This perfected Reese's peanut butter cake recipe transforms a simple vanilla cake mix into a rich, two-layer dessert by blending creamy peanut butter directly into the batter. Each bite delivers moist, tender cake layered with fluffy peanut butter frosting and topped with sweet-and-salty Reese’s peanut butter cups. It’s an easy, beginner-friendly way to get decadent chocolate peanut butter flavor in every slice.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, it's very easy to make. This cake starts with a box of vanilla cake mix, making it perfect for beginner bakers. You also get a delicious homemade-style cake without measuring lots of dry ingredients.
Secondly, it's creamy and rich. Peanut butter adds a nutty flavor and some protein. The creamy peanut butter frosting and Reese's chocolates make every bite sweet and satisfying. You can decorate it with extra peanut butter cups for a fun finish, too!
Ingredients
Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:
- creamy peanut butter
- unsalted butter
- eggs
- vanilla cake mix
- water
- powdered sugar
- milk
- Reese's peanut butter cups
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare and Mix
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat ½ cup softened butter and ½ cup peanut butter for about 2 minutes, until light and creamy.
Next, add the eggs and mix until fully combined.
Gradually add the vanilla cake mix and water, alternating between them. Then, mix until the batter is smooth and combined.
Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool completely, about 45 to 60 minutes or longer if needed. Then, carefully remove them from the pans.
Prepare the Frosting
In a stand mixer, beat 1 cup peanut butter and ½ cup softened butter until creamy. Next, gradually add the powdered sugar and milk, mixing until smooth and spreadable.
Assemble and Frost
Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Then, spread peanut butter frosting on top and place the second cake layer over it.
Next, spread the remaining peanut butter frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Use a spatula to smooth the frosting.
Lastly, decorate with Reese's peanut butter cups. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Substitutions & Variations
- Ingredient Swap
Replace the vanilla cake mix with chocolate cake mix for a richer flavor. - Variation
Decorate the top of the cake with chocolate chips or peanut butter chips instead of Reese's peanut butter cups. - Mistake to Avoid
Never frost the cake while it's still hot in the pan. The cream can melt and slide off the layers. Let the cake cool completely for 45-60 minutes or longer if needed, before frosting. - Storage Tips
- Store the frosted cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let each slice sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for a softer texture.
- Store the cake in the freezer for up to 2 months. Tightly wrap it without the candy decorations.
FAQs
Perfected Reese's Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the Peanut Butter Cake
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 standard box vanilla cake mix
- ⅔ cup water
For the Peanut Butter Frosting
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup milk
For Decorating
- Reese's peanut butter cups chopped or whole (as desired)
Instructions
Prepare and Mix
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat ½ cup softened butter and ½ cup peanut butter for about 2 minutes, until light and creamy.
- Next, add the eggs and mix until everything is well combined.
- Gradually add the vanilla cake mix and water, alternating between them. Then, mix until the batter is smooth and combined.
Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool completely, about 45 to 60 minutes or longer if needed. Then, carefully remove them from the pans.
Prepare the Frosting
- In a stand mixer, beat 1 cup peanut butter and ½ cup softened butter until creamy. Next, gradually add the powdered sugar and milk, mixing until smooth and spreadable.
Assemble and Frost
- Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Then, spread peanut butter frosting on top and place the second cake layer over it.
- Next, spread the remaining peanut butter frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Use a spatula to smooth the frosting.
- Lastly, decorate with Reese's peanut butter cups. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Watch The Recipe Video!
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Recipes for Every Moment
Hosting a birthday party and need a memorable dessert? Reese's peanut butter cake combines soft peanut butter cake, creamy frosting, and chocolate cups for a sweet treat!
Glendale says
Awesome recipe! Yumminess and goodness in one!
Lainey says
Thank you so much Glendale!
diane says
Anyone know the temperature to bake this on the written part at the beginning it says bake it 325 and then there’s a picture at the bottom that says bake at 350
Simply Bakings Kitchen Team says
Hello Diane! I'm very sorry for the confusion. It's now fixed, and we'll use 350 degrees. Let me know if you've tried it 😊
Sweeite18 says
This is a sign that IT'S TIME TO BAKE!! Hehehehe
Simply Bakings Kitchen Team says
Hehe then let's bake!