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. Its unique flavor combination will bring smiles to both kids and adults alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for novice bakers.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of peanut butter and jelly creates a delightful taste that everyone loves.
• Versatile Occasion: Great for birthdays, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat after dinner.
• Moist and Fluffy Texture: Each slice is light and airy, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Customizable: Use your favorite jelly flavor to personalize this cake to your liking.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready ensures a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
• Electric mixer: Makes it easy to achieve a smooth batter and creamy frosting quickly.
• Cooling rack: Helps cakes cool evenly and prevents sogginess.

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

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar while mixing. Then add the eggs one at a time before mixing in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Alternate adding the dry mixture and milk to the peanut butter mixture. Start with the dry ingredients and finish with them. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

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

Step 6: Make Frosting

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

Step 7: Assemble Cake Layers

Once cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread jelly on top of this layer followed by a generous amount of peanut butter frosting. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with remaining frosting.

Step 8: Serve

Slice your delicious Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake and enjoy!

How to Serve Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake

Serving Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake can be as fun and creative as making it! This cake is versatile and can suit various occasions, whether a casual family gathering or a festive celebration.

Classic Slice

• Serve a slice of the cake on its own to highlight the delicious flavors of peanut butter and jelly.

Ice Cream Delight

• Pair with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.

Whipped Cream Topping

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an airy finish that complements the rich frosting.

Fresh Fruit Garnish

• Decorate with fresh strawberries or raspberries to enhance the fruity jelly flavor and add freshness.

Coffee Companion

• Serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea for an enjoyable afternoon treat.

How to Perfect Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake

Perfecting your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake can elevate it from good to great! Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time.

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

• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to prevent a dense cake. Overmixing can lead to tough results.

• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures, as ovens can vary.

• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Let the cake layers cool completely before adding frosting to avoid melting and sliding.

• Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add more milk a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired spreadable consistency.

Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake

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

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy contrast.
3. Cheese Platter: Offer mild cheeses like brie or gouda, which pair well with sweet desserts.
4. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels complements the sweet flavors in the cake.
5. Nut Mix: A variety of roasted nuts provides an added crunch that enhances the peanut flavor.
6. Chips and Salsa: For those who enjoy savory snacks with their dessert, this combo offers a fun twist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake can be a delightful experience, but common mistakes can hinder your success.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure accuracy. This is crucial for achieving the right texture and flavor.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Combine ingredients until just mixed for a lighter texture.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allowing the cakes to cool before frosting prevents melting. Patience here will lead to better presentation and taste.
• Using cold ingredients: Ensure that butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing. Cold ingredients can cause clumps in your batter.
• Neglecting oven temperature: An oven thermometer can help you verify that your oven reaches the correct temperature. Baking at the wrong temperature can ruin your cake.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep the cake covered with plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying.

Freezing Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake

• Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat slices on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Warm individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds, checking often.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes, ensuring even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake?

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake is a delicious dessert that combines moist layers of peanut butter cake with sweet jelly filling and creamy peanut butter frosting.

Can I customize my Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake?

Absolutely! You can change the jelly flavor or add chocolate chips to the batter for extra sweetness. Experiment with different frostings as well!

How do I make Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend in equal amounts. Ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free certified.

How long does Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, it can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake is not only nostalgic but also versatile, making it perfect for various occasions. With simple substitutions and adjustments, you can easily customize this delightful dessert to suit your taste preferences. Try it today, and enjoy every slice!

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

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Description

Indulge in the delightful nostalgia of Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake, a charming dessert that combines the creamy goodness of peanut butter with the sweetness of jelly. This moist and fluffy cake is perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat after dinner. With its unique flavor profile, it’s bound to bring smiles to both kids and adults alike. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with ice cream, this cake is customizable with your favorite jelly flavor and is sure to impress at any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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 (for frosting)
• ¼ cup milk (adjust for consistency; for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat peanut butter and softened butter until smooth. Gradually mix in granulated sugar and eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
4. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the peanut butter mixture until just combined.
5. Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool before frosting.
6. For frosting, mix peanut butter and softened butter until smooth; add powdered sugar and milk to reach desired consistency.
7. Assemble the cake by layering with jelly and frosting.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 240mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 40mg