Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake Recipe

If you adore the nostalgic combo of peanut butter and jelly but want to enjoy it in a fresh, irresistible form, this Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake is the answer to your dessert dreams. Imagine moist, fluffy layers of peanut butter-infused cake hugged by ribbons of luscious jelly and topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting that’s every bit as dreamy as it sounds. This cake captures all the cozy comfort of the classic sandwich with the elegance of a homemade layer cake, making it perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat anytime.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes the Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake so satisfying is how simple yet purposeful each ingredient is. From creamy peanut butter to the perfect jelly, every component brings its own magic, creating a cake that’s rich, tender, and packed with flavor.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cake, providing structure and tenderness.
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances peanut butter’s richness.
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter: Adds luscious flavor and moist texture to the cake.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: For richness and a velvety crumb.
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%): Helps hydrate the dry ingredients, keeping the cake soft.
• 3 large eggs: Bind everything together and boost fluffiness.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: Leavens the cake for a light rise.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with acidic ingredients to create lift.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and rounds out the taste.
• 1 cup jelly or jam: Your choice of grape or strawberry adds fruity brightness and moisture.
• For frosting – 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Creates a luscious peanut butter layer on top.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Ensures a smooth, spreadable frosting.
• 4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting.
• ¼ cup milk (more if needed): Helps achieve that perfect frosting consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and aroma to the frosting.

How to Make Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cake Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease two 9-inch round cake pans really well with butter or cooking spray, and line the bottoms with parchment paper. This extra step ensures your cakes will pop out easily without breaking, making the whole process less stressful.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is key to spreading the raising agents evenly throughout the flour so your cake rises evenly and gets that perfect crumb every time.

Step 3: Cream the Peanut Butter and Butter

In a separate bowl, blend the softened butter and creamy peanut butter together until the mixture becomes silky smooth. Whisking these well traps air, resulting in a light, tender crumb that will make your cake utterly delightful.

Step 4: Add the Sugar and Eggs

Next, add the granulated sugar to your peanut butter and butter mix and beat until fully incorporated. Then, introduce the eggs one at a time, mixing between each for thorough blending. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract to bring everything together with a comforting aroma.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring it all together! Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and the milk into your wet batter, starting and finishing with the flour. Gently mix after each addition, careful not to overdo it, as over-mixing can make the cake dense instead of fluffy.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and smooth the tops. Place them in the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. Use a toothpick test — when it comes out clean, your cakes are perfectly baked. Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting

While your cakes cool, whip up the luscious frosting. Beat together the peanut butter and softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and milk until you reach a fluffy, spreadable consistency. Don’t hesitate to add a little more milk if it feels too thick — it’s all about that velvety texture.

Step 8: Assemble the Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake

Once the cakes are fully cooled, place one layer on your serving plate and spread an even layer of jelly over it. Top the jelly with a generous spread of peanut butter frosting, then stack the second cake layer on top. Repeat the jelly and frosting layers, finishing with frosting all over the top and sides for a stunning, indulgent finish.

Step 9: Decorate and Serve

Get creative! Garnish with chopped peanuts, a drizzle of jelly, or even some fresh berries to add color and texture. Then slice into that dreamy Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake and enjoy every blissful bite — it’s a perfect blend of childhood nostalgia and grown-up decadence.

How to Serve Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation, sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts on top for crunch and visual appeal. Adding a swirl of additional jelly in a contrasting color can also make the cake look irresistibly inviting. Fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries work wonderfully to bring a pop of freshness.

Side Dishes

A simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake. Fresh fruit on the side balances the sweetness and keeps the plate feeling light and inviting.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this cake in smaller, individual parfait glasses layered with chunks of cake, dollops of frosting, and jelly for a deconstructed vibe. Or turn it into mini cupcakes by adjusting baking time and then frosting each with the peanut butter icing for adorable, single-serve treats that wow.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually mingle more over a day or two, making the cake taste even better the next day. Just make sure it’s sealed well to prevent the cake from drying out.

Freezing

This cake freezes wonderfully! Wrap individual layers tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. You can also freeze the entire assembled cake if wrapped carefully. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and refresh with a light frosting touch if needed before serving.

Reheating

For the best texture, let slices come to room temperature before eating. If you want to warm a slice, pop it in the microwave for about 15 seconds — just enough to soften the frosting without melting it completely. This way you enjoy the comforting, peanut buttery goodness warm and fresh.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for the Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake?

Yes, natural peanut butter can be used, but since it is less stable, make sure to stir it well before measuring. The frosting may be a bit softer, so adjust powdered sugar and milk accordingly to maintain the right consistency.

What type of jelly is best in this cake?

Classic grape or strawberry jelly creates the best balance — both are sweet and fruity without overpowering the peanut butter. However, feel free to experiment with your favorite jams to find a combo that suits your taste perfectly.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend designed for cakes, and you should get a very similar texture and flavor. Just be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

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

From start to finish, including baking and cooling time, plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This timeline ensures you have a perfectly baked, cooled, and frosted cake worth savoring.

Is the cake very sweet?

The Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake strikes a lovely balance between sweetness and richness. The sugar and jelly provide just enough sweetness to complement the savory peanut butter without being overpowering, making it a crowd-pleaser for all palettes.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting and joyful about a Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake that takes one of the most beloved childhood treats and transforms it into an elegant, nostalgic dessert. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just to brighten an ordinary day, this cake is guaranteed to bring smiles and happy memories with every forkful. So grab your ingredients and treat yourself to this deliciously fun twist on a classic—you won’t regret it!

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