Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake

Indulge in a nostalgic slice of Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake, where creamy peanut butter meets sweet jelly in a moist, fluffy cake. This delightful dessert is perfect for birthdays, picnics, or any celebration, bringing smiles to both kids and adults alike. Its unique combination of flavors will transport you back to childhood while still appealing to modern tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this cake is a breeze to whip up.
• Deliciously Versatile: You can customize it with your favorite jelly flavor, making it suitable for various occasions.
• Kid-Friendly: The sweet taste of peanut butter and jelly is always a hit with children.
• Perfect for Celebrations: Whether it’s a birthday party or a family gathering, this cake will steal the show.
• Moist and Fluffy Texture: Each slice is light and airy, ensuring every bite is enjoyable.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools for an easier baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Two 9-inch round cake pans
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer or whisk: Essential for achieving a smooth batter and fluffy frosting.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls helps in organizing your ingredients efficiently during preparation.
• Cooling rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly without becoming soggy on the bottom.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup milk (adjust for consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar while mixing well. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Alternate adding the dry mixture and milk to the peanut butter mixture. Start and end with the flour. Mix until just combined.

Step 5: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

While the cakes cool, beat together peanut butter and softened butter in a bowl. Gradually add powdered sugar and milk until you reach a creamy consistency.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Once cooled, place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread jelly on top followed by a layer of peanut butter frosting. Top it with the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Slice into pieces and enjoy your delicious Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake!

How to Serve Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake

Serving Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake can be as fun and creative as making it. Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual family gathering, here are some delightful ways to serve this nostalgic dessert.

Classic Slice

• A generous slice of the cake served on a plate with a dollop of whipped cream provides a classic dessert experience.

Ice Cream Pairing

• Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavors.

Fruit Garnish

• Add fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries on the side for a refreshing touch that complements the sweetness of the cake.

Drizzle of Sauce

• Drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce over the top for an extra layer of indulgence that enhances the flavor profile.

Layered Parfait

• Cut leftover cake into cubes and layer with whipped cream and jelly in a glass for an eye-catching dessert parfait.

Coffee Companion

• Offer slices alongside coffee or tea to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor experience.

How to Perfect Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake

Perfecting your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out amazing every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid dense cake.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep your cake light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to toughness.

• Cool Cakes Properly: Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting; this prevents melting and sliding frosting.

• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to use different jellies or add crushed nuts for unique flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness that balances the richness of the cake.

2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a creamy side that complements the sweetness.

3. Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses like brie or mascarpone provide a savory contrast to the sweet cake.

4. Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served with fruits or marshmallows allows guests to dip, adding interactive fun.

5. Nut Mix: A bowl of lightly salted mixed nuts offers crunchiness that pairs well with soft cake texture.

6. Mini Cupcakes: Offer mini versions of different flavors for variety without overwhelming sweetness.

7. Savory Crackers: Add a selection of savory crackers which can balance out the richness of the dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and there are some common pitfalls to watch out for when making Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake.

• Incorrect measurements: Always use precise measurements for flour, sugar, and other ingredients. A kitchen scale can help ensure accuracy.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake. Overmixing can lead to tough textures.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allow the cakes to cool before frosting. If you frost while warm, the frosting may melt and slide off.
• Not preheating the oven: Preheat your oven to ensure even baking. A cold oven can result in unevenly baked cakes.
• Using old ingredients: Check expiration dates on your baking powder and baking soda. Fresh ingredients yield better results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake

• Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap slices in foil and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a non-stick skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake.

Can I use other nut butters instead of peanut butter?

You can substitute almond butter or cashew butter if you prefer a different flavor!

How do I make this cake gluten-free?

Simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Can I add fruit to my Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake?

Yes! You could fold in fresh berries or banana slices into the batter for extra flavor and texture.

What is the best way to serve Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake?

Cut into slices and serve at room temperature. It’s great alone or with whipped cream on top!

How long does it take to bake Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake?

Bake the cake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Final Thoughts

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different flavors of jelly or add nuts for extra crunch. This fun dessert is perfect for any celebration and sure to delight everyone who tries it—so give it a go!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake

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• Author: Saphira
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the nostalgia of Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake, a delightful treat that combines creamy peanut butter and sweet jelly in a moist, fluffy cake. Perfect for birthdays, picnics, or any cheerful celebration, this cake is a hit with both kids and adults. With its light texture and customizable jelly flavors, it’s sure to bring smiles all around. The simple preparation makes it accessible for bakers of all levels, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this classic dessert.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (for frosting)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup milk (adjust for consistency, for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them.
2. In one bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth. Gradually mix in the sugar and then add eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract.
4. Alternate adding the dry mixture and milk to the peanut butter mixture until just combined.
5. Divide the batter between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
6. For frosting, beat together peanut butter and softened butter; gradually mix in powdered sugar and milk until creamy.
7. Once cakes are cool, layer with jelly and frost as desired.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 270mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 35mg