Welcome to our delicious and indulgent recipes section! Today, we’re sharing a rich and flavorful Peanut Butter Pound Cake recipe. This cake combines the classic dense texture of a pound cake with the irresistible taste of peanut butter, making it perfect for any occasion. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- 5 eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup milk (whole or low fat)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or two 9×5 inch loaf pans.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Peanut Butter: Beat in the peanut butter until well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan or loaf pans, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 70-80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If using loaf pans, bake for 60-70 minutes.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Serve
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the Peanut Butter Pound Cake and serve it plain or with a drizzle of chocolate sauce, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy your indulgent dessert!
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Butter: Ensure the butter is softened for easy creaming with the sugars.
- Peanut Butter: Use high-quality peanut butter for the best flavor. Both creamy and crunchy varieties work well.
- Baking Time: Check the cake for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time, as ovens can vary.
Variations
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pound Cake
Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a delightful chocolatey twist.
Banana Peanut Butter Pound Cake
Add 1 cup of mashed ripe bananas to the batter for a moist and flavorful cake.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Pound Cake
Swirl 1/2 cup of your favorite jam or jelly into the batter before baking for a classic peanut butter and jelly flavor.
Nutty Peanut Butter Pound Cake
Add 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts to the batter for extra crunch and nuttiness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the pound cake a day in advance. Store it at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the pound cake. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
What can I serve with this cake?
Serve the Peanut Butter Pound Cake with chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream. Fresh berries or a drizzle of honey also make great toppings.
How can I make the cake healthier?
Use a sugar substitute suitable for baking, reduce the amount of butter, and use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to make the cake healthier. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may differ slightly.
Peanut Butter Pound Cake is a rich and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its dense texture and delightful peanut butter taste, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious cake with your loved ones!
Explore More Recipes
If you loved this Peanut Butter Pound Cake recipe, be sure to check out our other indulgent and flavorful dessert recipes. Happy baking!