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–+ servings
Peanut Butter Layer Cake

Peanut Butter Layer Cake

Indulge in the decadence of this Peanut Butter Layer Cake, perfect for true peanut lovers.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 23 minutes
Total Time 53 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert Recipes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 1148

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar loosely packed
  • 3/4 cup peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 3/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup water
Frosting Ingredients
  • 2 cups salted butter room temperature
  • 1 1/4 cups peanut butter
  • 9 cups powdered sugar
  • 6-7 tbsp water or milk
Ganache Ingredients
  • 10 oz peanut butter chips
  • 6 oz peanut butter chips
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Equipment

  • 8-inch cake pans
  • mixing bowls
  • mixer
  • measuring cups
  • serrated knife

Method
 

Cake Preparation
  1. Prepare three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper circles in the bottom and grease the sides. Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, sugars, and peanut butter together until light in color and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add sour cream and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined after each. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  5. Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl, then combine the milk and water in a small measuring cup.
  6. Add half of the dry ingredients to the batter and mix until well combined. Add the milk mixture and mix until well combined. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans and bake for about 21-23 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs.
  8. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow to cool for about 2-3 minutes, then remove to cooling racks to cool completely.
Frosting Preparation
  1. In a large mixer bowl, beat the butter and peanut butter together until smooth for the frosting.
  2. Slowly add half of the powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Add 5-6 tablespoons of water or milk and mix until smooth.
  3. Slowly add the remaining powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Add additional water or milk, as needed for desired consistency.
Cake Assembly
  1. To assemble the cake, level the tops of the cakes with a serrated knife. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate.
  2. Spread about 1 cup of frosting into an even layer on top of the first layer.
  3. Add the second layer of cake on top of the frosting, followed by another cup of frosting, and then the final layer of cake.
  4. Frost the outside of the cake and press peanut butter chips into the sides of the cake.
Ganache Preparation
  1. To make the peanut butter ganache, add the peanut butter chips to a medium-sized bowl.
  2. Heat the heavy whipping cream until it begins to boil and pour it over the peanut butter chips. Let sit for 3-5 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
  3. Drizzle the ganache around the edge of the cake and use the remaining frosting to pipe swirls on top. Fill the center with remaining ganache.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 1148kcalCarbohydrates: 130.9gProtein: 16.2gFat: 67gSodium: 482.1mgSugar: 104.4g

Notes

Feel free to customize the cake by using other nut butters or adding different mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit jams.

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