The Ultimate Peanut Butter Dream Cake

Ultimate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe Reeses Dream

By Emily CollinsSeptember 15, 2025

Jump to Recipe

4.38 (8 Ratings)

Table of Contents

☷

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a peanut butter cake that's like a Reese's exploded in your mouth? Honestly, who doesn't! This recipe is the best peanut butter cake , I'm telling you! It's got that intense peanut butter flavor we all crave.

Brief Overview

This easy peanut butter cake recipe is inspired by classic American baking. It takes a little time, but it's totally worth it! It's medium difficulty, takes about 2 hours to make, and serves 12-16.

Main Benefits

This homemade peanut butter cake is packed with flavour. Perfect for a birthday, celebration, or just a Tuesday! It's special because it's from scratch and tastes amazing!.

Ready to dive into the ingredients for my dreamy peanut butter cake from scratch ?

Layers of Peanut Butter Bliss

Oh my gosh, just thinking about it gets my mouth watering! We're making luscious cake layers for this Reese's peanut butter cake recipe . And don't worry, it's easier than you think.

That Irresistible Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting

Now, for the star, the peanut butter buttercream frosting ! This is where the magic happens. Silky smooth, intensely peanut buttery, and oh-so-satisfying.

You'll want to eat it straight from the bowl. I won't judge if you do!

Decadent Chocolate Ganache Drip

The Ultimate Peanut Butter Dream Cake presentation

And to top it all off, a rich chocolate ganache drip. Because what's peanut butter without chocolate? This is the definition of indulgence. It takes this cake to another level!.

Alright, let's talk about what you need to make this incredible peanut butter cake ! You'll be licking the bowl clean, I promise.

Honestly, this homemade peanut butter cake is gonna be a game changer.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients: Measuring Up!

Listen, precise measurements are key, especially when baking . We don't want a disaster, right? Think of it like building with Lego every brick has to fit.

All-Purpose Flour: 2 ½ cups (300g) . The foundation!
Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon (5g) . Helps it rise.
Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon (2.5g) . More rising power!
Salt: ½ teaspoon (3g) . Balances the sweetness.
Unsalted Butter (Softened): ¾ cup (170g) . Good quality butter makes a difference.
Granulated Sugar: 1 ½ cups (300g) .
Light Brown Sugar: ½ cup (120g) . Adds moisture and depth.
Buttermilk (Room Temp): 1 cup (240ml) . Makes the cake super moist. Don't skip this!
Large Eggs (Room Temp): 2. Room temperature is essential!.
Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons (10ml) .
Creamy Peanut Butter: 1 cup (240ml) . Smooth is best here for the best texture.
Hot Water: ½ cup (120ml) . Helps the peanut butter incorporate.
Unsalted Butter (Softened - Frosting): 1 cup (225g) .
Powdered Sugar (Sifted - Frosting): 4 cups (480g) . Sifting prevents lumps!
Creamy Peanut Butter (Frosting): 1 ½ cups (360ml) . More peanut butter goodness!
Heavy Cream (Frosting): ¼ cup (60ml) . For a perfect, creamy texture in our peanut butter buttercream frosting.
Vanilla Extract (Frosting): 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
Pinch of Salt (Frosting): Just a little!
Semi Sweet Chocolate (Finely Chopped - Ganache): 4 ounces (115g) . Pick a chocolate you love.
Heavy Cream (Ganache): ½ cup (120ml) . Don't skimp on the fat!

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauces

The right flavors make all the difference. It is truly essential to getting the best peanut butter cake .

For that warm, nutty taste, vanilla extract is crucial. Don't use imitation!
A pinch of salt balances the sweetness. It is a real life changer.
For a chocolate hit, try using chocolate ganache , you can mix and match.
For the Reese's peanut butter cake recipe experience, consider adding crushed peanut butter cup pieces to the frosting or ganache. Oh my days, that is delicious.

Equipment Needed: No Fancy Gadgets Needed!

You don't need a professional kitchen! Just some basics.

Two 9 inch Round Cake Pans.
Parchment Paper: For lining the pans.
Stand Mixer or Electric Hand Mixer: Either will do.
Mixing Bowls: You'll need a few.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy.
Offset Spatula: For spreading the peanut butter buttercream frosting .
Wire Rack: For cooling the cakes.
Double Boiler or Microwave Safe Bowl: For the chocolate ganache . A microwave works in a pinch.

You know, making this easy peanut butter cake recipe from scratch is totally achievable! And once you nail it, you'll be making it forever. It is that good.

Alright, let's get this show on the road! A peanut butter cake , eh? Sounds absolutely scrummy. Like a Reese's peanut butter cup exploded in a bakery.

I'm picturing layers of moist, peanutty goodness... oh, my! I have this recipe, and this will deliver layers of moist, intensely peanut butter buttery cake, generously frosted with a silky smooth peanut butter buttercream frosting , and finished with a decadent chocolate ganache drip.

The Magic of Baking: Our Peanut Butter Cake Recipe

So, you wanna learn how to bake the best peanut butter cake from scratch ? Honestly, it's not as scary as it sounds.

And the results? Oh my gosh! This easy peanut butter cake recipe is going to become your go-to for birthdays, celebrations, or just a rainy Tuesday when you need a bit of comfort.

I'll walk you through every single step.

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

Essential Mise en Place : Get everything measured! Flour, sugar, peanut butter , buttermilk. Seriously, it makes the whole thing smoother.
Time Saving Organization Tips : Grab two 9 inch cake pans and parchment paper, butter and flour them. Now is the time to grease and line your cake pans before you even think about preheating the oven.
Safety Reminders : Don't burn yourself! Oven mitts are your friends.

Baking: step-by-step to Peanut Butter Bliss

Whisk together all dry ingredients.
Cream butter, sugar, and brown sugar until super fluffy.
Mix in eggs, vanilla, and then add peanut butter!
Alternate dry ingredients and buttermilk.
Add hot water to get the perfect batter consistency.
Pour into pans and bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 30- 35 minutes . A toothpick should come out clean.
Cool those beauties completely on a wire rack before icing.

Pro Tips: Peanut Butter Cake Perfection

Using ingredients at room temperature will combine together more easily and incorporate air into the batter, making a lighter cake layers .
Don't overmix the batter! Seriously.
Want a rich and intense flavor? Try adding a layer of chocolate ganache between cake layers.

Recipe Notes: Your Peanut Butter Cake Cheat Sheet

Right then, let’s talk details. Making this best peanut butter cake shouldn’t be a stress, so here are some tips I've picked up baking this beauty.

Honestly, it’s all about making it your own!

Serving Suggestions: Show Off Your Creation

Fancy plating? Why not! Think about it like this: a slice of this peanut butter cake looks amazing on a plate with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Or, go wild and add a drizzle of extra chocolate ganache for maximum impact. For drinks, cold milk or a strong cuppa are classic, can't go wrong.

Storage Tips: Keep the Good Times Rolling

Right, you’ve got leftovers? Lucky you! This homemade peanut butter cake keeps well. Wrap it tight, pop it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Fancy freezing it? Slice it up first, wrap each slice individually and freeze. To reheat, just thaw in the fridge and enjoy!

Variations: Get Creative with Your Peanut Butter Cake

Got dietary needs? No sweat! For a gluten-free version, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Or, for a dairy-free option, use coconut cream to make the chocolate ganache .

Seasonal swaps? In autumn, add a pinch of cinnamon to the peanut butter buttercream frosting for a cozy vibe.

Nutrition Basics: Indulge Responsibly (ish)

Okay, it's peanut butter cake from scratch , so it's a treat. A slice packs some calories, fat, carbs and sugar.

But hey, it also has a decent amount of protein. This easy peanut butter cake recipe offers a source of feel good vibes! Just enjoy in moderation, you know?

This Reese's peanut butter cake recipe is about having fun in the kitchen. Don’t be scared to tweak things to your taste.

It’s your cake, your rules! Go on, bake something amazing. You got this!.

Peanut Butter Buttercream Cake A Stunning Dessert

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this peanut butter cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making the peanut butter cake layers a day ahead of time is a great idea. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature or in the fridge. This allows the flavors to develop even further, like a fine wine... but cake!

How should I store my finished peanut butter cake?

Store your finished peanut butter cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. The buttercream frosting will firm up a bit in the fridge, so you might want to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften it up a tad.

Don't want it rock solid like something from the Victorian era!

What can I substitute if I don't have buttermilk?

No buttermilk? No worries! You can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a liquid measuring cup, then filling the rest of the cup with milk until you reach 1 cup total. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle, and voila! Your DIY buttermilk is ready to roll!

My peanut butter cake is dry, what did I do wrong?

A dry cake can be a real bummer, but don't fret! Overbaking is the most common culprit, so be sure to check for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Also, make sure you're not overmixing the batter, which can develop the gluten and lead to a tougher, drier cake.

Can I add chocolate to my peanut butter cake recipe?

Oh, you're speaking our language! Chocolate and peanut butter are a match made in heaven, like fish and chips! You can easily add chocolate chips to the cake batter, or even swirl in some melted chocolate before baking for a marbled effect.

For a real indulgence, try adding a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers!

Is there a gluten-free version of this peanut butter cake?

Yes, indeed! To make this peanut butter cake gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum, as it helps to bind the ingredients and create a similar texture to traditional wheat flour. Happy baking!