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peanut butter molasses layer cake with peanut butter frosting

Peanut Butter Molasses Cake

A complex, silky slice of peanut butter goodness.
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Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Assembly 20 mins
Total Time 1 hr
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine Holiday, Seasonal, Southern
Servings 16

Equipment

  • stand mixer
  • icing spatula or knife

Ingredients
  

Cake Layers

  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2/3 cup blackstrap molasses
  • 1 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Frosting

  • 1/2 cup softened butter
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk

Instructions
 

Cake

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Cream butter and peanut butter together, gradually adding sugar and molasses until fluffy. Then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Begin and end with flour mixture. Mix well after each add-in, then stir in vanilla extract.
  • Pour cake batter into two 8" parchment lined cake pans and shake a bit to get rid of any air bubbles and level. Bake for 26 to 30 minutes- cake tester should emerge with a few moist crumbs and cake should be firm with some spring. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes then transfer to cooling rack.

Frosting

  • In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat butter until very fluffy. Add peanut butter, salt, and vanilla extract and beat until fully incorporated. Slowly add powdered sugar while continuing to beat mixture. Add milk until desired consistency is reached
  • *Assembly. Cut the top (mound) off of one cake layer. Make sure your cut is as level as possible. Spread half of frosting on top, then place the second layer atop frosting. Using an icing spatula (or knife) dipped in warm water spread remaining icing around cake for a "naked cake" look. Only spread in one direction, occasionally dipping your tool in warm water to avoid crumbs. Garnish with roasted peanuts if desired.

Notes

  • Feel free to use a lighter molasses if you'd prefer a sweeter taste. 
  • If you prefer a full coverage, traditional frosting application, simply double the peanut butter frosting recipe. 
Keyword easy frosting, molasses cake, peanut butter cake, southern desserts