There’s something undeniably comforting about the classic combination of peanut butter and jelly. For many, it evokes memories of childhood lunches, with the creamy, nutty spread paired perfectly with sweet, fruity jelly between slices of soft bread. But what if we could elevate this nostalgic duo into a delightful dessert? Enter the Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake recipe—a confection that transforms this beloved sandwich into a sumptuous treat.
Imagine moist layers of peanut butter-infused cake, interspersed with your favorite fruit jelly, all enveloped in a luscious peanut butter frosting. This cake is a celebration of flavors and textures: the rich, savory notes of peanut butter harmonizing with the bright sweetness of jelly, creating a dessert that’s both familiar and novel.
This recipe is perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re looking to bring a show-stopping dessert to a family gathering, celebrate a birthday with a twist, or simply indulge in some baking therapy, the Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake fits the bill. It’s a delightful surprise for those who grew up loving PB&J sandwiches and a fun introduction for those new to the combination.
Flavor-wise, this cake offers a balanced profile. The peanut butter provides a savory depth, preventing the cake from being overly sweet, while the jelly adds a fruity brightness that cuts through the richness. The result is a harmonious blend that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Table of contents
Why This Recipe Works
The Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake is more than just a novelty—it’s a thoughtfully crafted dessert that balances flavors, textures, and nostalgia. Here’s why this recipe stands out and why you’ll love baking it.
1. The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory
Peanut butter has a naturally rich, nutty, and slightly salty flavor that acts as a counterbalance to the sweetness of the jelly. This interplay ensures that the cake isn’t overwhelmingly sugary, making it enjoyable for both adults and children. The jelly, with its fruity tartness, cuts through the richness, adding depth to every bite.
2. Moist and Tender Cake Texture
One of the biggest challenges in making peanut butter cakes is ensuring they don’t turn out dry. This recipe solves that problem by incorporating buttermilk (or an alternative like whole milk mixed with a bit of vinegar) and using the right ratio of fats to flour. The result? A cake that is soft, tender, and stays moist for days.
3. A Frosting That Elevates the Experience
The peanut butter frosting in this recipe is smooth, creamy, and irresistibly rich. By combining peanut butter with butter, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla, you get a frosting that spreads beautifully while enhancing the overall taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even swirl in a bit of jelly to add a marbled effect.
4. Customization for Every Taste
One of the best things about this recipe is its customizability. Whether you have dietary preferences or want to try different flavors, there are endless ways to tweak this cake:
- Jelly Choices: While grape and strawberry are classic PB&J flavors, why not experiment with raspberry, blackberry, or even fig preserves for a gourmet touch?
- Nut Butters: Not a fan of peanut butter? Try almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative.
- Cake Variations: Turn this into a peanut butter and jelly sheet cake, cupcakes, or even cake pops!
- Texture Enhancements: Add chopped peanuts for crunch, or swirl extra jelly between the layers for more fruitiness.
Recipe Card
Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake Recipe
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy10
servings20
minutes30
minutes350
kcalThis Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake Recipe brings the nostalgic flavors of a childhood favorite into a delicious dessert. Soft, peanut butter-flavored layers paired with fruity jelly make this cake a fun and flavorful treat.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup creamy peanut butter
¾ cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
¾ cup milk
1 cup strawberry or grape jelly for filling
Optional: peanut butter frosting or glaze for topping
Directions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Peanut Butter: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Gradually add the milk, alternating with the dry ingredients.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter between two greased 8-inch round cake pans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Assemble the Cake: Allow the cakes to cool. Spread a generous layer of jelly on top of one cake, then place the second cake on top. Finish with frosting or glaze, if desired.
Notes
- Use any jelly or jam of your choice—grape and strawberry are the most traditional options.
- If you prefer a stronger peanut butter flavor, add a bit more peanut butter to the batter.
Tips for the perfect Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake Recipe:
- Consistency: Ensure your peanut butter is smooth and creamy for a uniform texture in the cake.
- Filling Tip: Warm the jelly slightly before spreading to make it easier to apply evenly between layers.
- Frosting Options: Consider topping the cake with a peanut butter glaze or cream cheese frosting for added richness.
- Prevent a Dry Cake: Since peanut butter is naturally thick, it can sometimes lead to a drier cake. Keep your cake soft and moist by:
- Using buttermilk (or a DIY version: 1 cup of milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice).
- Adding a little extra fat, such as an extra tablespoon of oil or butter.
- Baking at the right temperature—avoid overbaking by checking for doneness with a toothpick at the earliest recommended time.
- Layering the Jelly Without Making a Mess: Jelly can be tricky to spread, especially on a soft cake layer. Here’s how to do it properly:
- Use a piping bag to create a ring of peanut butter frosting around the cake’s edge before adding jelly in the center—this acts as a barrier and prevents it from leaking out.
- Chill the cake layers first to make spreading easier.
- Use room temperature jelly to prevent it from stiffening and tearing the cake.
- Best Way to Store the Cake: This cake stays fresh for several days if stored correctly:
- Room temperature: Keep it in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Store for up to 5 days, but allow slices to come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Variants of the Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake Recipe
The beauty of a Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake is that it can be easily customized to suit different tastes, dietary needs, and creative preferences. Here are some delicious variations you can try:
1. Gluten-Free Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend (one that includes xanthan gum for structure). Almond flour can also work, but it may create a denser cake. Be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
2. Vegan Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake
Make this cake fully plant-based with a few simple swaps:
- Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).
- Use dairy-free milk, such as almond or oat milk.
- Swap out butter for vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Use powdered sugar without bone char processing in the frosting.
3. Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes
Instead of baking a full cake, turn this recipe into cupcakes for individual servings.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes.
- Hollow out the center of each cupcake and fill with jelly before frosting.
- Use a piping bag to create swirls of peanut butter frosting on top.
4. Chocolate Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake
For chocolate lovers, add a rich cocoa twist:
- Replace ½ cup of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolate peanut butter cake.
- Use chocolate chips in the batter for extra indulgence.
- Drizzle chocolate ganache over the finished cake.
5. Peanut Butter and Honey Cake
Swap out the jelly for honey for a more naturally sweet version.
- Use a honey glaze instead of jelly between layers.
- Drizzle honey on top for an elegant finish.
- Pair with sliced bananas for a peanut butter, banana, and honey cake.
6. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sheet Cake
If you prefer an easier, more casual version:
- Bake the batter in a 9×13-inch pan for a simple sheet cake.
- Spread the jelly on top instead of between layers.
- Drizzle melted peanut butter over the frosting for a finishing touch.
FAQ about Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake Recipe
If your peanut butter frosting is too thick, add a little milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. Using creamy peanut butter rather than natural peanut butter will also help keep the frosting smooth and stable.
Any jelly or jam can work, but grape and strawberry are the classic choices for a PB&J flavor. Choose a thicker jam to prevent it from soaking into the cake layers too much.
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a bit of texture and small peanut bits throughout the cake. However, keep in mind that it might make the batter slightly thicker, so you may need to add a splash of milk to maintain the right consistency.
The classic choice is grape or strawberry jelly, but you can experiment with different flavors like:
– Raspberry jam for a tart contrast.
– Blackberry preserves for a more complex taste.
– Apricot or peach jam for a unique twist.
If you want a smooth texture, opt for jelly rather than jam, as jams tend to have fruit chunks.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake Recipe takes the best parts of a childhood favorite and turns them into a truly delightful dessert. With moist, peanut butter-flavored layers and a sweet, fruity jelly filling, this cake is perfectly balanced. It combines indulgence with a delightful sense of nostalgia. This recipe is simple enough for beginners, yet perfect for seasoned bakers. Whether it’s for celebrations or cozy family gatherings, it’s sure to become a favorite.
Whether you’re hosting a birthday party or simply craving a classic flavor combination, this easy cake recipe will surely win hearts. You can get creative by using your favorite jelly or experimenting with frostings to make it your own. The playful blend of sweet and salty flavors makes it a treat that everyone will love, bringing smiles to faces with each bite. Try it today and enjoy the comfort of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in a completely new way!
For more cake recipe don’t forget to check the Banana Bread Recipe and the Carrot Cake Tres Leches Recipe!!
Leave a Reply