just say it became a pretty popular request at potlucks and birthday parties. I’ve probably perfected it over the years. This recipe is an adaptation from her original, and it’s a total winner (trust me on this one!).
Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake
Okay, so let me tell you why you ABSOLUTELY need to make this cake ASAP! It’s seriously the best:
- Easy Peasy! Seriously, even if you’re not the best baker, you can nail this.
- Classic Flavor: That perfect peanut butter taste we all crave.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Birthdays, potlucks, Tuesday night… this cake is always welcome.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these in your pantry right now!
Trust me on this one – it’s going to become your new favorite!
Ingredients for the Best Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake
Alright, let’s get down to the good stuff! You know, baking is all about having the right ingredients. Trust me, it makes a HUGE difference. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake:
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Yep, the plain white stuff.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – Gotta have that molasses-y goodness! Make sure it’s packed.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Softened is KEY! (See, I told you!)
- 2 large eggs – Make sure they’re fresh!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Always use the good stuff!
- 1 cup milk – Any kind is fine.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Simple is best.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – Important for that fluffy texture!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Don’t skip this, it balances the flavors!
- 1 cup peanut butter – I like creamy, but you do you!
Easy peasy, right? Now let’s get baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake
Okay, friends, this is where the magic happens! Don’t worry, it’s super simple. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be sinking your teeth into a delicious slice of Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake in no time. Let’s get baking!
Prepping the Ingredients and Equipment
First things first, let’s get our ducks in a row. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) – you want it nice and hot! Next, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan. Make sure you grease it really well, butter or cooking spray works great. Then, dust it with flour. Shake out any extra – we want a perfectly coated pan, but not a cake with too much flour on the bottom. Prep work is key for a smooth bake.
Mixing the Batter
Here’s the fun part! In a large bowl, you’re going to cream together the sugars and softened butter. Beat it until it’s light and fluffy – this usually takes a few minutes with an electric mixer, or a little longer by hand (hey, it’s good arm exercise!). Then, add those eggs one at a time, mixing well after each before stirring in your vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting & ending with those dry ingredients, and mix just until combined. Finally, stir in that yum peanut butter until it’s evenly distributed. Watch out; it splatters!
Baking the Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake
Pour your beautiful batter into that prepared pan and spread it out evenly, so it bakes consistently. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a wooden skewer comes out clean when inserted into the center. (If you don’t have a skewer, a toothpick works great!). Take the cake out and let it cool completely in the pan before frosting. Patience is key – I know, it’s hard to wait for this one!
Tips for Success with Your Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake
Okay, so you want to make this cake absolutely PERFECT? I got you. Trust me, small tweaks can make a big difference!
First off, please use room-temperature ingredients, especially those eggs! This helps everything blend beautifully. Don’t overmix the batter – you want a tender crumb, not a tough one so stop when it’s just combined. And most importantly? Don’t even *think* about substituting the peanut butter! That’s where the magic really happens.
And, hey, if you aren’t sure, have backups! The best bakers have extra supplies!
Variations to Elevate Your Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake
Okay, so we all love the original, right? But sometimes, it’s fun to jazz things up a bit! This Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake is practically begging for a little upgrade. First off, a different frosting! Chocolate buttercream is a classic combo, but you can also try a peanut butter frosting with some chopped, salted peanuts on top. Ooh, or maybe a simple whipped cream! And if you’re feeling extra, throw in some chocolate chips into the batter – you won’t regret it!
Serving Suggestions for Your Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake
Okay, so you’ve made this amazing Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake, and now it’s time to take it to the next level! Honestly, this cake is perfect on its own, but sometimes you just want to go the extra mile, right?
My absolute favorite is a scoop of vanilla ice cream right on top – the cold cream with the warm, peanut buttery goodness? Heaven! A drizzle of chocolate sauce also works wonders. Or just a big ol’ glass of cold milk! Whatever makes your taste buds sing!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake
Okay, so somehow you have leftover Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake? Lucky you! To keep it fresh and delicious, just pop it in an airtight container. It’ll be perfectly fine at room temperature for a couple of days – let’s be honest, it probably won’t last that long anyway!
If you want to make it last longer (like, a whole week!), store it in the fridge. It might get a little firmer, so if you want to reheat a slice, put it in the microwave for like, 10-15 seconds. Ooh, and you can also pop it in a warm oven for a bit. Yum!
Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake
Got questions about this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common things people ask me about this delicious treat:
Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! This cake freezes like a dream. Just make sure it’s completely cooled down, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap (a couple of layers is a good idea!) and then a layer of foil for extra protection. It’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.
What kind of peanut butter is best?
I usually use creamy peanut butter for that classic smooth texture. However, if you are looking for a little more texture you can also try using a chunky peanut butter! But really, use whatever peanut butter you love! Just make sure it’s the kind you’d happily eat straight from the jar.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Ah, the dreaded sticky pan! But don’t worry, it’s easily avoidable! The key is greasing and flouring your pan really well – like, really, really well. I find that a good cooking spray works great. Make sure you get every nook and cranny. Also, you can line the bottom of your pan with parchment paper for extra insurance. That way you can never go wrong!
Can I make this gluten-free?
I haven’t tried making a gluten-free version myself, but I bet it’s possible! You could try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. I’d start with a blend that already has xanthan gum in it for the best results or check online to find gluten-free recipes that work.
Estimated Nutritional Information for Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake
Alright, folks, listen up! The nutritional info below is just an estimate, okay? It can totally change depending on the brands and ingredients you use – and hey, sometimes my baking amounts are a little *generous*. Enjoy this delicious treat in moderation!