Peanut Butter Layer Cake

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Creamy peanut butter flavor permeates the cake, the frosting, the ganache, and the cookie toppers in this irresistible peanut butter layer cake.

Peanut Butter Layer Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting and Ganache is THE perfect peanut butter treat. It’s a layered peanut butter dessert that combines rich, creamy peanut butter with a moist, fluffy cake, making it an absolute favorite for any occasion. Peanut butter lovers will adore this cake not only for its intense, nutty flavor, but also for its luxurious texture. Plus, it's topped with mini Nutter Butter cookies for an extra crunch and nostalgic touch. There's literally everything to love about this cake. so let's make it.

The Recipe

For the Peanut Butter Layer Cake:

• ½ Cup Salted Butter, softened to room temperature (115 g)
• 1 ¼ Cups Granulated Sugar (250 g)
• 1 Large Egg + 1 Large Egg Yolk
• ¼ Cup Sour Cream (60 g)
• ½ Cup Adam’s Creamy All Natural Peanut Butter (130 g)
• 1 Tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract (15 ml)
• 1 ¾ Cups All Purpose Flour (220 g)
• 2 Teaspoons Baking Powder (10 g)
• ½ Teaspoon Salt (3 g)
• ¾ Cup Whole or 2% Milk (180 ml)

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

• 1 ½ Cups Salted Butter, softened to room temperature (345 g)
• 2 ½ Cups Powdered Sugar (300 g)
• ¾ Cup Adam’s Creamy All Natural Peanut Butter (195 g)
• 1 Tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract (15 ml)

For the Peanut Butter Ganache:

• ½ Cup Heavy Cream (120 ml)
• 1 Cup Semisweet Peanut Butter Chips (175 g)

Toppers:

• Mini Nutter Butter Cookies
• Crushed Nutter Butter Cookies

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line three 6-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and spray them with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Layer Cake

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg, egg yolk, sour cream, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
3. Add the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.

Step 4: Make the Peanut Butter Ganache

1. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
2. Remove from heat and add the peanut butter chips. Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth and fully melted.
3. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before using.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

1. Once the cake layers are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
2. Pipe a ring of buttercream around the edge of the cake layer.
3. Fill the center of the ring with a layer of peanut butter frosting and a layer of peanut butter ganache.
4. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process.
5. Place the third cake layer on top.
6. Frost the entire cake with the remaining peanut butter frosting.
7. Using a spatula, swipe some peanut butter ganache around the sides of the cake for a layered effect.
8. Press some Nutter Butter cookies around the base of the cake.
9. Pipe puffs of buttercream on top of the cake and top each puff with a mini Nutter Butter cookie.
10. Enjoy!

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cake layers ahead of time and freeze them. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them completely before assembling and frosting the cake.

2. Can I use regular peanut butter instead of all-natural?

It is not recommended to use another peanut butter as the flavor and the texture of the cake would be affected. This is due to the added sugars and other ingredients not found in Adam’s. Adam’s All-natural peanut butter typically has a more intense peanut flavor and is only made of peanuts plus salt.

3. How do I store the leftover cake?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to cover any cut parts with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Dietary Substitutions:

I love providing gluten and dairy free substitutions so that those with alternate dietary needs can enjoy my recipes to their fullest! These are subs that I have either used and continue to stock in my own home, or that have come highly recommended from others. I want your baking experience to be the best it can be, and avoiding gluten or dairy shouldn’t hinder that process in the slightest. 

As always, here is a list of tried and true dietary substitutes, so that you can enjoy this recipe without the additions of gluten or dairy. 

Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten Free Baking Flour is a wonderful all-purpose sub, and it’s cup for cup, so use the same measurements as you would all-purpose flour. 

Miyokos butter is a plant based brick that closely resembles dairy butter not only in its look, but it’s taste as well. It melts, browns, and spreads just like real butter, and truly is a fantastic substitute in this recipe. Use it as a 1:1 ratio sub, same as the flour, so the recipe measurements will not change. 

Kite Hill makes a dairy free sour cream that would replace the dairy sour cream at a 1:1 ratio. 

Silk Dairy Free Heavy Cream is also a great option for the ganache.

Chocolate Covered Katie has a recipe for vegan / dairy-free peanut butter chips.

Products Used

Here is one link to all of the products I used in making this cake. I linked the 6-inch pans, my favorite mixer, the piping bags, and piping tip among other items.

6-Inch Layer Cake Products

Peruse my entire storefront for the items that I bake and style with daily! My promise to you is to never share a product that I don’t personally use and love.

Conclusion

This Peanut Butter Layer Cake is a delightful dessert that peanut butter lovers will crave all year round. With its moist layers, creamy frosting, and rich ganache, it’s a showstopper at any gathering. The addition of Nutter Butter cookies adds a playful touch that both kids and adults will enjoy. Try this recipe the next time you're looking to impress with a homemade dessert, and enjoy every bite of peanut buttery goodness!

If you loved this recipe, I’d be so grateful for you to leave a 5 star rating + review. 

Tag @heathershomebakery on Instagram if you upload a pic too, because I want to see your creations. 

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XO,

Heather

PS: Try my Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting if you like a little bit of (or a lot of) chocolate with your peanut butter!