Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake

Indulge in a nostalgic slice of Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake, where creamy peanut butter meets sweet jelly in a moist, fluffy cake. This delightful dessert is perfect for birthdays or any celebration, bringing smiles to both kids and adults alike! Enjoy the unique combination of flavors that create a comforting treat everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The rich taste of peanut butter paired with fruity jelly makes every bite a delight.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Treat: Suitable for birthdays, parties, or just a cozy evening at home.
• Kid-Friendly: A fun and tasty way to introduce kids to baking!
• Customizable: Use your favorite jelly flavor to make it uniquely yours.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake, gather a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Help keep your ingredients organized while mixing them together.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Ensures that your batter is smooth and well-combined for the best texture.
• Cooling rack: Allows your cakes to cool evenly, preventing sogginess at the bottom.

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Ingredients

For this Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting and Filling

• 1 cup of your favorite jelly (grape or strawberry)
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup milk (adjust for consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Peanut Butter

In another bowl, beat the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar while mixing well. Add eggs one at a time and then mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Alternate adding the dry mixture and milk to the peanut butter mixture. Start with flour and end with it as well. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 5: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 6: Make Frosting

While cakes cool, beat together peanut butter and softened butter in a mixing bowl. Gradually add powdered sugar and milk until you reach a creamy consistency.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Once cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread jelly on top followed by a layer of peanut butter frosting. Place second cake layer on top and frost both the top and sides thoroughly.

Step 8: Serve

Slice up your delicious Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake and enjoy this delightful treat!

How to Serve Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake

Serving Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake is as fun as making it! This delightful dessert pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors. Here are some creative serving suggestions to try.

Pair with Fresh Fruits

• Sliced Bananas: The creaminess of the bananas complements the peanut butter perfectly.
• Berries: Fresh strawberries or blueberries add a refreshing tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake.

Ice Cream Delight

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delicious contrast in temperature and texture.
• Chocolate Ice Cream: For chocolate lovers, this pairing adds a rich, decadent touch.

Drizzle Options

• Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of chocolate sauce elevates the flavor profile and adds visual appeal.
• Caramel Sauce: Caramel brings an extra layer of sweetness that pairs beautifully with peanut butter.

Coffee or Tea

• Hot Coffee: The bitterness of coffee enhances the sweetness of the cake, making it a perfect afternoon treat.
• Herbal Tea: A soothing cup of herbal tea can balance out the richness, offering a relaxing experience.

How to Perfect Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake

Perfecting your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake can elevate your baking skills. Follow these tips to achieve the ideal texture and flavor.

• Bold Choice of Jelly: Choose high-quality jelly for a more intense flavor that shines through.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs, milk, and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix until just combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.
• Use Parchment Paper: Lining your cake pans with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes for easy removal.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow cakes to cool completely to prevent melting your frosting.

Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and vibrancy to your dessert table.
2. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruits offers a creamy complement to each slice of cake.
4. Nutty Granola Bars: These provide an extra crunch along with similar flavors, enhancing the peanut butter experience.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can balance out the sweetness while adding savory notes.
6. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: These salty-sweet treats make for a fun snack alongside slices of cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake can be fun, but some common mistakes may lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Using cold butter or eggs can lead to a dense cake. Always let these ingredients sit out until they reach room temperature for a light and fluffy texture.

• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make the cake dry. Use the spoon-and-level method; spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy.

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too long can develop gluten, making the cake tough. Mix just until combined to keep it tender and moist.

• Ignoring oven temperature: Oven temperatures can vary. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed to ensure accurate baking temperatures.

• Frosting while warm: Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off. Let your layers cool completely before applying frosting for neat layers.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds, checking for warmth.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat; cover with a lid and heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake that might help clarify your baking experience:

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful texture, making your cake even more interesting.

How do I make this Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

What jelly flavors work best with this cake?

While grape and strawberry are classic options, feel free to experiment with raspberry or blueberry jelly for different flavor profiles!

Can I add nuts to my Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake?

Yes! Chopped nuts such as peanuts or walnuts can be added to the batter or used as a topping for extra crunch.

How long does this cake last at room temperature?

At room temperature, the cake stays fresh for about 2 days if covered properly.

Final Thoughts

The Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake is not just delicious but also versatile! You can customize it with different jelly flavors or even mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. It’s perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or any time you crave a sweet treat. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every slice!