Go Back
–+ servings
Layer Cake from Natalie
This vintage-style layer cake blends the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with a soft, tender crumb thanks to sifted cake flour and brown sugar. The use of both baking powder and baking soda ensures a lofty rise, while milk and vanilla bring moisture and aromatic sweetness. Ideal for frosting or enjoying plain, this cake is a nostalgic nod to mid-century American baking, perfect for family gatherings, birthdays, or a cozy weekend treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 315 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup peanut butter
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 1½ cups brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups cake flour (sifted )
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ⅔ cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cream Fats and Sugar

  • Cream together the peanut butter and butter until smooth.
  • Gradually add the brown sugar and beat until light and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Eggs

  • Add eggs one at a time.
  • Beat well after each addition.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

  • Sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

  • In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine milk and vanilla extract.

Step 5: Alternate Mixing

  • Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk mixture.
  • Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
  • Beat well after each addition.

Step 6: Prepare Pans and Bake

  • Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans.
  • Divide batter evenly between pans.

Step 7: Bake

  • Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool

  • Cool in pans for 10 minutes.
  • Turn out onto wire racks and cool completely before frosting or serving.

Tips

  • Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips for extra richness.
  • Substitute buttermilk for the milk for a tangier, tender crumb.
  • Fill and frost with chocolate buttercream for a classic pairing.
  • For deeper peanut flavor, toast the peanut butter in a skillet briefly before using.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon for a subtle warming note.
  • Make it a peanut butter, banana cake by adding mashed banana and adjusting flour slightly.
  • Use three 6-inch pans for a taller, bakery-style layer cake.
  • Freeze layers unfrosted for easier assembly.
  • Turn into cupcakes by baking 18 to 20 minutes at 350°F.

Nutrition

Calories: 315kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 260mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 250IUCalcium: 90mgIron: 1.4mg
Keyword American baking, classic recipes, dessert, homemade cake, layer cake, old-fashioned cake, peanut butter cake, vintage baking
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!