Peanut Butter Cake

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 2 whole large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup butter
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup milk (may need a little more to get desired consistency)
• 1/2 cup Reese’s pieces or chopped peanut butter cups (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   --- For the Cake ---

2. 2

   Preheat oven to 350º F. Grease and flour a 13x9 inch baking dish very well, or line with parchment paper.

3. 3

   In a saucepan, melt together water, butter and creamy peanut butter. Whisk until the mixture is nice and smooth. Do not boil.

4. 4

   Using a hand mixer or an electric stand mixer combine flour, both sugars, and baking soda until blended. Add milk, eggs, and vanilla and mix until well incorporated and smooth.

5. 5

   Pour in the melted peanut butter mixture and mix until everything is well combined.

6. 6

   Pour into prepared baking pan and bake for about 30 minutes, until the top is golden and a tester comes out clean. Then you gently press the top of the cake it should spring back.

7. 7

   Remove from the oven and cool completely before frosting.

8. 8

   --- For the Frosting ---

9. 9

   To make the frosting cream together the butter and peanut butter until well combined and smooth.

10. 10

    Add in powdered sugar, vanilla and milk. Beat until a spreadable consistency. You can adjust the milk and powdered sugar to make the frosting thinner or thicker.

11. 11

    Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting in an even layer and decorate with candy if desired.