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A square slice of frosted Jif peanut butter cake sits on a turquoise plate in the foreground, with another slice on a white plate and the rest of the cake in a patterned baking dish in the background.

Peanut Butter Cake recipe

Moist, rich, and full of creamy peanut butter flavor, this Jif Peanut Butter Cake is a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s simple to make. Topped with a smooth peanut butter frosting and optional candy toppings, it’s perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving a sweet peanut butter treat.

Course desserts
Cuisine American, Cake
Keyword jif peanut butter cake recipe, Jif Peanut Butter Icing
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Additional Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 12
Author momma lew

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup water
  • ¾ cup smooth peanut butter
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

  • 2 ⅔ cups powdered sugar
  • 6 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
  • 6 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl. 
  3. For best results, ensure that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This allows for better mixing and a smoother batter.
  4. Mix wet ingredients in a separate large bowl and then add the peanut butter mixture to the flour mixture.  
  5. Mix together.
  6. Pour cake batter into the prepared 9x13 pan and bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. 
  8. Mix together the ingredients for the peanut butter frosting. 
  9. Stir the powdered sugar, peanut butter, and water together until smooth. Then, spread the frosting over the top of the cake evenly. 
  10. Consider adding chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, chocolate drizzle, or Reese's peanut butter cups for an extra festive look to your homemade peanut butter cake. 

Recipe Notes

Cover the cake tightly and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months.