Peanut butter and pound cake are two beloved classics that, when combined, create a decadent and irresistible dessert perfect for any occasion. This Peanut Butter Pound Cake recipe offers a rich, moist texture infused with the nutty aroma and flavor of creamy peanut butter.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply indulge in a comforting slice with your afternoon tea, this cake delivers on both taste and presentation.
With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can bake a stunning cake that embodies warmth and nostalgia. The buttery crumb and luscious peanut butter meld beautifully, making it a must-try for peanut butter lovers and baking enthusiasts alike.
Let’s dive into the recipe and discover why this pound cake deserves a spot in your baking repertoire!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Peanut Butter Pound Cake is a perfect blend of classic and contemporary flavors. Unlike traditional pound cakes which are typically dense, this version strikes a wonderful balance by being moist yet firm enough to hold its shape beautifully.
The recipe uses creamy peanut butter that infuses every bite with deep nutty richness without overpowering the sweetness. Plus, it requires no fancy equipment or overly complicated techniques, making it approachable for bakers of all skill levels.
Whether you’re serving it as a standalone treat, pairing with fresh berries, or drizzling with chocolate sauce, this pound cake is versatile and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240g) creamy peanut butter (natural or regular)
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Equipment
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Electric mixer (stand or handheld)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Toothpick or cake tester
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease your 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate fully and create a smooth batter.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and a tender crumb.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the peanut butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined after each addition. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Stir in the vanilla extract gently with a spatula until evenly incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Check the cake at 60 minutes and cover loosely with foil if the top is browning too fast.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips & Variations
For an even richer flavor, use natural peanut butter with no added sugar or salt. You can also swap half the peanut butter for almond butter for a nutty twist.
Tips:
- Room temperature ingredients ensure better mixing and a smoother batter.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter after adding the flour; overmixing can cause a tough cake.
- Use buttermilk or add 1 tbsp of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk as a substitute for added moisture and tenderness.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.
Variations:
- Chocolate Swirl: Gently fold in ½ cup melted dark chocolate into the batter before baking for a marbled effect.
- Peanut Butter Chip: Mix in ½ cup peanut butter chips for extra texture and pockets of melty peanut butter.
- Glaze: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze mixed with a little milk and vanilla over the cooled cake for added sweetness and shine.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 slice) |
---|---|
Calories | 350 kcal |
Fat | 22g |
Saturated Fat | 7g |
Cholesterol | 90mg |
Sodium | 220mg |
Carbohydrates | 30g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sugars | 18g |
Protein | 8g |
Serving Suggestions
This peanut butter pound cake is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert.
- Top slices with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries to add a burst of freshness.
- Spread a thin layer of jelly or honey on each slice for a nostalgic peanut butter and jelly flavor combo.
- Enjoy it plain or lightly dusted with powdered sugar alongside your afternoon coffee or tea.
Conclusion
The Peanut Butter Pound Cake is a delightful treat that combines simplicity and indulgence in every bite. Its rich, nutty flavor and tender crumb make it a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any season or celebration.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe’s clear instructions and accessible ingredients make it easy to create a bakery-quality cake right at home.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations or serving ideas to make it your own. For more delicious cake recipes, be sure to check out our posts on Classic Vanilla Pound Cake, Chocolate Marble Pound Cake, and Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake.
Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Peanut Butter Pound Cake
Description: A rich and moist pound cake infused with creamy peanut butter flavor. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT60M
Total Time: PT75M
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to the peanut butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
- Stir in vanilla extract until combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cake to cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition: Calories: 380 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 25 g | Carbs: 30 g
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